History of NATO in Timeline

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance formed in 1949 by 32 member states from Europe and North America. Based on the principle of collective defense, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, NATO was initially established to counter the threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. After the Soviet Union's dissolution, NATO expanded its scope and has engaged in military operations in various regions, including the Balkans, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Its strategic concepts emphasize deterrence, and its motto is animus in consulendo liber.

1941: The Atlantic Charter

In 1941, the United States and United Kingdom signed the Atlantic Charter, which laid out a framework for international cooperation without territorial expansion after World War II and had its roots in the formation of NATO.

March 1947: Treaty of Dunkirk Signed

On March 4, 1947, the Treaty of Dunkirk was signed by France and the United Kingdom as a Treaty of Alliance and Mutual Assistance in the event of possible attacks by Germany.

February 1948: Truman Doctrine

In February 1948, talks began for a wider military alliance, in the United States, where their foreign policy under the Truman Doctrine set out in 1947 promoted international solidarity against actions they saw as communist aggression, such as the February 1948 coup d'état in Czechoslovakia.

March 1948: Treaty of Brussels expands alliance

In March 1948, the Treaty of Brussels expanded the alliance to include the Benelux countries, forming the Brussels Treaty Organization, commonly known as the Western Union.

April 1949: NATO was established

NATO was established on April 4, 1949, by the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty).

April 1949: Signing of the North Atlantic Treaty

On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was signed in Washington, D.C., establishing NATO as a collective security system where member states agree to defend each other against attacks by third parties.

1949: Twelve original members joined NATO

Twelve of the thirty-two members are original members who joined in 1949.

1951: Formation of SHAPE

In 1951, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) was formed to implement an integrated military structure.

1952: Greece and Turkey Join NATO

In 1952, Greece and Turkey became members of NATO. This expansion during the Cold War strengthened NATO's presence in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea regions. The addition of Greece and Turkey increased NATO's geopolitical reach and influence.

1952: First Major Maritime Exercises

In 1952, NATO held its first major maritime exercises, Exercise Mainbrace, and Greece and Turkey joined the organization.

May 1955: West Germany joins NATO

In May 1955, West Germany joined NATO, which was a major factor in the creation of the Soviet-dominated Warsaw Pact, delineating the two opposing sides of the Cold War.

1955: West Germany Joins NATO

In 1955, West Germany joined NATO. This was a significant step during the Cold War, integrating West Germany into the Western defense alliance and solidifying the division of Europe. West Germany's inclusion bolstered NATO's military strength in Central Europe.

1961: Building of the Berlin Wall

In 1961, the building of the Berlin Wall marked a height in Cold War tensions, with 400,000 US troops stationed in Europe.

July 1962: French Algeria was covered by the treaty until its independence

French Algeria was covered by the treaty until its independence on July 3, 1962.

1966: France withdraws from NATO's military structure

In 1966, France withdrew from NATO's military structure, leading to the development of an independent French nuclear deterrent.

1982: Treaty of Lisbon Article 42(7)

Article 42(7) of the 1982 Treaty of Lisbon specifies that "If a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other Member States shall have towards it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power".

1982: Spain Joins NATO

In 1982, Spain became a member of NATO. This broadened NATO's reach in Western Europe. Spain's inclusion in NATO added strategic depth to the alliance's defense capabilities.

1989: Revolutions in Europe

The Revolutions of 1989 in Europe led to a strategic re-evaluation of NATO's purpose, nature, tasks, and focus on the continent.

October 1990: East Germany becomes part of the Federal Republic of Germany and NATO

In October 1990, East Germany became part of the Federal Republic of Germany and the alliance.

November 1990: Signing of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE)

In November 1990, the alliance signed the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) in Paris with the Soviet Union.

1990: Operation Anchor Guard

In 1990, Operation Anchor Guard was prompted by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Airborne early warning aircraft were sent to provide coverage of southeastern Turkey.

1990: East Germany added with German Reunification

In 1990, with the reunification of Germany, the territory of the former East Germany was added to NATO. This followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union and marked a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of Europe. It was the first step of NATO expansion after the Cold War.

1990: Start of Political Dialogue with Japan

Political dialogue with Japan began in 1990. Since then, NATO has gradually increased its contact with countries that do not form part of any of its cooperation initiatives. This marked the beginning of enhanced engagement with non-NATO members worldwide.

