GDP Targets Invite Defense Cheating

Basing NATO commitments on defense spending as a share of GDP encourages members to pad figures and subsidize industry rather than buy readiness. Examples include Spain’s over‑priced submarine, Italy counting a Sicily bridge as 'defense', and fleets that can’t be operated for lack of O&M. Capability‑based metrics (units, sorties, trained personnel) would better reflect deterrent power. — If headline spending targets distort incentives, NATO and EU governments must redesign accountability around usable forces, not budget optics.