The Report news agency claimed that Turkey pays financial contributions to NATO at a level equal to 6.3% of its GDP. Turkey’s direct contribution in 2026 was approximately €334 million.
According to Fakt Yoxla’s conclusion, the news report is false.
How is NATO funded?
NATO’s funding is carried out in two forms: direct and indirect funding.
Indirect funding is the organisation’s main form of financing. Since NATO does not have its own army, the organisation has an interest in member states strengthening their own military capabilities. This is because strengthening the military capabilities of member states means strengthening the alliance’s overall military capacity. Since 2006, NATO member states have committed to allocating no less than 2% of their gross domestic product to the military sector.
Direct funding, on the other hand, refers to funds paid by member states to the organisation to support the programs implemented by NATO.
Turkey’s financial contribution to NATO
Like all NATO member states, Turkey allocates funds to NATO in two forms. As a member state, Turkey both allocates funding from its state budget to its own military infrastructure — indirect funding — and provides financial support for the implementation of NATO programs — direct funding.
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the share of Turkey’s defence expenditures in GDP in recent years — indirect funding — is as follows:
As can be seen, in recent years, Turkey has allocated a maximum of 1.91% of its GDP to defence spending. According to the institute’s data, the highest share of Turkey’s military expenditures in GDP was recorded in 1975, at 5.12%.
So what does 6.3% refer to?
The total amount allocated in 2026 for NATO-run programs — direct funding — was €5.3 billion. Turkey’s contribution to this budget accounted for 6.3% of the total amount, or €334 million.
Thus, Turkey did not pay NATO financial contributions equal to 6.3% of its GDP. In 2025, Turkey’s defence expenditures stood at 1.91% of its GDP. In addition, Turkey allocated €334 million for NATO programs, which accounted for 6.3% of the total budget intended for those programs — €5.3 billion.
According to Fakt Yoxla’s conclusion, the report by Report.az is false.
