NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte, has applauded Europe’s swift increase in defense budgets, describing a noteworthy positive shift across the alliance. As leaders prepare for a summit in Ankara on Tuesday, officials report that most European member nations are closing in on higher spending targets. Rutte’s optimistic tone signals a collective resolve to bolster security efforts.

Republicans are debating a proposal by Pete Hegseth to add $350 billion in Pentagon funding on top of the existing $1.1 trillion defense package. The plan seeks to further President Trump’s priorities before midterm elections potentially halt legislative progress.

In its first six days, the Iran war has racked up a staggering $11.3 billion, Defense Department officials recently told lawmakers. The confidential estimate, shared behind closed doors, left some senators reeling and raised questions about the conflict’s accelerating costs.

Germany is set to break with decades of minimal defense investment by doubling its military budget. Chancellor Friedrich Merz seeks to build Europe’s strongest armed forces, raising questions about the best ways to allocate this historic funding.