Spain allocates additional 10 billion euros for the army, but does not yet know what it will spend

Spain is preparing to invest more than $10 billion in its defence sector to finally reach NATO standards, although it has been considered an outsider in terms of spending.

Here's What We Know

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has promised to bring Spain to the level of NATO allies in terms of defence spending, at least formally. Part of the funds will be used to improve conditions for the military, digital infrastructure, and even helicopters to combat the elements. However, it is still unclear what kind of weapons will be purchased, and much of the spending remains vague in detail.

Spain remains among the NATO countries that critically fall short of the mandatory 2% of GDP for defence. But Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a new defence investment of $10.5 billion in early April. This money, he said, should finally bring Spain closer to NATO standards. Sanchez said the goal is to make the country a "central and reliable" partner for the EU and NATO.

But the most interesting thing is not in the loud promises, but in the details of how the funds are planned to be distributed. The largest share - 35% - will be spent on improving service conditions for the military and modernising equipment. However, it is not known what kind of weapons are planned to be purchased. More than €3 billion will be spent on creating a so-called "digital shield". This includes investments in satellites, radars, communication systems, cloud technologies, and the introduction of 5G.

Two billion euros will be allocated for defence and deterrence systems. Details are also scarce, although it is logical to assume that part of the funds will be invested in air defence.

Approximately 1.7 billion will be spent on what the government has called "dual capabilities". That is, equipment that can be used both for military purposes and in disaster relief, such as helicopters, bridge builders, and refuelling aircraft. The last part of the funds - less than 4% - will be used to support the military involved in peacekeeping operations.

Source: Breaking Defence