UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — NATO push to raise defence spending strains European members’ budgets

Q1. How many countries signed the North Atlantic Treaty as founding members of NATO in 1949?

  • A. 10
  • B. 12
  • C. 16
  • D. 32

Q2. With reference to NATO at its founding compared with the present, consider the following statements: 1. NATO was established by the North Atlantic Treaty signed in 1949 with 12 original members. 2. NATO's membership has since grown to 32 states. 3. Article 5, the collective-defence clause, has been invoked on several occasions, most recently during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. NATO was established by the North Atlantic Treaty signed in 1949 with 12 original members.
  2. NATO's membership has since grown to 32 states.
  3. Article 5, the collective-defence clause, has been invoked on several occasions, most recently during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Under the 5%-of-GDP target agreed at the 2025 Hague Summit, the pledge is split into two parts; what share of GDP is assigned to the larger 'core defence requirements' component?

  • A. 1.5%
  • B. 2%
  • C. 3.5%
  • D. 5%

Q4. The 1.5%-of-GDP 'security-related' component of NATO's 5% pledge covers broader defence-related measures. Which one of the following is NOT part of this 1.5% component? 1. Cyber security and network defence 2. Protection of critical infrastructure such as pipelines 3. Adapting roads and bridges to carry heavy military vehicles 4. Salaries and equipment for frontline combat troops Which of the above is/are NOT correctly placed under the 1.5% component?

  1. Cyber security and network defence
  2. Protection of critical infrastructure such as pipelines
  3. Adapting roads and bridges to carry heavy military vehicles
  4. Salaries and equipment for frontline combat troops
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 4 only

Q5. At the 2014 Wales Summit, NATO members pledged to move towards spending what share of their GDP on defence?

  • A. 1.5%
  • B. 2%
  • C. 3%
  • D. 5%

Q6. Consider the following statements about the evolution of NATO's defence-spending benchmark: 1. Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea prompted the Wales defence-spending pledge. 2. After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, allies agreed to treat the 2% figure as a minimum. 3. Several members initially described the 2% figure as a guideline rather than a binding target. 4. The 2014 Wales pledge set 2020 as the deadline for reaching the 2% level. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea prompted the Wales defence-spending pledge.
  2. After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, allies agreed to treat the 2% figure as a minimum.
  3. Several members initially described the 2% figure as a guideline rather than a binding target.
  4. The 2014 Wales pledge set 2020 as the deadline for reaching the 2% level.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4

Q7. With reference to the 2026 Ankara Summit compared with the 2025 Hague Summit, consider the following statements: 1. The 2026 NATO summit is being held in Ankara, Türkiye. 2. The 2025 summit that set the 5%-of-GDP target was held in The Hague. 3. The Ankara Summit revised the Hague target downward to a lower share of GDP. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 2026 NATO summit is being held in Ankara, Türkiye.
  2. The 2025 summit that set the 5%-of-GDP target was held in The Hague.
  3. The Ankara Summit revised the Hague target downward to a lower share of GDP.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. At the 2026 Ankara Summit, allies referred to a figure of €70 billion. What does this €70 billion refer to?

  • A. NATO's total common annual budget for 2026
  • B. The United States' assessed contribution to NATO for 2026
  • C. Military equipment and assistance pledged by allies to Ukraine for 2026
  • D. The cost of hosting the Ankara Summit

Q9. With reference to how NATO's 5% target applies unevenly across members, consider the following statements: 1. Spain argued it could meet its NATO commitments while spending less than 5% of GDP. 2. Secretary-General Mark Rutte accepted Spain's position despite disagreeing with it. 3. The 5% target more than doubles the earlier 2% benchmark. 4. Italy secured an exemption from the 5% target on the same terms as Spain. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Spain argued it could meet its NATO commitments while spending less than 5% of GDP.
  2. Secretary-General Mark Rutte accepted Spain's position despite disagreeing with it.
  3. The 5% target more than doubles the earlier 2% benchmark.
  4. Italy secured an exemption from the 5% target on the same terms as Spain.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4

Q10. The data showing that European allies and Canada raised defence spending by about 20% in real terms in 2025 was compiled and released through which of the following?

  • A. The NATO Secretary-General's Annual Report
  • B. The International Monetary Fund's Fiscal Monitor
  • C. SIPRI, the exclusive official source of all NATO expenditure data
  • D. The European Commission's defence directorate

Q11. In the context of NATO enlargement, what does an 'accession protocol' precisely refer to?

  • A. A candidate country's formal application letter requesting NATO membership
  • B. A document amending the North Atlantic Treaty that all existing members must ratify before a candidate can join
  • C. A ceasefire arrangement a candidate must sign with neighbouring states before joining
  • D. An internal NATO staff assessment of a candidate's military readiness

Q12. Under the reported Trump-administration 'burden-shifting' plan for US forces in Europe, consider the following measures: 1. Cutting fighter aircraft earmarked for NATO missions in Europe from 150 to 100. 2. Reducing maritime reconnaissance aircraft available to the alliance from 26 to 15. 3. Withdrawing all eight aerial-refuelling tanker aircraft assigned to NATO missions. 4. Complete withdrawal of all US ground troops from Germany by 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Cutting fighter aircraft earmarked for NATO missions in Europe from 150 to 100.
  2. Reducing maritime reconnaissance aircraft available to the alliance from 26 to 15.
  3. Withdrawing all eight aerial-refuelling tanker aircraft assigned to NATO missions.
  4. Complete withdrawal of all US ground troops from Germany by 2026.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 1 and 3