Defense spending by NATO member countries will reach a record level in 2026. The alliance's latest data show total spending will reach $1.809 trillion, marking an approximately 11 percent increase over the previous year.
With a budget of $1.033 trillion, the U.S. continues to be the largest contributor to NATO's military spending. The U.S. alone covers 57 percent of the alliance's total budget.
The U.S. is followed by Germany with $147 billion and the United Kingdom with $110 billion. Other countries in the top eight include France ($80 billion), Italy ($57 billion), Poland ($53 billion), Canada ($52 billion), and Turkey ($48 billion).
When looking at defense spending as a share of national income, Lithuania ranks first with 5.33 percent. Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and Greece also stand out in this area. Turkey's defense spending is expected to account for 2.85 percent of GDP.
NATO data show that 17 member countries will meet the target of allocating 1.5 percent of GDP to defense and security investments in 2026. At the summit held in The Hague last year, alliance leaders agreed on a target of 3.5 percent for core defense spending and 1.5 percent for areas such as civil preparedness and the defense industry by 2035.
As these figures were released, the 36th NATO Summit is underway in Ankara, Turkey's capital. The summit, focusing on transatlantic defense industry cooperation, began with an industry forum.
