NATO agrees new capability targets for fivefold air and missile defence increase
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 3
NATO agrees new capability targets for fivefold air and missile defence increase
15 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 3
The June 2025 goals also call for thousands more armoured vehicles and tanks, millions more artillery shells, and doubled logistics, transport and medical support.
Officials said the classified targets are now in national plans, with allies expected to show sustained spending and capability development as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on US power.
The push reflects concern over Russia and long-standing gaps in intelligence, logistics, nuclear deterrence and high-end systems, even as European defence spending has risen sharply since 2022.
With US leadership in question, can Europe build a credible deterrent before Russia is ready to strike again?
Does Europe leading NATO commands signal a stronger alliance or the start of a transatlantic military divorce?
NATO's 2026 Surge: Charting a Fivefold Increase in Air and Missile Defense by 2035
Overview
In March 2026, Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting Türkiye, a NATO member, prompting NATO to intercept the attacks and swiftly increase its ballistic missile defense posture. This escalation accelerated NATO’s capability surge, including launching major projects to enhance integrated air and missile defense and precision strike drones. Political signals from the US about potential troop withdrawals, combined with the Iranian attack, led NATO Allies to agree on a significant defense investment target of five percent of GDP by 2035. Meanwhile, Iran shifted toward asymmetric threats like cyberattacks, exploiting vulnerabilities in US cybersecurity. NATO is reshaping its defense plans to address these evolving challenges and strengthen collective security.