The European defense procurement shift underway in 2025 marks a historic turning point in global security spending. For the first time since the end of World War II, Europe is on track to surpass the United States in equipment procurement—an outcome driven by escalating geopolitical threats, intensified rearmament programs, and NATO-wide pressure to meet alliance spending targets.

Europe Overtakes the United States in Military Procurement

New research reveals a milestone moment in global defense priorities: Europe is poised to spend more on defense procurement in 2025 than the United States. Analyst Craig Caffrey’s data, shared by Procurement Advisor Ben Moore, places Europe’s projected procurement spending at $170.1 billion, exceeding America’s $167.7 billion. This shift reflects a rapid acceleration in European military modernization, catalyzed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and growing recognition of long-term security risks.
Sources:
https://www.nato.int
https://www.defense.gov

NATO Members Rapidly Increase Defense Investments

European countries have dramatically reshaped their defense budgets to meet NATO’s longstanding standard of allocating 2% of GDP to defense, with at least 20% dedicated to equipment. In 2020, only three states met both benchmarks. By 2025, every NATO member except Belgium is expected to comply. Nations closest to Russia—Poland, the Baltic States, and Finland—have surged far beyond minimum spending requirements, while Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have significantly expanded their equipment procurement programs.

Outliers and Front-Runners

Luxembourg stands out for exceptionally high equipment investment relative to its size, underscoring its unique budgeting structure. Poland emerges as a major regional military heavyweight, committing nearly 4% of GDP to defense—one of the highest ratios within NATO. Belgium, however, continues to lag behind on both key spending thresholds, highlighting uneven progress across the alliance.
Sources:
https://www.reuters.com
https://www.europarl.europa.eu

Ukraine’s Forces Receive Advanced Western Weaponry

In a parallel development, Ukraine’s Security Service Special Operations Center “A” recently received Mk 47 Stryker automatic grenade launchers. The system is considered rare, typically used by the military forces of the United States, Australia, and Israel. Its arrival underscores Ukraine’s increasing access to modern Western weapons as international partners strengthen long-term support.