NATO Secretary General Calls for UK Defence Spending Increase to 3.5% of GDP by 2035
What happened
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged the UK to establish a credible annual defence budget increase to meet a target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
The Context
- Current Spending Gap: The UK is projected to spend 2.7% of GDP on defence by 2028/29, creating a nearly £30 billion annual shortfall compared to NATO's target.
- Geopolitical Pressures: Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with declining US commitments, are prompting NATO to seek increased European defence contributions.
- Future Planning: The UK government has deferred specific post-2028/29 spending plans to a 2027 review, leaving uncertainty in defence funding trajectories.
The Number
— This is the NATO target for UK defence spending as a percentage of GDP by 2035, requiring nearly £30 billion additional annual expenditure beyond current plans.
Takeaway
Expect ongoing discussions and potential shifts in UK defence policy as the 2027 spending review approaches.
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