How much do Nato members spend on defence? - BBC
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22 May 2026Anthony ReubenBBC VerifyEPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockPresident Trump has repeatedly criticised his Nato allies for not spending enough on defence. Nato is a military alliance of 32 countries including the US, Canada and European nations. There are signs that Trump's criticisms have had some effect, with significant increases in spending from some members. Which countries spend most on defence? The previous target for Nato members was to spend 2% of the size of their economy (measured by GDP) on defence by 2024. Nato members are now committed to spending 3.5% on defence by 2035, with another 1.5% going on things like protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring civil preparedness. Only three countries: Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, spent more than 3.5% on defence in 2025, although Estonia was close. In cash terms however, the US is still by far the single biggest spender on defence, spending about $980bn (£720bn) last year, which was 60% of the Nato total. The US is a global superpower, with military commitments around the world, not just to Nato. It had GDP greater than all the rest of the members of Nato put together in 2025.
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