Overview
- Ambassador Matt Whitaker said Spain is making progress but argued it will not meet assigned NATO capabilities if it caps defense spending at about 2% of GDP.
- He suggested requirements point toward spending closer to 5% and invited Spain to demonstrate a cheaper path if it exists.
- Whitaker said U.S. cost baselines for artillery, tanks and personnel conflict with Madrid’s figures, calling Spain’s accounting unconvincing.
- He disclosed a meeting on Tuesday with Spanish counterpart Federico Torres to discuss financing ahead of Thursday’s defense ministers’ gathering in Brussels.
- Whitaker characterized Spain as a committed ally that maintains it can deliver its capabilities at lower cost, with regular discussions ongoing between NATO staff and Madrid.