February 1991: Collapse of the Warsaw Pact

In February 1991, the Warsaw Pact collapsed, removing the main adversaries of NATO.

1991: Operation Ace Guard

In 1991, Operation Ace Guard was prompted by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. A quick-reaction force was deployed to southeastern Turkey.

October 1992: UN Resolution 816

In October 1992, United Nations Security Council Resolution 816 authorized member-states to enforce a no-fly zone over central Bosnia and Herzegovina under the United Nations Protection Force.

1992: NATO intervention in Bosnia

In 1992, NATO conducted its first military interventions in Bosnia during the breakup of Yugoslavia.

April 1993: Operation Deny Flight Begins

On April 12, 1993, NATO started enforcing the ban from UN Resolution 816 with Operation Deny Flight over central Bosnia and Herzegovina.

June 1993: Operation Sharp Guard Begins

From June 1993 until October 1996, Operation Sharp Guard added maritime enforcement of the arms embargo and economic sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

February 1994: First Wartime Action

On 28 February 1994, NATO took its first wartime action by shooting down four Bosnian Serb aircraft violating the no-fly zone.

April 1994: Air Strikes in Goražde

On April 10 and 11, 1994, the United Nations Protection Force called in air strikes to protect the Goražde safe area, resulting in the bombing of a Bosnian Serb military command outpost near Goražde by two US F-16 jets acting under NATO direction. In retaliation, Serbs took 150 U.N. personnel hostage on April 14. On April 16, a British Sea Harrier was shot down over Goražde by Serb forces.

1994: Partnership for Peace and the Mediterranean Dialogue initiative

In 1994, diplomatic forums for regional cooperation between NATO and its neighbours were set up, including the Partnership for Peace and the Mediterranean Dialogue initiative.

1994: Establishment of the Mediterranean Dialogue

The Mediterranean Dialogue was established in 1994. This initiative coordinates with Israel and countries in North Africa. It serves as a forum for discussing regional security issues and fostering cooperation.

1994: Establishment of the Partnership for Peace Programme

The Partnership for Peace (PfP) program was established in 1994. This program is based on individual bilateral relations between each partner country and NATO, allowing each country to choose the extent of its participation. It is the operational body of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC).

August 1995: Operation Deliberate Force

In August 1995, a two-week NATO bombing campaign, Operation Deliberate Force, began against the Army of the Republika Srpska, after the Srebrenica genocide.

November 1995: Dayton Agreement

In November 1995, further NATO air strikes helped bring the Yugoslav Wars to an end, resulting in the Dayton Agreement.

1995: NATO intervention in Bosnia

In 1995, NATO continued its military interventions in Bosnia during the breakup of Yugoslavia.

October 1996: Operation Sharp Guard Ends

From June 1993 until October 1996, Operation Sharp Guard added maritime enforcement of the arms embargo and economic sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

December 1996: Start of SFOR

In December 1996, the peacekeeping mission transitioned into the smaller SFOR, which started with 32,000 troops initially.

May 1997: Establishment of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council

The Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) was first established on May 29, 1997. The EAPC serves as a forum for regular coordination, consultation, and dialogue among all fifty participants. It is the political body of the Partnership for Peace (PfP).

1997: Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Established

In 1997, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council was established as a diplomatic forum for regional cooperation between NATO and its neighbors.

September 1998: UN Security Council Resolution 1199

On 23 September 1998, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1199 to demand a ceasefire to stop Slobodan Milošević's Serbian-led crackdown on KLA separatists and Albanian civilians in Kosovo.

1998: NATO Establishes Guidelines for Cooperation

In 1998, NATO established a set of general guidelines that do not allow for a formal institutionalization of relations. These guidelines reflected the Allies' desire to increase cooperation with non-member countries. It was followed by the term "Contact Countries" in 2000.

1998: NATO–Russia Permanent Joint Council Established

In 1998, the NATO–Russia Permanent Joint Council was established as a diplomatic forum for regional cooperation between NATO and Russia.

March 1999: NATO Bombing Campaign

In March 1999, negotiations under US Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke broke down, and he handed the matter to NATO, which started a 78-day bombing campaign on March 24. Operation Allied Force targeted the military capabilities of what was then the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. During the crisis, NATO also deployed one of its international reaction forces, the ACE Mobile Force (Land), to Albania as the Albania Force (AFOR), to deliver humanitarian aid to refugees from Kosovo.

