BRUSSELS: In a milestone for the alliance, all 32 NATO members are projected to meet the 2% of GDP defense spending target this year for the first time.

This surge in commitment, driven by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, signals a unified response to a more volatile security environment.

While a new, more ambitious goal of 3.5% of GDP was recently agreed upon, only three nations currently exceed it. Poland leads with 4.48%, followed by Lithuania and Latvia.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that financial commitment must translate into military capability, stating, “Cash alone doesn’t provide security.”

This new focus on readiness and production aims to ensure the alliance can effectively counter future threats.