Lithuania to Boost Defense Spending to 5-6% of GDP from 2026 to Counter Russian Aggression, Urges NATO Allies

Jan 17, 2025, 01:19 PM

Lithuania has committed to increasing its defense spending to between 5% and 6% of its GDP from 2026 to 2030, as announced by President Gitanas Nauseda and Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys. The State Defense Council agreed on a target of 5.5% GDP for military spending. This decision aims to enhance the country's military capabilities in response to regional security concerns, particularly the threat of Russian aggression. The move is intended to accelerate the development of a new military division within the Lithuanian armed forces without increasing taxes, instead relying on borrowing and cutting public spending elsewhere. Lithuania's leaders have called on NATO allies to follow suit, emphasizing the need for bold decisions and leadership in these challenging times.