Global military spending rise continues as European and Asian expenditures surge
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute • • world
Key Points:
- Global military expenditure reached $2,887 billion in 2025, marking an 11th consecutive year of increases and a 2.9% rise over 2024, driven mainly by heightened insecurity and rearmament efforts worldwide.
- The United States reduced its military spending by 7.5% to $954 billion in 2025, largely due to the absence of new military aid for Ukraine, but plans indicate a significant increase to over $1 trillion in 2026.
- Europe saw a 14% increase in military expenditure to $864 billion, with NATO members, particularly Germany and Spain, raising their spending to meet new alliance targets amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Asia and Oceania experienced the fastest military spending growth since 2009, with China increasing its budget by 7.4% to $336 billion and countries like Japan and Taiwan also significantly boosting their defense spending.
- Military expenditure in the Middle East remained relatively stable at $218 billion despite ongoing conflicts, while Africa's spending grew by 8.5%, driven by rising insecurity and regional tensions.
