Global military spending reached almost $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The increase reflects the multiplication of armed conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions across several regions.
United States, China and Russia dominate spending
The United States, China and Russia together accounted for more than half of global military expenditure, totalling $1.48 trillion.
According to the report, global military spending rose by 2.9% in real terms compared with 2024.
Despite this overall increase, US defence spending declined by 7.5%, reaching $954 billion.
Temporary decline in US spending
The reduction in US spending was largely due to the absence of a new financial and military aid package for Ukraine in 2025, unlike the previous three years when Washington pledged $127 billion to Kyiv.
Researchers note that the decline is likely temporary. The US Congress has already approved defence spending exceeding $1 trillion for 2026, which could reach $1.5 trillion by 2027 if a budget proposal from the administration of President Donald Trump is adopted.
Europe drives global increase
The main driver of global growth was Europe, including Russia and Ukraine, where military spending rose by 14%, reaching $864 billion.
Germany, now the fourth-largest military spender globally, increased its defence budget by 24%, bringing total spending to $114 billion.
Spain recorded one of the sharpest increases, raising military spending by 50% to $40.2 billion, exceeding 2% of GDP for the first time since 1994.
Russia and Ukraine expand defence budgets
Russia increased military expenditure by 5.9%, reaching $190 billion, equivalent to 7.5% of GDP.
Ukraine raised its military spending by 20%, totalling $84.1 billion, which represents 40% of the country’s GDP.
Israel and Asia-Pacific trends
In Israel, military spending fell by 4.9% to $48.3 billion, reflecting a temporary de-escalation of the war in the Gaza Strip following ceasefires implemented in January and October 2025.
However, the figure remains 97% higher than in 2022, according to SIPRI researchers.
In the Asia–Oceania region, defence spending reached $681 billion, an increase of 8.5% compared with 2024, marking the region’s largest annual rise since 2009.
Japan increased military spending by 9.7% to $62.2 billion, equivalent to 1.4% of GDP, the highest level since 1958.
Taiwan also raised defence spending by 14%, reaching $18.2 billion.