NATO countries raise spending as Germany expands weapons output

An ATACMS rocket is on display at Rheinmetall's new artillery plant in Unterluess, northern Germany on 27 August 2025. AFP - RONNY HARTMANN

All NATO countries will meet the alliance’s long-standing defence spending target this year – but only three are currently reaching a new, higher goal set in June, data showed on Thursday.

The figures come as Germany’s largest weapons producer, Rheinmetall, opened a new ammunition plant in northern Germany on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and senior German officials.