In 2024 NATO’s defense spending landscape underwent significant changes reflecting the alliance’s commitment to collective security amid evolving global threats. This topic provides a comprehensive overview of each NATO member’s defense expenditure highlighting those meeting or exceeding the 2% GDP benchmark.
NATO’s 2% GDP Defense Spending Benchmark
Since 2006 NATO has encouraged member nations to allocate at least 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense. This guideline aims to ensure equitable burden-sharing and maintain robust defense capabilities across the alliance. In 2014 NATO reaffirmed this commitment urging members not meeting the target to strive toward it within a decade. By 2024 a record 23 out of 32 NATO countries achieved this goal marking a significant milestone in the alliance’s history.
Defense Spending by NATO Members in 2024
Below is a detailed breakdown of defense expenditures for NATO member countries in 2024:
1. United States
- Defense Expenditure: $967.7 billion
- Percentage of GDP: 3.37%
- Per Capita Spending: $2239
- Military Personnel: 1300200
The United States continues to lead in defense spending contributing more than double the combined expenditures of all other NATO members.
2. Poland
- Defense Expenditure: $34.98 billion
- Percentage of GDP: 4.12%
- Per Capita Spending: $711
- Military Personnel: 216100
Poland has significantly increased its defense budget surpassing the 2% benchmark and reflecting its strategic emphasis on national security.
3. Greece
- Defense Expenditure: $7.68 billion
- Percentage of GDP: 3.08%
- Per Capita Spending: $648
- Military Personnel: 110800
Greece maintains a high defense spending ratio consistently exceeding NATO’s 2% GDP guideline.
4. United Kingdom
- Defense Expenditure: $82.11 billion
- Percentage of GDP: 2.33%
- Per Capita Spending: $1077
- Military Personnel: 138100
The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to defense meeting NATO’s spending target and planning further increases.
5. Estonia
- Defense Expenditure: $785 million
- Percentage of GDP: 1.29%
- Per Capita Spending: $921
- Military Personnel: 900
Estonia has committed to increasing its defense budget with plans to allocate at least 2.5% of GDP in collaboration with other Baltic states.
6. Germany
- Defense Expenditure: $97.69 billion
- Percentage of GDP: 2.12%
- Per Capita Spending: $911
- Military Personnel: 185600
Germany has increased its defense spending meeting the 2% GDP target and enhancing its military capabilities.
7. France
- Defense Expenditure: $64.27 billion
- Percentage of GDP: 2.06%
- Per Capita Spending: $801
- Military Personnel: 204700
France has met NATO’s defense spending guideline reflecting its commitment to collective security.
8. Romania
- Defense Expenditure: $8.64 billion
- Percentage of GDP: 2.25%
- Per Capita Spending: $289
- Military Personnel: 66600
Romania has increased its defense budget surpassing the 2% GDP benchmark.
9. Lithuania
- Defense Expenditure: $1.42 billion
- Percentage of GDP: 3.15%
- Per Capita Spending: $539
- Military Personnel: 8400
Lithuania has significantly increased its defense spending reflecting its commitment to NATO’s collective security.
10. Latvia
- Defense Expenditure: $949 million
- Percentage of GDP: 1.29%
- Per Capita Spending: $339
- Military Personnel: 5900
Latvia has committed to increasing its defense budget with