Global Military Spending Rises 2.9 % in 2025, Driven by Europe and Asia

In 2025, global military spending reached $2.9 trillion, up 2.9 % from 2024. The United States led with $954 billion, followed by China ($336 billion) and Russia ($190 billion), together accounting for over half of the total. Europe and Asia-Oceania drove most growth, rising 14 % to $864 billion and 8.1 % to $681 billion.

CNN

European NATO members posted the steepest post-Cold-War increases, with Germany’s budget at $114 billion. In Asia-Oceania, Japan’s spending rose 9.7 % to $62.2 billion (1.4 % of GDP) and Taiwan’s to $18.2 billion (2.1 % of GDP). China’s outlay reached $336 billion. The United States’ budget fell 7.5 % to $954 billion, reflecting no new Ukraine aid, while Congress approved over $1 trillion for 2026.

The Straits Times

The Ukraine war kept defense spending high in Ukraine (40 % of GDP) and Russia (7.5 % of GDP). European allies cited the conflict and reduced U.S. engagement as reasons to raise budgets. In the Indo-Pacific, tensions and uncertainty over U.S. support spurred Australia, Japan and the Philippines to boost defense spending.

CNN

SIPRI researchers noted the unprecedented pace of European NATO spending (Jade Guiberteau Ricard) and linked the rise to the Ukraine war and reduced U.S. engagement (Lorenzo Scarazzato). Xiao Liang warned growth will likely continue through 2026. The U.S. Congress earmarked over $1 trillion for 2026 defense, with a $1.5 trillion proposal for 2027.

The Straits Times

• “In 2025 military expenditure as a share of government spending reached the highest level ever recorded in both Russia and Ukraine,” — Lorenzo Scarazzato, SIPRI researcher

CNN

• “Everything points to a world that feels less secure and is spending on its military to compensate for the global landscape,” — Lorenzo Scarazzato, SIPRI researcher

The Straits Times

• “That is driven by two major factors. One is the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the other is the decreased US engagement with Europe,” — Lorenzo Scarazzato, SIPRI researcher

The Straits Times

• “Given the range of current crises, as well as many states’ long-term military spending targets, this growth will probably continue through 2026 and beyond,” — Xiao Liang, SIPRI researcher

CNN

SIPRI counts foreign aid on donor accounts, so the U.S. share appears lower when Ukraine aid is excluded. The report lacks a precise global-GDP share for U.S. defense spending, limiting comparison. Data for many smaller states, especially in Africa and the Middle East, remain aggregated.

CNN

U.S. lawmakers approved a defense budget over $1 trillion for 2026, with a $1.5 trillion proposal for 2027. SIPRI expects Europe and Asia to keep increasing spending as they meet long-term targets and respond to conflicts. Tracking alliance burden-sharing will be key to future security assessments.

The Straits Times