Keir Starmer unveils UK’s largest defense spending boost since WWII, to hit 5% GDP by 2035 in NATO commitment

The United Kingdom has pledged a historic increase in national security and defense spending, committing to allocate 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035. This bold announcement was made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, reflecting a significant shift in the UK’s strategic posture amid mounting global security challenges.

Sir Keir Starmer declared that the UK will meet NATO’s new target to spend 5% of GDP on defense and related security areas by 2035, marking the highest proportion of GDP devoted to defense since the end of World War II. This pledge aligns with NATO’s broader effort to bolster collective security in response to threats from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Asia.

The commitment follows persistent calls from US President Donald Trump, who urged European NATO members to increase their defense spending and reduce reliance on the United States. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the new spending goal as “a quantum leap that is ambitious, historic, and fundamental to securing our future,” emphasizing the need for enhanced military readiness and resilience.

Breakdown of the spending target

The 5% GDP target is divided into two components: 3.5% allocated to core defense spending and an additional 1.5% dedicated to related security areas such as cyber defense, infrastructure modernization, border protection, and supply chain resilience. This broader definition of security spending reflects the evolving nature of threats, including cyber warfare and critical infrastructure sabotage.

Currently, the UK spends approximately 2.3% of GDP on defense. Starmer’s government aims to increase this to 3% by 2034, with the remaining increase coming from expanded security-related expenditures. The government projects that by 2027, factoring in these broader categories, the UK will reach about 4.1% of GDP on security spending.

Political and practical challenges ahead

While the pledge is historic, it is also politically complex. The increase to 3.5% core defense spending will not be realized until 2035, spanning at least two general elections. This timeline has raised questions about the feasibility and continuity of such long-term commitments amid shifting political landscapes.

Moreover, the UK government has yet to detail the exact roadmap for achieving this ambitious target, especially considering competing demands on public finances. Critics warn that sustaining such elevated defense budgets may impact funding for other public services, sparking debates on national priorities.

All 32 NATO member states have endorsed the new 5% GDP spending goal, overcoming initial objections from countries like Spain, which sought exemptions. The agreement was secured after intense diplomatic negotiations led by Mark Rutte, with the final deadline for meeting the target set for 2035 and a review planned for 2029. The new spending level mirrors Cold War-era defense investments, signaling a return to a more robust military posture among Western allies.