German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the necessity for ongoing growth in military spending, surpassing NATO’s 2% target, during a speech on Wednesday at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu.
Pistorius highlighted threats from Russia and rising tensions with China as key reasons for this increased expenditure.
Pistorius pointed out that two-thirds of NATO allies are now meeting the target of allocating 2% of their GDP to defense.
He noted that defense spending has increased by 150% compared to a decade ago, with Germany being a significant contributor.
He stressed the need to exceed this benchmark, calling for further investment in defense.
In his address, Pistorius underscored the crucial partnership between Berlin and Washington, noting Germany’s initiatives to enhance deterrence and defense capabilities.
This includes the deployment of a German army brigade in Lithuania, illustrating Germany’s pivotal role in protecting NATO’s eastern flank.
The German defense minister’s remarks come at a time of global uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of military readiness and strong international alliances.
His call for increased military spending is a clear message to both his government and international partners about the need for robust defense strategies in the face of evolving global threats.
