NATO chief calls for "concrete" 5% defence spending plan

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on allied nations to present "clear, concrete and credible" plans to achieve the alliance's goal of spending five percent of GDP on defense by 2035. Speaking ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Rutte noted that commitments made at last year's summit in The Hague are already yielding significant results.

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Here in Ankara, I expect nations to present clear, concrete and credible plans to reach that 5% goal. And the evidence we see so far is impressive.

Rutte highlighted the progress made over the past year, stating that European Allies and Canada are now investing approximately 4% of their GDP in defense and security. This represents a nearly 20% increase in core defense spending compared to the previous year, amounting to an additional $258 billion in defense investments across 2025 and 2026.

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Just one year into a 10-year project, we see that European Allies and Canada are already investing around 4% of their GDP in defence and security.

The NATO chief emphasized the need to translate this increased spending into enhanced military capabilities. This involves strengthening defense industries, fostering innovation, and removing bureaucratic obstacles. Rutte announced that "tens of billions in new contracts" would be unveiled at the summit, aimed at acquiring essential equipment for deterrence and defense. He added that these investments would stimulate economies, drive innovation, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

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We will announce tens of billions in new contracts that will provide the crucial kit we need to deter and defend.

Support for Ukraine remains a central theme of the summit, as Kyiv continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks. Rutte reiterated the necessity for allies and partners to ensure Ukraine receives the aid it needs, stating, "Because Ukraine's security is so closely linked with our own." He acknowledged the bravery and ingenuity of Ukraine's armed forces but stressed the continued need for international assistance, especially in air defense. The summit brings together leaders from NATO's 32 member states, along with partners from Ukraine, the European Union, the Indo-Pacific, and the Gulf region.

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Allies and NATO partners must continue to ensure Ukraine gets what it needs. And let me be clear, all Allies need to pull their weight, so that our support to Ukraine continues to flow. Because Ukraine's security is so closely linked with our own.