Story perspectives

Global Defense Outlays Top $2.9T; US Falls, Europe Rises

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Global military spending hit a record $2.887 trillion in 2025, the highest level since 2009.
U.S. spending fell to $954 billion in 2025, a 7.5 percent decline from the prior year.
European defense outlays rose 14 percent to $864 billion in 2025, including Germany meeting NATO’s 2 percent GDP target for the first time since 1990.
President Donald Trump’s administration signaled a reversal, with Congress approving over $1 trillion for 2026 and possibly $1.5 trillion for 2027.

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Story summary

Global military spending hit a record $2.887 trillion in 2025, the highest level since 2009.
U.S. spending fell to $954 billion in 2025, a 7.5 percent decline from the prior year.
European defense outlays rose 14 percent to $864 billion in 2025, including Germany meeting NATO’s 2 percent GDP target for the first time since 1990.
President Donald Trump’s administration signaled a reversal, with Congress approving over $1 trillion for 2026 and possibly $1.5 trillion for 2027.