defense spending
Coverage of defense spending in the Nexus archive.
- Lula pledges defense spending so no one invades Brazil as he confirms his candidacy
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pledged to increase defense investment if he wins October's elections and confirmed his candidacy at the Workers' Party national convention in São Paulo.
- Leonardo expects more deals as Europe ramps up defense spending
Leonardo is pursuing additional mergers and acquisitions to expand its capabilities and address increased defense demand in Europe. The company has raised its financial outlook for 2026.
- Iran, Gulf hit as Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb close: What’s the latest?
Iran and the Gulf are affected by the closure of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reports the war has cost the US $37.5 billion.
- Is everyone on the Burnham bus?
Andy Burnham's new bus fare cap is under scrutiny, with Chancellor John Healey claiming it will not burden taxpayers, though funding details remain unclear. The article also highlights discussions at the Farnborough Air Show regarding defense spending and challenges in addressing funding gaps linked to Keir Starmer's pledges.
- Britain’s new prime minister must solve the old riddle of how to reinvigorate a slow-growing economy
Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, faces the challenge of revitalizing a slow-growing economy to generate additional revenue for defense spending and other voter priorities without raising taxes.
- The five fiscal challenges facing John Healey
John Healey, the new chancellor, faces challenges in funding rising defense spending and providing cost-of-living support for households.
- UK cabinet picks point to defense priorities
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed former defense secretary John Healey as finance minister, signaling a focus on increasing military spending to 3% of GDP by 2030. Healey, who previously criticized Keir Starmer for not committing to this defense target, will now lead efforts to achieve it. Ed Miliband, a former energy chief, was named foreign secretary, a move that may strain UK-US relations due to his past role in resisting US involvement in Iran.
- Wes Streeting named to top UK defense role
Wes Streeting will become the U.K.’s new defense secretary, succeeding Dan Jarvis. Jarvis had managed the Defence Investment Plan, which faces funding challenges, while Streeting has advocated for war bonds and cutting outdated military programs but lacks experience in foreign-facing roles.
- Algeria’s Record 2026 Budget: Massive Social Spending and Defence Build-Up
Algeria’s 2026 budget sets a record with total state spending of USD 135.6 billion, including USD 25 billion allocated to defense—making it Africa’s top military spender. Social welfare remains a priority, with the wage bill absorbing USD 44.5 billion.
- Sweden's Saab posts record orders as fighter jet maker cashes in on higher defense spending
Sweden's Saab, a fighter jet maker, reported record orders due to increased defense spending by European governments, who are placing orders with regional companies.
- Moody’s lowers growth outlook over heightened risk of conflict, ‘weakened institutions’
Moody’s has lowered its growth outlook due to heightened conflict risks and weakened institutions. The rating agency maintains Israel's credit rating but warns about economic impacts from increased defense spending and threats to the judicial system.
- Capitol agenda: Vance, Johnson try to rally House GOP
House Republicans are working on a third reconciliation bill with $67 billion in defense spending and $11 billion in farm aid, but face internal divisions over offsets and priorities. GOP leaders aim to finalize the framework by the end of next week, while factions like fiscal hawks and moderates clash over cuts and funding for issues like health care and military expansion.
- Deputy prime minister on Poland's defense: 'We are determined not to become a Russian colony ever'
Poland's top diplomat stated the country is allocating nearly 5% of its GDP to defense to prevent becoming 'a Russian colony.'
- Nato survived the Ankara summit - but it still lacks a second fist
NATO survived the 2026 Ankara summit despite persistent imbalances in defense spending and operational dependence on the US. The alliance remains reliant on the US for strategic military functions, with European members contributing significantly less to NATO's common budget compared to US expenditures.
- Republicans return to Capitol Hill with agenda complicated by Graham death
Republican lawmakers return to Capitol Hill facing obstacles including demands from Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell’s absence, and the sudden death of Lindsey Graham, complicating their agenda. The death of the budget committee chair affects negotiations on defense spending and other priorities outlined by Trump.
- Republicans return to Capitol Hill with agenda complicated by Graham death
Republicans return to Capitol Hill with a complicated agenda due to Trump's demands, Mitch McConnell's absence, and the death of Lindsey Graham, the budget committee chair. The death complicates efforts to pass a defense spending bill and other priorities outlined by the president.
- Senate powerhouse Lindsey Graham has died. Here's how he remade corporate taxes, tariffs, and defense.
Sen. Lindsey Graham died at 71 after a sudden illness. He influenced corporate tax cuts, tariffs, and defense spending during his Senate career, including key roles in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and Trump-era policies.
- Canada's next defence fight won’t be over spending. It’ll be over trust
Canada faces an upcoming challenge to justify its NATO defense funding plans as Britain's political instability highlights the risks of defense spending without fiscal credibility. Ottawa must disclose details this fall to address public trust concerns.
- Spain shrugs off Trump’s claim it caved on defense spending
Spain rejects U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that it caved on defense spending, clarifying it has met its 2% NATO target and increased military expenditure since 2018. Trump initially threatened to cut trade with Spain but later reversed his stance, citing unspecified 'generous' payments from Spain, which Madrid officials dismissed as unclear.
- How Trump's yo-yo summit left Nato a little bit bruised – video
Donald Trump's erratic behavior at the NATO summit in Turkey left his allies uncertain, as he alternated between criticizing their defense spending contributions and praising the alliance's unity. The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh reports on the impact of Trump's actions on NATO.
