The scale of extra spending being demanded of Nato countries has been laid bare today as the US ramps up pressure.
Countries such as Germany face finding upwards of $60billion a year more for the military if a mooted increase in the target goes ahead.
The increase in Italy would be equivalent to around $46billion, Canada $45billion, France £44billion and the UK roughly $40billion. Spain - which has not invested heavily in defence up to now - could need to allocate an additional $36billion despite its economy being much smaller.
Amid the threat from Russia, members of the alliance are expected to be asked to agree to commit 3.5 per cent of GDP by the 2030s at a summit later this month. A further 1.5 per cent would be required for defence-related measures.
The cash cost of such a goal for each country have been estimated by comparing the Nato figures for spending levels in 2024 to World Bank figures for the size of GDP.
