The US Defence Secretary has NATO allies are “very close” to agreeing to raise their defence spending to 5% gross domestic product (GDP).
Pete Hegseth said NATO allies will raise their defence spending to 5% over the next ten years and the increased target will be agreed in the Hague later this month.
Hegseth said, “This alliance, in a matter of weeks, will be committing to 5%: 3.5% in hard military and 1.5% in infrastructure and defence-related activities.
“That combination constitutes a real commitment.”
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Speaking at a press conference at the NATO HQ in Brussels Hegseth said, “I’m very encouraged by what we heard in there.
“Countries in there are well exceeding 2% and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5% commitment to NATO.”
Hegseth said that the US allies have to be “combat ready.
So, we’re here to continue the work that President Trump started, which is a commitment to 5% defence spending across this alliance, which we think will happen.”
He added, “There are a few countries that are not quite there yet, I won’t name any names,” when asked about the UK, Hegseth said, “we’re going to get there.”
The British Prime Minister will meet with NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte in London next week to discuss the 5% defence increase.
Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said, “You can expect the prime minister to raise how we can ensure all allies meet their stated pledges in support of our collective defence, to keep people safe.”
The spokesperson added, “It is worth recognising the UK’s track record on spending and indeed our contribution to NATO, both in terms of our spending and our capabilities.
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