Military spending worldwide reached nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of increases, according to a new report highlighting rising global conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
The latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that the United States, China and Russia together account for more than half of global military spending, totalling approximately $1.48 trillion.
Europe drives global increase
Global military spending rose by 2.9% in real terms over the past year, despite a slight decline in US defence expenditure. Researchers attribute the overall rise to significant increases in Europe and Asia amid escalating conflicts and geopolitical instability.
Europe, including Russia and Ukraine, recorded the largest regional growth, with defence spending rising by 14% to $864 billion.
US spending declines but remains dominant
The United States spent $954 billion on defence, a decrease of 7.5% compared to 2024. SIPRI researchers noted that the decline was mainly due to the absence of new military aid packages for Ukraine, unlike previous years.
However, the reduction is expected to be temporary, as the US Congress has approved defence spending exceeding $1 trillion for 2026, with projections suggesting it could reach $1.5 trillion by 2027 under proposed budget plans.
Major increases across Europe
Germany ranked fourth globally, increasing its military spending by 24% to $114 billion. Spain also recorded a significant rise of 50%, reaching $40.2 billion and surpassing 2% of GDP for the first time since 1994.
Russia increased its military spending by 5.9% to $190 billion, representing 7.5% of its GDP. Ukraine, meanwhile, raised its defence expenditure by 20% to $84.1 billion, equivalent to 40% of its GDP.
Middle East and Asia-Pacific trends
Israel’s military spending fell by 4.9% to $48.3 billion, reflecting a temporary de-escalation in Gaza following ceasefires in 2025. However, spending remains 97% higher than in 2022.
In the Asia-Pacific region, total military expenditure rose by 8.5% to $681 billion, the fastest increase since 2009. Japan increased spending by 9.7% to $62.2 billion, reaching its highest GDP share since 1958, while Taiwan raised its defence budget by 14% to $18.2 billion.
SIPRI researchers warn that the sustained rise in military spending reflects deepening global instability, with multiple conflicts and escalating geopolitical competition shaping defence policies worldwide.
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