Overview

• Defence ministers in Brussels signalled broad agreement to raise member states’ spending to 5% of GDP, narrowing divisions ahead of the late-June summit
• Ministers approved new capability targets calling for a 400% increase in air and missile defence along with expanded long-range strike, logistics and land manoeuvre forces
• Canada will unveil the largest boost in military outlays since World War II to reach NATO’s 2% spending threshold this fiscal year, funding pay rises, Arctic sensors and new drones
• The UK has committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027 and to approach 3% in the early 2030s as part of its Hague preparations
• Alliance leaders will meet June 24–25 in The Hague to formalise the 5% target and reinforce collective deterrence against further Russian aggression