Biden lauds defence spending rise, announces air defence for Ukraine

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday praised NATO countries' "remarkable progress" towards meeting the alliance's target of spending 2% of national gross domestic product on defence.

"In the year 2020, the year I was elected president, only nine NATO allies were spending 2%" of their GDP on defence, he said at a ceremony in Washington to mark NATO's 75th anniversary. "This year, 23 will spend at least 2%," Biden said.

"Some will spend more than that. And the remaining countries that have not yet reached that milestone will get there soon," he added.

He also praised allies' support for Ukraine and announced a joint provision of air defence equipment.

"Today, I'm announcing the historic donation of air defence equipment for Ukraine," Biden said. "The United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy will provide Ukraine with the equipment for five additional strategic air defence systems."