Fact Check: NATO's new defense spending plan aims for at least 3.5% for core defense.

Fact Check: NATO's New Defense Spending Plan Aims for at Least 3.5% for Core Defense

What We Know

NATO has recently been discussing significant changes to its defense spending commitments. As of June 2025, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte indicated that there is broad support among member countries for increasing defense spending, with a proposed new target of 5% of GDP for defense needs. This includes 3.5% allocated specifically for core military spending (tanks, warplanes, air defense, missiles, and hiring extra troops) and 1.5% for related security expenditures such as infrastructure improvements (AP News, PBS, AFCEA).

Historically, NATO had set a target of 2% of GDP for national defense budgets, which was agreed upon in 2023 amid rising security concerns due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine (AP News). Currently, 22 out of 32 NATO member countries are reportedly meeting this 2% target, while others are still struggling to reach it (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that NATO's new defense spending plan aims for at least 3.5% for core defense is partially true. The proposed increase to 5% is indeed being discussed, with 3.5% specifically earmarked for core military expenditures. However, this proposal is not yet finalized and reflects ongoing discussions rather than an established policy.

The reliability of the sources discussing this claim varies. The Associated Press and PBS are reputable news organizations that provide detailed coverage of NATO's discussions and proposals, making their information credible (AP News, PBS). Additionally, the AFCEA article outlines the context of these discussions and the implications of the proposed spending increase, further supporting the claim (AFCEA).

However, it is essential to note that while there is support for these proposals, not all member countries agree to the spending increase, and some have expressed concerns about the feasibility of such commitments (AP News, PBS). This indicates that while the target is being discussed, it has not yet been universally accepted or implemented.

Conclusion

The claim that "NATO's new defense spending plan aims for at least 3.5% for core defense" is partially true. While there is a proposed increase to 5% of GDP for defense, with 3.5% specifically for core military spending, this proposal is still under discussion and has not yet been formally adopted by all member states. The ongoing debates and differing opinions among NATO allies highlight the complexities involved in reaching a consensus on defense spending.

Fact Check: NATO's new defense spending plan aims for at least 3.5% for core defense.