- US Unveils ‘Donroe Doctrine’; Brazil Says Drugs Aren’t the Army’s Job
The US announced the 'Donroe Doctrine', a Trump-era policy emphasizing military action against narco-terrorists, protection of critical assets, and increased defense spending. Brazil responded by stating that drug-related operations are not the army's responsibility.
- Burnham calls for ‘more open’ public debate about defence spending – UK politics live
Burnham calls for more open public debate about defense spending, aligning with Starmer's foreign policy principles. He pledges not to use party discipline to suppress debate. NHS waiting lists in England have increased for the second consecutive month.
- Trump Rejects New Russia Sanctions at NATO Summit Filled With Big Spending and Big Emotions
Trump rejected new Russia sanctions at the NATO Summit, where the alliance made defense spending pledges to flatter the U.S. president. Trump provided little support on Ukraine or Russia issues.
- ‘The boy who cried wolf’: NATO allies take Trump’s bluster in stride at crunch summit
NATO allies addressed Trump's criticisms at the Ankara summit by emphasizing increased defense spending and shifting focus to self-reliance. The alliance signed a statement committing to new military capabilities and addressing Iran's nuclear threat, with Trump expressing satisfaction over the outcome.
- Trump cites 'tremendous unity' at NATO summit, progress on defense spending
U.S. President Donald Trump stated there was 'tremendous unity' at the NATO summit in Turkey and highlighted progress on defense spending. He also pledged to increase U.S. defense production, noting European nations prefer American equipment due to its effectiveness.
- Trump calls to cut off all US trade with Spain
President Trump urged the U.S. to cut off all trade with Spain during NATO summit remarks, citing the country's lack of contributions to defense spending. He labeled Spain a 'wasted cause' and stated the U.S. should cease trade relations.
- Five NATO flash points as Trump meets anxious allies in Turkey
President Trump and world leaders will address key NATO issues during a summit in Ankara, Turkey. The meeting focuses on Trump's push for increased defense spending by NATO members and the future of U.S. troop commitments in Europe.
- Trump orders a halt to US trade with Spain
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a halt to U.S. trade with Spain due to disagreements over defense spending. Spain refused to endorse NATO’s 2035 defense spending target, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez opposed U.S. military actions in Iran and denied access to military bases.
- ‘We Do Not Sanction Friends,’ Trump Says as NATO Leaders Brace for Tense Summit
NATO leaders hosted US President Donald Trump in Ankara amid tensions over negotiations. Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 'chemistry' but expressed frustration with European allies regarding Iran, defense spending, and Ukraine.
- In Turkey for NATO summit, Trump doubles down on criticism of allies
President Donald Trump attended the NATO Leaders Summit in Turkey, praising host President Recep Erdogan while criticizing alliance members for insufficient defense spending and lack of support for U.S. operations. The summit focused on progress toward NATO's defense spending goals and burden-sharing, with allies highlighting increased procurement and commitments.
- What's at stake at the NATO summit in Turkey
NATO leaders believe President Trump's criticism of the alliance aims to pressure Europe into increasing defense spending, while some analysts worry he may have hidden intentions.
- From GlobalEye to Triton, first wave of NATO Summit deals bet big on aerial capabilities
The NATO Summit deals focus on aerial capabilities like GlobalEye and Triton. The shift in air power comes as allies adjust to the US reducing military assets in Europe and preparing for Trump's address urging increased defense spending.
- Trump joins NATO summit amid Ukraine, spending tensions
Trump attends a NATO summit in Turkey amid tensions over Ukraine and defense spending. NATO allies pledged increased defense investments, while Trump criticized European contributions and hinted at potential US withdrawal. Discussions focus on Ukraine's security needs and Russia's potential response.
- Trump to warn NATO countries against using ‘funny math’ on defense — as key allies struggle to do the minimum
President Trump is warning NATO countries against using 'funny math' to meet the 2030 defense spending goal, as key allies struggle to reach the minimum required spending.
- NATO summit in Turkey begins as Trump pushes for more defense spending
The NATO summit in Turkey is underway as President Trump urges other countries to increase defense spending. Tensions between the U.S. and some NATO allies persist over Iran and Greenland.
- Rutte to NATO: Admit it — Trump was right
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte endorsed Donald Trump's policies, acknowledging his effectiveness in pushing NATO allies to increase defense spending and modernize militaries. Rutte also validated Trump's criticism of European allies for not supporting the war against Iran, while emphasizing the need for a stronger NATO due to threats from Russia and China.
- Starmer braces for a final humiliation by Trump: PM faces US anger as he heads to crucial NATO after coming up short on defence spending
Starmer faces potential humiliation by Trump at NATO due to insufficient defense spending. The UK prime minister is under pressure from the US amid a crucial NATO meeting.
- NATO’s Turkiye summit live: Trump, leaders to meet in Ankara
NATO's summit in Ankara will address defense spending and support for Ukraine's military needs, with Trump and other leaders attending.
- NATO summit begins: Who is attending and what is at stake?
The NATO summit is beginning with Trump warning members ahead of the event. European nations are set to announce record defense spending.
- NATO readies for a ‘big reveal’ on arms deals to prove its firepower to Trump
NATO will showcase new military projects worth billions to convince President Donald Trump that allies are boosting defense spending. The projects aim to demonstrate increased defense spending commitments.