Türkiye supports increased NATO defense spending amid Trump’s 5% proposal

As NATO prepares for Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency on Jan. 20, 2025, Türkiye has emerged as a key voice in ongoing debates over defense spending.

While Türkiye supports increasing contributions, questions remain about the feasibility of Trump’s proposed 5% gross domestic product (GDP) target for member states.

Türkiye exceeds NATO’s current target for the first time

In 2024, Türkiye allocated 2.09% of its GDP to defense spending, surpassing NATO’s long-standing 2% benchmark for the first time.

Turkish officials, speaking to BBC Turkish, expressed confidence that Türkiye will maintain this position in the coming years, underscoring the importance of capability-building alongside financial contributions.

Officials also stressed the need for NATO members to remove restrictions on defense collaboration, arguing that capability development and force readiness are as crucial as financial investments.

Türkiye’s view on the 5% target

Despite its support for increased spending, Türkiye has not endorsed Trump’s call for a 5% target.

The Turkish stance aligns with the broader consensus within NATO, where many members view 5% as politically and economically unattainable. Instead, Türkiye and several other allies favor a more achievable target, with 3% being the most frequently suggested figure.

Turkish officials have emphasized that beyond meeting financial targets, NATO’s long-term strategy must prioritize technological innovation, production capabilities, and operational readiness to effectively address global security challenges.

In 2006, the alliance’s defense ministers agreed to commit a minimum of 2% of their GDP to defense spending to ensure the military readiness of the alliance.

Currently, two-thirds of its members (23 of 32) have fulfilled this commitment and will collectively spend $1.47 trillion on defense in 2025. This is up from just 10 countries meeting the 2% guideline in 2023 and three countries meeting the commitment in 2014.

The context of Trump’s NATO defense spending proposal

Trump’s push for a higher spending threshold stems from his hardline approach to NATO contributions.

During his campaign, he warned that the U.S. might not defend allies failing to meet spending requirements and even suggested that such nations could be left vulnerable to external threats.

However, many NATO insiders see this as a negotiation tactic to pressure allies into committing more resources.

Türkiye’s role in shaping NATO’s future strategy

As the alliance’s second-largest military contributor, Türkiye is well-positioned to influence NATO’s strategic direction.

The country’s recent investments, including F-16 modernization and potential Eurofighter acquisitions, demonstrate its commitment to bolstering its capabilities and meeting NATO’s evolving requirements.

Looking ahead, NATO must reconcile Trump’s demands with the diverse economic realities of its members. While the U.S. remains the dominant contributor, Türkiye’s increasing share highlights the shifting dynamics within the alliance.

What’s next for NATO?

NATO’s defense spending target will be a major focus at the upcoming Lahey Summit in June 2025.