In NATO member states, defense spending is sharply increasing. Germany, Poland, France, and other European countries are modernizing their armies. Who is the leader in this process, and how are these actions affecting state budgets?
Germany's defense spending could rise to €160 billion.
German Deputy Foreign Minister Johann Vadeful supports the US demand that NATO countries increase military spending to 5% of GDP. Currently, Germany's defense budget is 90 billion euros (2.1% of GDP). If this figure is increased to 5 percent, the military budget will exceed 160 billion euros. This can increase financial pressure.
Currently, there are 182,000 military personnel in the Bundeswehr. Official Berlin aims to increase this number to 203,000 by 2031.
Poland: Defence reaches 4.12% of GDP
Poland has been strengthening its defense capabilities against the threat from Russia for years. In 2024, Warsaw allocated 4.12% of its GDP to the military sector. This is one of the highest rates in Europe. The Polish armed forces consist of 150,000 soldiers, including professional military personnel and territorial defense forces.
According to the plan, by 2035 their number will reach 300 thousand. In addition, the Polish army is being strengthened with modern military equipment.
France possesses an independent nuclear power
France is the only nuclear-armed state in the European Union and maintains its independence in military policy. President Emmanuel Macron has significantly increased his defense budget since 2017.
203 thousand soldiers serve in the French army, another 175 thousand are active in paramilitary units, including the gendarmerie.
United Kingdom: A Single Direction - Technology
The British Army is relatively small: as of January 1, 2025, there are a total of 108,413 military personnel. But London is focusing on high technology, not human resources. Drones, artificial intelligence, and laser systems are the main directions of the British army. The Royal Navy and Air Force are equipped with the most modern weapons.
Italy: Powerful Air Force, but outdated Ground Army
Italy allocated only 1.49% of its GDP to defense in 2024. This is less than NATO's requirement (2%). However, the country has a strong air force with 165,000 troops, two aircraft, and Eurofighter and F-35 fighter jets.
At the same time, the Italian ground forces have outdated equipment. To change this, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni intends to create the most powerful tank forces in Europe. For this reason, more than a thousand combat and multipurpose tanks were ordered by Rheinmetall.
The process of militarization is accelerating in Europe. Every state allocates significant funds from the budget to ensure its own security. But how these actions will maintain economic and political balance remains an open question.
