Global military expenditure reached $2,887 billion in 2025, marking a 2.9% increase in real terms compared to 2024, according to new data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday.
The report shows that global defence spending has continued its upward trend for the 11th consecutive year, driven by ongoing conflicts, rising geopolitical tensions, and large-scale rearmament programmes across multiple regions.
Europe recorded the strongest regional surge, with military spending rising by 14% to $864 billion. Asia and Oceania also saw a significant increase of 8.1%, reaching $681 billion, while Middle Eastern spending remained relatively stable at $218 billion.
The top three military spenders—the United States, China, and Russia—accounted for $1,480 billion combined, or 51% of total global expenditure.
Regional trends and key developments
In Europe, defence spending rose sharply amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and NATO rearmament efforts. Germany alone increased its military expenditure by 24% to $114 billion, crossing the 2% GDP threshold for the first time since 1990.
Russia’s military spending rose 5.9% to $190 billion, while Ukraine increased its defence budget by 20% to $84.1 billion, equal to 40% of its GDP.
Asia also experienced rapid growth, led by China, which raised its military spending by 7.4% to $336 billion, continuing its 31-year expansion trend. Japan and Taiwan also recorded notable increases amid regional security concerns.
In South Asia, India’s defence spending rose 8.9% to $92.1 billion, while Pakistan’s military expenditure increased by 11% to $11.9 billion.
United States and global balance
The United States saw a 7.5% decline in military spending to $954 billion, largely due to reduced foreign military assistance allocations compared to previous years. However, analysts note that future US budgets are expected to rise significantly again, potentially exceeding $1 trillion in coming years.
Despite the short-term decline in US spending, SIPRI experts say global military expansion remains strongly driven by strategic competition, especially between major powers.
Middle East and other regions
Military spending in the Middle East remained broadly stable, although Israel, Iran, and Turkiye showed varying trends. Israel’s spending fell slightly, while Turkiye and Saudi Arabia recorded moderate increases. Iran’s defence expenditure declined in real terms due to economic pressures and high inflation.
In Africa, military spending rose 8.5%, driven by security challenges and insurgencies, particularly in Nigeria, which recorded a 55% increase.
Global outlook
SIPRI researchers warn that global defence spending is likely to continue rising as geopolitical tensions persist, with wars, regional rivalries, and security uncertainties pushing governments to prioritise military budgets.
The global military burden—defence spending as a share of GDP—has now reached 2.5%, its highest level since 2009.
