Spain counters NATO criticism with its own defense model (defence24.com)

• Spain increased defense spending from 0.9% GDP (2018) to 2% (2025/26).
• 44% of budget goes to equipment and innovation (NATO target: 20%).
• Madrid rejects 5% target: would cost €600 billion and harm social spending.

"Spain pushes back against NATO criticism by arguing defense policy cannot be reduced to a single spending figure. Madrid emphasizes it delivers capabilities, supports Ukraine, strengthens NATO missions, and invests in industry, while rejecting the 5% of GDP target as economically unrealistic and politically damaging."