Global military spending reached a record $2.9 trillion in 2025 — SIPRI
In 2025, global defense spending rose by 2.9% to nearly $2.9 trillion, equivalent to 2.5% of global GDP. This is the highest figure since 2009.
This is according to the annual report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), CNN reports.
More than half of all spending—58%—was accounted for by five countries: the United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India.
Analysts note that the growth rate has slowed somewhat compared to 2024. They cite, in particular, the absence of new U.S. military aid packages for Ukraine in 2025 as a reason. Excluding the U.S., global growth in defense spending could have reached 9.2%.
European NATO countries have shown the fastest growth in military spending since 1953. The leaders were Belgium (+59%), Spain (+50%), and Norway (+49%). Germany spent $114 billion and ranked fourth in the world in terms of defense budgets.
Overall, experts attribute this trend to escalating security threats and U.S. pressure on allies to increase their contributions to collective defense.
Asia is also seeing an increase in military spending. Japan set a new record since 1958, and Taiwan significantly increased its defense budget due to tensions with China. China itself has been increasing its spending for 31 consecutive years.
In the Middle East, the highest spending is recorded in Saudi Arabia. In Israel, there was a slight reduction in spending following the ceasefire with Hamas. Regarding Iran, analysts suggest that actual spending is higher than official figures due to the use of off-budget revenues.
Ukraine remains the country with the highest share of military spending in its economy—about 40% of GDP.
Russia spends about 7.5% of GDP on defense, which is a historic high.
The United States remains the undisputed leader with spending of $954 billion in 2025. The defense budget is expected to exceed $1 trillion in 2026 and could rise to $1.5 trillion in 2027.
SIPRI analysts predict further growth in global militarization amid international conflicts and rising military spending by leading nations.
Earlier, Germany, amid a protracted industrial downturn and stagnation, began a large-scale restructuring of its industry to meet military needs.
Germany is preparing an emergency meeting of the National Security Council due to concerns about the stability of energy supplies and a possible fuel shortage. Authorities assure that the situation is under control but acknowledge the risks of deterioration.
Jens Spahn, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union faction in the Bundestag, has called for a return to discussions on nuclear energy.