April 1999: NATO adopted the Alliance Strategic Concept during Washington summit

In April 1999, recognizing the post-Cold War military environment, NATO adopted the Alliance Strategic Concept during its Washington summit which emphasized conflict prevention and crisis management.

June 1999: Milošević accepted peace plan, ending Kosovo War

On June 3, 1999, Milošević accepted the terms of an international peace plan, bringing an end to the Kosovo War. On June 11, 1999, he further accepted UN resolution 1244, under which NATO helped establish the KFOR peacekeeping force.

1999: Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic Join NATO

At the 1999 Washington summit, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic officially joined NATO. This expansion marked the first wave of former Warsaw Pact countries joining the alliance after the end of the Cold War. NATO also issued new guidelines for membership with individualized "Membership Action Plans".

1999: NATO intervention in Yugoslavia

In 1999, NATO conducted military interventions in Yugoslavia during the breakup of Yugoslavia.

2000: Allies Agree on Term Contact Countries

Following extensive debate, the term "Contact Countries" was agreed by the Allies in 2000. These countries were engaged in discussions on issues such as counter-piracy and technology exchange. It was later broadened by 2012.

September 2001: Operation Essential Harvest in Macedonia

In August–September 2001, NATO mounted Operation Essential Harvest, a mission to disarm ethnic Albanian militias in the Republic of Macedonia.

October 2001: NATO confirms Article 5 invocation in response to September 11 attacks

On October 4, 2001, NATO confirmed the invocation of Article 5 of the NATO Charter, triggered by the September 11 attacks in the United States, determining that the attacks were eligible under the North Atlantic Treaty. Operation Active Endeavour, a naval operation in the Mediterranean Sea, began on October 4, 2001.

December 2002: Signing of the Berlin Plus Agreement

On December 16, 2002, the European Union (EU) signed a comprehensive package of arrangements with NATO under the Berlin Plus agreement. This agreement allowed the EU to use NATO assets if it wanted to act independently in an international crisis, provided NATO did not want to act itself.

2002: NATO-Ukraine Action Plan

In 2002, NATO and Ukraine initiated the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan. This plan established a framework for cooperation and assistance to support Ukraine's reform efforts and eventual NATO membership. The Action Plan aimed to enhance Ukraine's political, economic, and defense capabilities.

April 2003: NATO agrees to command ISAF in Afghanistan

On April 16, 2003, NATO agreed to take command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. This decision, made at the request of Germany and the Netherlands, marked the first time NATO took charge of a mission outside the north Atlantic area.

October 2003: UN Security Council authorized expansion of ISAF mission throughout Afghanistan

In October 2003, the UN Security Council authorized the expansion of the ISAF mission throughout Afghanistan. ISAF subsequently expanded the mission in four main stages over the whole of the country.

2003: Turkey invoked Article 4 meetings at the start of Iraq War

In 2003, Turkey invoked the first Article 4 meetings at the start of the Iraq War.

August 2004: NATO forms NATO Training Mission – Iraq

In August 2004, during the Iraq War, NATO formed the NATO Training Mission – Iraq, a training mission to assist the Iraqi security forces in conjunction with the US-led MNF-I.

December 2004: End of SFOR

In December 2004, operations were then passed onto the European Union Force Althea, concluding SFOR.

2004: Seven New Members Join NATO

In 2004, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined NATO. This significant expansion incorporated several former Warsaw Pact and post-Soviet states into the alliance. Their inclusion increased NATO's presence in Eastern Europe.

2004: Announcement of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative

The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative was announced in 2004. It serves as a dialogue forum for the Middle East, similar to the Mediterranean Dialogue. The four participants are also linked through the Gulf Cooperation Council.

July 2006: ISAF takes over military operations in southern Afghanistan

On July 31, 2006, the ISAF took over military operations in the south of Afghanistan from a US-led anti-terrorism coalition.

2006: Study on NATO Enlargement and Democratic Consolidation

A 2006 study in the journal Security Studies argued that NATO enlargement contributed to democratic consolidation in Central and Eastern Europe. The study suggested that NATO membership incentivized democratic reforms and institutions in post-communist countries. The study highlights the positive impact of NATO expansion on democratic development.

