German Green Party leader and chancellor candidate Robert Habeck has proposed a significant increase in defense spending, advocating for 3.5% of the country's GDP to be allocated to defense.

This exceeds NATO's current target of 2%, which Germany has only recently met.

Habeck argues that the increase is necessary to deter potential threats from Russia and ensure peace.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has also expressed support for exceeding the NATO benchmark.

Currently, only a few NATO countries, including the U.

S., allocate 3% or more of their GDP to defense.

Habeck's proposal highlights the growing focus on security in Germany's political landscape as the country prepares for its upcoming elections.