Spain’s defense spending for 2024 is estimated at $21.3 billion, which equates to only 1.28 percent of its GDP, the lowest among NATO member countries. This criticism arose after former U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that Spain’s contribution to NATO was insufficient, mistakenly associating the country with the BRICS group of nations.
- Spain's defense spending in 2024: $21.3 billion
- 1.28% of Spain's GDP on defense spending
- Trump criticized NATO countries' defense spending
- U.S. defense spending: 3.38% of GDP
- Trump proposes raising NATO target to 5%
- Support for 5% target from Eastern Europe
In 2024, Spain’s defense expenditure is projected at $21.3 billion, according to NATO estimates. This figure highlights Spain’s commitment to defense, yet it falls short of the alliance’s recommended target of 2 percent of GDP. In contrast, the united states allocated 3.38 percent of its GDP to defense spending in the same year, underscoring a significant disparity between the two nations.
Key points regarding defense spending include:
- Spain’s 2024 defense spending: $21.3 billion.
- Percentage of GDP: 1.28%, the lowest in NATO.
- U.S. defense spending: 3.38% of GDP.
Following Trump’s comments, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the nation’s contributions to NATO. Trump suggested raising the defense spending target to 5 percent, a proposal that has garnered backing from other NATO members, including Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania. Such an increase would place additional pressure on Spain to enhance its military budget significantly.
In summary, Spain’s defense spending remains a topic of international discussion, particularly in light of Trump’s recent remarks. The country’s low percentage of GDP allocated to defense highlights ongoing debates about military readiness and contributions to NATO.