2006: Goal for Defense Spending Set

Since 2006, the goal for each NATO country has been to spend at least 2 percent of its gross domestic product on its own defense. This target aimed to ensure that member states maintain adequate military capabilities. It was later reinforced in 2014.

2007: Election of Nicolas Sarkozy

In 2007, the election of French president Nicolas Sarkozy led to a major reform of France's military position.

2008: Georgia Promised Future Membership

During the 2008 Bucharest Summit, Georgia was promised "future membership" in NATO. This commitment signaled NATO's intention to eventually incorporate Georgia into the Alliance. However, no specific timeline was established for Georgia's accession.

2008: UN Secretary-General called on member-states to protect ships of Operation Allied Provider

In 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General called on member-states to protect the ships of Operation Allied Provider, which was distributing aid as part of the World Food Programme mission in Somalia.

April 2009: France Rejoins NATO Military Command Structure

On April 4, 2009, France rejoined NATO Military Command Structure, while maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent.

August 2009: NATO deployed warships in operation to protect maritime traffic from Somali pirates

Beginning on August 17, 2009, NATO deployed warships in an operation to protect maritime traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean from Somali pirates, and help strengthen the navies and coast guards of regional states.

2009: Albania and Croatia Join NATO

In 2009, Albania and Croatia became members of NATO. This further expanded NATO's influence in the Balkans. Albania and Croatia's addition to NATO contributed to regional security and stability.

2009: France returned to NATO integrated military command

Nicolas Sarkozy negotiated the return of France to the integrated military command and the Defence Planning Committee in 2009, the latter being disbanded the following year.

2010: Ukraine Re-affirms Non-Aligned Status

In 2010, under President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine re-affirmed its non-aligned status. This decision reversed previous efforts to pursue NATO membership. The move reflected a shift in Ukraine's foreign policy orientation under Yanukovych's leadership.

March 2011: UN Security Council Resolution 1973 called for a ceasefire and authorized military action to protect civilians

On March 17, 2011, the violence between protesters and the Libyan government under Colonel Muammar Gaddafi escalated, leading to the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which called for a ceasefire and authorized military action to protect civilians. A coalition that included several NATO members began enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya shortly afterwards, beginning with Opération Harmattan by the French Air Force on March 19.

March 2011: NATO states agreed on enforcing an arms embargo against Libya with Operation Unified Protector

On March 20, 2011, NATO states agreed on enforcing an arms embargo against Libya with Operation Unified Protector using ships from NATO Standing Maritime Group 1 and Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1, and additional ships and submarines from NATO members to "monitor, report and, if needed, interdict vessels suspected of carrying illegal arms or mercenaries".

March 2011: NATO agreed to take control of the no-fly zone over Libya

On March 24, 2011, NATO agreed to take control of the no-fly zone from the initial coalition, while command of targeting ground units remained with the coalition's forces. NATO began officially enforcing the UN resolution on March 27, 2011 with assistance from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

October 2011: End of NATO mission in Libya

By the end of the mission in October 2011, after the death of Colonel Gaddafi, NATO planes had flown about 9,500 strike sorties against pro-Gaddafi targets.

December 2011: Conclusion of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq

On December 17, 2011, the NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) officially concluded.

April 2012: Turkish Prime Minister considered invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty

In April 2012, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan considered invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty to protect Turkish national security in a dispute over the Syrian civil war. The alliance responded quickly and a spokesperson said the alliance was "monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to do so" and "takes it very seriously protecting its members."

May 2012: Human Rights Watch identified civilians killed in the NATO campaign in Libya

A report from the organization Human Rights Watch in May 2012 identified at least 72 civilians killed in the campaign.

June 2012: Shooting down of a Turkish military jet by Syria

After the shooting down of a Turkish military jet by Syria in June 2012 resulting in Article 4 consultations, NATO approved Operation Active Fence.

October 2012: Syrian forces shelling Turkish cities

After Syrian forces shelling Turkish cities in October 2012 resulting in Article 4 consultations, NATO approved Operation Active Fence.

2012: NATO Broadens Group of Global Partners

By 2012, NATO had broadened the group of "Contact Countries". This group meets to discuss issues such as counter-piracy and technology exchange, under the names "global partners" or "partners across the globe". This expansion reflected NATO's growing engagement with countries worldwide.

