UK Makes Bold 5% GDP Defense Pledge at 2025 NATO Summit—Security Spending to Hit Historic High by 2035

Britain just put its money where its missiles are. At this week’s NATO summit, the UK committed to spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035—a move that’ll either deter global threats or become the world’s most expensive fireworks display.

The Price of Playing World Police

Downing Street’s checkbook is open. The pledge marks the largest sustained military investment since the Cold War, with Treasury officials already sweating over which public services to raid for funds. Meanwhile, defense contractors are popping champagne like they just found a blank check under the Queen’s portrait.

Security vs. Austerity 2.0

While allies cheer the spending boost, economists warn of brutal trade-offs. That 5% could’ve bought three NHS hospitals or a blockchain-powered digital pound—but hey, nothing says ‘global Britain’ like outspending France on aircraft carriers while citizens queue at food banks.

One NATO diplomat quipped: ‘At least when the UK goes broke, it’ll be the best-armed bankrupt nation in history.’

Broader definition of security to include cyber defense, infrastructure, and borders

As part of the new framework, the UK will broaden its definition of security spending beyond traditional defense to include border protection, critical infrastructure, and supply chain resilience. Starmer’s office said that factoring in these additional categories, the UK will hit 4.1% of GDP on security by 2027.

Despite the expanded scope, the government has no current plans to increase Core military spending beyond 2027. Still, the commitment envisions dedicating 3.5% to defense by 2035, leaving the remaining 1.5% for broader security efforts.

Starmer had previously presented his increase in defense spending to 2.5% of GDP as “the biggest sustained rise since the end of the Cold War.” He first hinted at further increases in an interview earlier this month.

NATO allies respond as the UK extends deadline and emphasizes strategic independence

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has intensified calls across Europe to bolster defense budgets, especially with growing uncertainty around the US security posture under a potential second TRUMP administration.

To that end, Starmer ultimately won a commitment from the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, to extend the deadline from 2032 to 2035.

Most NATO allies will accept the new target. Still, Spain won an exemption through lobbying, demanding the rate be set at 2.1%, arguing that capability, not money, matters. Germany, meanwhile, said it intended to increase its defense expenditure to 3.5% in the next five years.

The UK is also expected to unveil its National Security Strategy this week, alongside a long-awaited review of its ties with China and a new industrial plan.

According to Starmer’s office, the strategy will emphasize competitiveness in areas such as science, education, trade, and advanced technology. It includes £86 billion ($116 billion) earmarked for R&D investment to support technology growth and strengthen protection against cyber threats and sabotage.

Starmer’s office said they WOULD become more unapologetic and systematic in pursuing their national interests, signaling a shift toward greater strategic independence and resilience.

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