Global Military Spending Hits Record $2.887 Trillion in 2025
Global military expenditure rose for the 11th consecutive year in 2025, reaching a record high of approximately $2.887 trillion, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This represents a 2.9% increase from 2024 and accounts for 2.5% of global GDP, the highest level since 2009.
Regional Spending Overview
Military spending patterns varied significantly across regions in 2025.
Europe: The Fastest Growth
Europe saw the largest percentage increase, with total spending rising by 14% to $864 billion. This growth was driven primarily by security concerns among NATO members following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Notable increases include:
- Germany: $114 billion, a 24% rise (2.3% of GDP)
- Spain: 50% increase
- Poland: 23% increase
- Italy: 20% increase
- Belgium: 59% increase
- Norway: 49% increase
- Denmark: 46% increase
Asia and Oceania: Steady Rise
Asia and Oceania collectively spent $681 billion, an 8.1% increase. Key national expenditures included:
- China: $336 billion (estimated), a 7.4% increase, continuing a 31-year trend of annual growth
- India: $92.1 billion, an 8.9% rise
- Japan: $62.2 billion, a 9.7% increase, representing its highest share of GDP (1.4%) since 1958
- Taiwan: $18.2 billion, a 14.2% increase (2.1% of GDP)
The United States: Still the Largest, but in Decline
The United States remained the world's largest spender at $954 billion, though this figure represents a 7.5% decline from the previous year. SIPRI attributed the decrease partly to the absence of new military aid packages for Ukraine in 2025. The US Congress has subsequently approved over $1 trillion in defense spending for 2026.
Russia and Ukraine: War-Driven Expenditure
Russia spent an estimated $190 billion, equivalent to 7.5% of its GDP. Ukraine spent an estimated 40% of its GDP on defense, the highest percentage of any country globally.
The Middle East
Saudi Arabia spent $83.2 billion, and Israel spent $48.3 billion. Iran's officially reported military spending dropped by 5.6%, though SIPRI noted that off-budget oil revenues likely meant actual expenditure was higher.
Africa
Africa reported total spending of $58.2 billion, an increase of 8.5%.
Analysis and Context
"The continued increases reflect countries' reactions to ongoing wars, tensions and geopolitical uncertainty."
SIPRI researcher Xiao Liang added that rising spending "reduces trust and increases the risk of miscalculation."
SIPRI analysts attributed the growth to regional tensions, uncertainty over US security guarantees, and long-term defense modernization targets. European NATO members experienced their fastest period of spending growth since 1953.
Outlook
SIPRI projects that global military expenditure will continue to grow through 2026 and beyond, citing ongoing conflicts and established defense spending targets across multiple regions. The Pentagon anticipates future budget increases, while China's military modernization efforts continue to influence regional security dynamics.