2012: Turkey invoked Article 4 twice during the Syrian civil war

In 2012, Turkey invoked Article 4 twice during the Syrian civil war, after the downing of an unarmed Turkish F-4 reconnaissance jet, and after a mortar was fired at Turkey from Syria.

October 2013: Libyan Prime Minister requested technical advice and trainers from NATO

Following a coup d'état attempt in October 2013, Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan requested technical advice and trainers from NATO to assist with ongoing security issues.

December 2014: ISAF disestablished and replaced by Resolute Support Mission

In December 2014, ISAF was disestablished and replaced by the follow-on training Resolute Support Mission.

December 2014: Ukraine Ends Non-Aligned Status

In December 2014, Ukraine's parliament voted to end the country's non-aligned status. This decision followed Russia's occupation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine during the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution. The move signaled Ukraine's intention to pursue closer ties with NATO.

2014: Obama States Georgia Not on Path to Membership

In 2014, US President Barack Obama stated that Georgia was not "currently on a path" to NATO membership. This assessment dampened expectations about Georgia's immediate prospects for joining the Alliance. Obama's statement reflected concerns about Georgia's political and security situation.

2014: NATO Declaration on Defense Spending

In 2014, a NATO declaration stated that countries not meeting the 2 percent defense spending goal would "aim to move towards the 2 percent guideline within a decade". This commitment reinforced the importance of defense investment among NATO members. The declaration set a timeline for countries to increase their defense spending.

2014: Russian Annexation of Crimea

The 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea led to strong condemnation by all NATO members, and was one of the seven times that Article 4 was invoked. At the Wales summit, member states committed to spend at least two percent of their GDP on defence by 2024.

2015: Military Spending Decline

From 1990 to 2015, military spending by NATO's European members declined by 28 percent.

2015: Turkey invoked Article 4 after threats by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

In 2015, Turkey invoked Article 4 after threats by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant to its territorial integrity.

2015: Turkey called for an emergency meeting after the 2015 Suruç bombing

In response to the 2015 Suruç bombing, which Turkey attributed to ISIS, and other security issues along its southern border, Turkey called for an emergency meeting.

June 2016: Russian Poll on NATO Threat

A June 2016 Levada Center poll indicated that 68 percent of Russians believed that deploying NATO troops in the Baltic states and Poland posed a threat to Russia. This perception reflects ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO in Eastern Europe. The poll highlighted public sentiment regarding NATO's military presence near Russian borders.

2016: Creation of NATO Enhanced Forward Presence

At the 2016 Warsaw summit, NATO countries agreed on the creation of NATO Enhanced Forward Presence, which deployed four multinational battalion-sized battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

2017: Montenegro Joins NATO

In 2017, Montenegro joined NATO. This marked another step in NATO's expansion in the Balkans. Montenegro's membership enhanced NATO's presence in the Adriatic region.

2017: Pew Research Center Report on Russian Threat

In 2017, a Pew Research Center report found that 65 percent of Poles surveyed identified Russia as a "major threat". This contrasted with the average of 31 percent across all NATO countries. The report underscored varying perceptions of Russia's threat level among NATO member states.

January 2018: Qatar and NATO Sign Joint Security Agreement

In January 2018, Qatar and NATO signed a joint security agreement. Later in June 2018, Qatar expressed a wish to join NATO, who ruled it out, saying that only additional European countries could join according to Article 10 of NATO's founding treaty.

June 2018: Qatar Expresses Wish to Join NATO

In June 2018, Qatar expressed a wish to join NATO. However, NATO ruled it out, stating that only additional European countries could join according to Article 10 of NATO's founding treaty. Qatar had signed a joint security agreement with NATO earlier in January 2018.

2018: Poles Favor US Forces in Poland

In 2018, 67 percent of Poles surveyed favored US forces being based in Poland. This sentiment reflects strong support for enhanced security cooperation between Poland and the United States. The survey highlighted Poland's desire for a stronger military presence of its allies.

2019: Ukraine Enshrines NATO Membership Goal in Constitution

In 2019, Ukraine enshrined the goal of NATO membership in its Constitution. This constitutional amendment solidified Ukraine's commitment to joining the Alliance. The move aimed to demonstrate Ukraine's long-term strategic orientation towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

February 2020: Article 4 consultations due to Northwestern Syria offensive

The latest Article 4 consultation happened in February 2020, as part of increasing tensions due to the Northwestern Syria offensive, which involved Syrian and suspected Russian airstrikes on Turkish troops, and risked direct confrontation between Russia and a NATO member.

