What's happened
Global military spending has reached a historic high, topping $2.89 trillion in 2025. The United States, China and Russia lead the spenders, while Europe and Asia show the strongest growth. U.S. expenditure has fallen slightly in 2025 but is expected to rise again in 2026, with European and Asian budgets expanding amid ongoing conflicts and tensions.
What's behind the headline?
What this means for readers
- The record total confirms that global defence budgets remain highly responsive to regional conflicts and geopolitical shifts. The US, China and Russia together account for about half of all spending, signaling a concentrated core of military finance.
- Europe’s 14% surge reflects intensified budgetary commitments in response to the Ukraine war and broader European security concerns. Asia and Oceania also show sustained growth, with China maintaining a steady increase amid regional tensions.
- The global defence burden now sits at its highest GDP share since 2009, suggesting that defence finance continues to compete with other public goods, even as civilian needs press for investment. The trajectory points to continued growth through 2026, barring major shifts in policy or conflict dynamics.
- For readers, this means ongoing attention to how governments balance military spending with healthcare, education and other public services, and how defence priorities influence domestic policy and global stability.
How we got here
SIPRI data for 2025 show a 2.9% real-terms rise in world defence spending, driven by Europe and Asia despite a fall in US funding for Ukraine in that year. The top three spenders accounted for about half of global spending, while per-capita and GDP-share measures highlight regional shifts, including Europe’s war-related ramp-up and Asia’s continuing modernisation.
Our analysis
According to SIPRI, global military expenditure rose 2.9% in 2025 to $2.89 trillion, with the United States, China and Russia as the top spenders accounting for about 51% of the global total. Reuters notes the US fell in 2025 due to no new Ukraine aid, while France 24 highlights Europe’s 14% rise and Australia’s relative positioning. SBS reports a record $4 trillion globally, driven by US, Chinese and Russian outlays; The Japan Times and Al Jazeera provide complementary breakdowns of per-capita spending and historical context. The New Arab provides regional context for the Middle East and North Africa, noting near-stagnant growth in 2025 after a surge in 2024.
Go deeper
- How should readers interpret shifts in US military aid to Ukraine in 2025 for future spending?
- Which regions are most likely to influence defence budgets in 2026?
- What trade-offs might households face if defence spending remains at record levels?
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