Top 10 NATO Countries with the Highest Spending in 2024
As of 2024, NATO member states have significantly increased their defense expenditures. Rising geopolitical tensions and a renewed commitment to collective defense are key drivers of this trend. The top 10 NATO countries by defense spending are detailed below.
1. United States leads by a wide margin, spending approximately $886.3 billion, which represents about 3.36% of its GDP.
2. United Kingdom ranks second, with around $75 billion in defense spending, accounting for 2.1% of its GDP.
3. Germany follows with approximately $69 billion, making up 2.12% of its GDP.
4. France spends about $57 billion on defense, equivalent to 1.9% of its GDP.
5. Poland, with $29 billion in spending, stands out by allocating 4.0% of its GDP—the highest percentage among NATO countries.
6. Italy ranks sixth with an estimated $30 billion in defense expenditures, which is 1.46% of its GDP.
7. Turkey has raised its defense budget to $40.5 billion, approximately 2.9% of its GDP in 2024.
(Note: The previous data for Turkey was incorrect. The correct defense spending as a percentage of GDP is approximately 2.9%.)
8. Canada follows with $27 billion, accounting for 1.29% of its GDP.
9. Spain ranks ninth, spending $23 billion, which is 1.26% of its GDP.
10. Netherlands rounds out the list with $20 billion in defense expenditures, which is 1.9% of its GDP.
Looking ahead to 2025, most NATO members are either reaching or surpassing the 2% of GDP target set by the alliance. These rising budgets reflect a broader shift toward modernization, investment in defense industries, and enhancing collective deterrence across the alliance.