NATO defense ministers are discussing a bold new commitment to raise military spending to 5% of GDP, a move pushed by the Trump administration and aimed at boosting deterrence amid mounting global threats.

As NATO defense ministers meet in Brussels, Secretary-General Mark Rutte declared the alliance is set to take a “huge leap forward” by endorsing new military capability targets that demand significantly higher spending. The 5% target includes 3.5% for traditional defense and 1.5% for areas like cybersecurity, logistics, and military infrastructure.

“We will strengthen our deterrence and defense by agreeing ambitious new capability targets,” said Rutte, citing long-range weapons and missile defense as top priorities.

U.S. Demands Concrete Plans and Budgets

U.S. NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker emphasized that Washington expects every ally to deliver detailed plans, budgets, and timelines—not just vague pledges. “This is not going to be just a pledge, it’s going to be a commitment,” he said.

The push for a binding 5% goal comes as President Trump continues to pressure European capitals to take on more of the defense burden and fulfill their Article 3 obligations for national and collective defense. The shift echoes Trump’s past threats to exit NATO unless allies meet financial targets.

Strategic Context: Russia, Cybersecurity, and Pacific Pivot

The proposed increase is part of NATO’s long-term strategy to close capability gaps, particularly in missile defense, air power, and logistical resilience. It also reflects the U.S. pivot toward the Indo-Pacific and its recalibration of defense priorities amid growing threats from Russia, Iran, and China.

The 5% target aims not only to enhance Europe’s operational capacity but also to ease Washington’s political and fiscal pressure on the alliance.