Is 2.5% realistic to pay on defence?

The British defences are depleted and have been badly run down by the previous government.

Putin and Xi have found us napping, what must we must we do to protect our freedom?

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OldBrit · 61-69, M

The United States spent 3.47% of its GDP on defense in 2022.
- The UK spent 2.11% of its GDP on defense.
- Germany spent 1.44% of its GDP on defense.
- France spent 1.90% of its GDP on defense.
- Italy spent 1.44% of its GDP on defense.
- Canada spent 1.27% of its GDP on defense

So we're already second highest in Nato.

Now can we afford 2.5% when we have so many other public services on thier knees? That's a different and difficult question.

SW-User

@OldBrit the UK isn’t even top 5?

Poland and Estonia top the charts for defence expenditure as a share of GDP. The USA is 3rd, the UK 9th.

Notice that those closest to Russia spend the most (Baltic states, Poland, Finland)

Source: https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2024/6/pdf/240617-def-exp-2024-en.pdf

OldBrit · 61-69, M

@SW-User now I should have done some proper research not rely on a search engine.

There's a definite east west split in Europe.

SW-User

@SW-User Thanks for pointing this out.

There is not much we can do without a strategic review. Pressure groups are bound to argue their case with very little evidence.

There is very little point iin giving overseas aid , if we don’t have our basic freedom.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@OldBrit And there are reasons for that east/west split.

swirlie · F

@OldBrit

So we're already second highest in Nato.

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