Spain will reach this year the defense spending target of 2% of GDP, set by NATO, according to an announcement made on Tuesday by the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. This achievement will be accomplished much earlier than the self-imposed deadline of 2029, thanks to an ambitious investment plan of 10.470 billion euros.
The measure responds to both growing geopolitical tensions and international pressure, especially from the United States, for allied countries to strengthen their military spending.
In 2024, Spain allocated only 1.3% of its GDP to defense, the lowest figure among NATO members. This low percentage has been harshly criticized by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently urged allies to increase their military spending to 5% of GDP.
In this context, Sánchez has emphasized that the new plan not only aims to meet international commitments but also to strengthen European security and sovereignty against emerging threats.
The Spanish plan, called the "industrial and technological plan for security and defense," will focus on strategic areas such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the acquisition of military equipment.
Approximately one-third of the funds will be allocated to creating a "digital shield against hackers," while 19% will be invested in modernizing defensive capabilities through the production and purchase of new military material.
Sánchez stated that this strategy will allow Spain to meet the spending target "in record time," and will strengthen its role in the defense of the European continent. "Spain will contribute to defending Europe," he declared, while highlighting that this investment will contribute to the country's reindustrialization, foster technological innovation, and generate employment.
The European Commission has proposed allowing member countries to increase their defense spending by up to 1.5% of annual GDP for four years, without this negatively affecting their deficit targets.
