Global Military Spending Hits 16-Year High as Europe and Asia Drive Surge

Global military spending rose sharply in 2025, reaching $2.9 trillion, its highest level in 16 years, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The total marked a 2.9% increase from 2024 and accounted for 2.5% of global GDP, the highest share since 2009. Europe led the surge with a 14% jump to $864 billion, while Asia-Oceania spending rose 8.1% to $681 billion. The United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India remained the top five spenders, making up 58% of the global total. Spending growth was driven largely by U.S. allies, with major increases across NATO countries, including Belgium, Spain, and Germany. Japan raised spending by 9.7%, while China recorded its 31st straight annual rise, up 7.4%. Ukraine allocated about 40% of its GDP to defense, the highest globally, while Russia spent 7.5%. Africa’s total rose 8.5% to $58.2 billion, led by Algeria.