Here's an iteresting snip that explains how certain spending outside the national armed forces, such as coast guard, may qualify.
"They might also include parts of other forces such as Ministry of Interior troops, national police forces, coast guards etc. In such cases, expenditure is included only in proportion to the forces that are trained in military tactics, are equipped as a military force, can operate under direct military authority in deployed operations, and can, realistically, be deployed outside national territory in support of a military force. Expenditure on other forces financed through the budgets of ministries other than the Ministry of Defence is also included in defence expenditure."
Every article of yours I learn something new. I did not know about the 20% equipment expenditure guideline. I do agree we need to keep pushing the conversation on defence spending. It isn't just about buying more bullets, it is also about homegrown technology advancement and manufacturing capabilities and capcities. Thanks
Excellent article, as per usual.
Here's a link to an overview of how NATO determines a member's "qualifying soend". It's broader than some might expect.
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49198.htm
Here's an iteresting snip that explains how certain spending outside the national armed forces, such as coast guard, may qualify.
"They might also include parts of other forces such as Ministry of Interior troops, national police forces, coast guards etc. In such cases, expenditure is included only in proportion to the forces that are trained in military tactics, are equipped as a military force, can operate under direct military authority in deployed operations, and can, realistically, be deployed outside national territory in support of a military force. Expenditure on other forces financed through the budgets of ministries other than the Ministry of Defence is also included in defence expenditure."
In what order should we prioritize our military/defense related investments? Should it be CAN, NORAD then NATO?
This just popped up in my feed https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2025/06/government-of-canada-officials-to-hold-technical-briefing-on-defence-and-security-priorities.html
Every article of yours I learn something new. I did not know about the 20% equipment expenditure guideline. I do agree we need to keep pushing the conversation on defence spending. It isn't just about buying more bullets, it is also about homegrown technology advancement and manufacturing capabilities and capcities. Thanks