NATO defense spending projected to top $1.8T in 2026

Defense spending by NATO member states is projected to exceed $1.8 trillion in 2026, driven by increased military investment across the alliance following commitments made at last year's summit in The Hague.

Based on NATO's latest defense expenditure estimates released Tuesday, the alliance's 32 members are expected to spend a combined $1.81 trillion on defense in 2026, up about 11% from an estimated $1.63 trillion in 2025 and $1.48 trillion in 2024.

Who are NATO's biggest, smallest defense spenders in 2026?

The United States is projected to remain by far the alliance's biggest military spender, with defense expenditure estimated at $1.033 trillion, accounting for roughly 57% of NATO's total spending.

Germany is expected to rank second with about $147 billion, followed by the United Kingdom ($110 billion), France ($80 billion), Italy ($57 billion), Poland ($53 billion), Canada ($52 billion) and Türkiye ($48 billion).

Among NATO members, Slovenia is expected to allocate the smallest share of national income to defense, at 1.61% of GDP, followed by Belgium and Spain at 2% each.

The Turkish Stars perform an aerial display following the distinguished Observer Day of the EFES-2026 Exercise in Izmir, May 21, 2026. (AA Photo)

Which 5 allies already exceed NATO's new 3.5% benchmark?

NATO estimates that five allies, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland and Greece, will spend more than 3.5% of GDP on core defense in 2026, surpassing the benchmark agreed by alliance leaders at the 2025 Hague summit.

Lithuania is projected to lead the alliance at 5.33% of GDP, followed by Estonia at 5.1%, Latvia at 4.92%, Poland at 4.68%, and Greece at 3.65%. Denmark and Sweden follow just below the benchmark, at 3.49% and 3.22% respectively.

Overall, NATO's average core defense spending is projected at 2.86% of GDP in 2026.

The U.S. is projected to spend 3.17% of GDP on defense, Germany 2.69%, France 2.22%, the UK 2.56%, and Italy 2.1%.

Türkiye's defense spending is projected at 2.85% of GDP in 2026.

General view of the NATO logo as domestic and foreign media representatives show great interest in the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Ankara, Türkiye, July 7, 2026. (AA Photo)

What allies agreed to at The Hague summit

At The Hague summit, allies agreed to invest 5% of GDP in defense and defense-related spending by 2035, including 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for broader security-related investments such as critical infrastructure, resilience and innovation.

NATO estimates that 17 members will meet the 1.5% of GDP target for security-related investments in 2026.

July 08, 2026 10:43 AM GMT+03:00