2020: North Macedonia Joins NATO

In 2020, North Macedonia joined NATO. This further expanded NATO's presence in the Balkans region. North Macedonia's inclusion strengthened NATO's influence in Southeastern Europe.

April 2021: NATO agrees to start withdrawing troops from Afghanistan by May 1

On April 14, 2021, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that the alliance had agreed to begin withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan by May 1.

June 2021: NATO Affirms Ukraine's Future Membership

At the June 2021 Brussels Summit, NATO leaders affirmed that Ukraine would eventually join the Alliance. The leaders also supported Ukraine's right to self-determination without external interference. NATO reiterated its open-door policy and commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty.

August 2021: Taliban encircled Kabul

By August 15, 2021, the Taliban controlled the vast majority of Afghanistan and had encircled the capital city of Kabul.

February 2022: Russia Invades Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. This invasion marked a significant escalation in the conflict between the two countries and triggered a major European security crisis. The invasion prompted widespread international condemnation and led to increased calls for Ukraine's NATO membership.

March 2022: NATO Leaders Extraordinary Summit

In March 2022, NATO leaders met at Brussels for an extraordinary summit which also involved Group of Seven and European Union leaders. NATO member states agreed to establish four additional battlegroups in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, and elements of the NATO Response Force were activated for the first time in NATO's history.

June 2022: NATO Troop Deployment on Eastern Flank

As of June 2022, NATO had deployed 40,000 troops along its 2,500-kilometre-long Eastern flank to deter Russian aggression. Spain sent Eurofighter Typhoons and the Netherlands sent eight F-35 attack aircraft to supplement Bulgaria's Air Force. Additional French and US attack aircraft would arrive soon as well.

July 2022: NATO Estimates Members Meeting Spending Target

In July 2022, NATO estimated that 11 member states would meet the target of spending at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense in 2023. The estimate highlighted the increasing focus on defense spending among NATO members. It was a goal set since 2006, and later in 2014.

September 2022: Ukraine Applies for NATO Membership

In September 2022, Ukraine formally applied for NATO membership. This application followed Russia's proclamation of annexing southeastern regions of Ukraine. Ukraine's renewed bid for NATO membership underscored its desire for stronger security guarantees.

2022: Military Spending

In 2022, NATO member states' combined military spending constituted around 55 percent of the global nominal total.

April 2023: Finland Joins NATO

On April 4, 2023, Finland officially joined NATO, marking a significant expansion of the alliance in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This move reflects a shift in Finland's security policy and closer alignment with Western defense structures. Finland is the newest member.

2023: Biggest Contributors to NATO Common Funds

In 2023, the United States and Germany were the largest contributors to NATO's common funds, each providing 16.2% of the total. Member states contribute to NATO's civil and military budgets, as well as the security investment program, based on a cost-sharing formula.

2023: NATO Estimates Members Meeting Spending Target

February 2024: NATO Reports on Defense Spending

On February 14, 2024, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that 18 member states were expected to meet the 2% defense spending target in 2024. This marked a significant increase compared to previous years. The report indicated a growing commitment to defense investment among NATO members.

March 2024: Sweden Joins NATO

On March 7, 2024, Sweden joined NATO as its newest member, marking the tenth time NATO has added new members.

June 2024: NATO Announces Record Defense Spending

On June 17, 2024, prior to the 2024 Washington summit, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that a record 23 of 32 NATO member states were meeting their defense spending targets of 2% of their country's GDP. NATO also reported that defense spending for European member states and Canada was up 18% in the past year.

2024: Defence Spending Target

By 2024, NATO members formally committed to spend the equivalent of at least two percent of their gross domestic products on defence.

2024: Target Defence Spending

By 2024, NATO members have agreed to reach or maintain the target defence spending of at least two percent of their GDP.

2024: Biggest Contributors to NATO Common Funds

In 2024, the United States and Germany were the largest contributors to NATO's common funds, each providing 16.2% of the total. Member states contribute to NATO's civil and military budgets, as well as the security investment program, based on a cost-sharing formula.