NATO releases report on defence spending 2012-2019
NATO has released its defence spending figures for the period between 2012 and 2019 and it will make unhappy reading for some, including the Trump Administration.
In 2019 only seven members of the alliance are estimated to have met the NATO objective of spending two percent of GDP on defence. These include the US, Greece, Estonia, the UK, Romania, Poland and Latvia.
Although there has been an effort by other major nations to increase their defence spending, the likes of France, Germany, Italy and Spain all continue to fall below the threshold.
The organisation routinely collects information pertaining to defence expenses from its members and allies. Each Ministry of Defence reports current and estimated defence spending, with amounts representing payments actually made, or to be made, by a national government during the fiscal year to meet the needs of the Allies or Alliance armed forces.
In addition, economic and demographic information from the Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission (DG-ECFIN) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is used.
The report goes on to advise that due to the difference between the sources and national GDP forecasts, as well as the definition of NATO defence expenditure as opposed to national definitions, the figures shown in the report have the potential to vary considerably from figures quoted by the media, national authorities, or national budgets.
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
