According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditures reached a record high of $2,887 billion in 2025. While spending decreased in the United States, it rose by 14 percent in Europe and by 8.1 percent across Asia and Oceania. The three largest spenders-the US, China, and Russia-collectively accounted for $1,480 billion, representing 51 percent of the total global expenditure.
This increase in military spending marks the eleventh consecutive year of growth. Furthermore, the global military burden, measured as the share of defense spending relative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), climbed to 2.5 percent, matching the highest level since 2009.
The reduction in US spending was primarily attributed to the fact that no new financial military aid was approved for Ukraine in 2025. Despite this, the US continues to invest significantly in both nuclear and conventional military capabilities to “secure its dominance in the Western Hemisphere and deter China in the Indo-Pacific”. Additionally, President Donald Trump plans to drastically increase the military budget in the upcoming fiscal year.
In Europe, SIPRI reported a 14 percent increase in military spending, totaling $864 billion. Spending continued to rise for Russia and Ukraine during the fourth year of the war in Ukraine. NATO members also saw a substantial rise in military expenditures, with Germany emerging as the largest spender, increasing its budget by 24 percent to $114 billion. Meanwhile, Asia and Oceania recorded the largest annual growth since 2009, with spending increasing by 8.1 percent. China notably raised its expenditures by 7.4 percent, reaching $336 billion.
