Global Military Expenditure Reaches Record $2.887 Trillion in 2025; India Among Top Five Spenders

Global military spending reached a record $2.887 trillion in 2025, marking the 11th straight year of growth, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Worldwide military expenditure rose by 2.9% in real terms, with a 41% increase over the past decade. The global military burden, measured as a share of GDP, climbed to 2.5%, the highest since 2009, while per capita spending hit $352. The United States remained the top military spender at $954 billion, despite a 7.5% drop from 2024, linked to reduced aid for Ukraine and Israel. China followed with $336 billion, up 7.4%, continuing its 31-year spending streak. Russia spent $190 billion, allocating 7.5% of GDP, a record high. India held fifth place at $92.1 billion, up 8.9%, partly due to conflict with Pakistan. The top 15 spenders accounted for nearly 80% of global military expenditure. Europe saw a sharp 14% rise to $864 billion, driven by the Russia-Ukraine war and NATO uncertainty. Germany became the fourth-largest spender at $114 billion, up 24%. Asia and Oceania spending rose 8.1% to $681 billion, with increases in Japan, Taiwan, Pakistan, and India. Ukraine became the seventh-largest spender at $84.1 billion, dedicating 40% of GDP to defence, the world’s highest burden for the fourth year. The Middle East maintained high spending amid ongoing conflicts, with Israel at $48.3 billion and Saudi Arabia leading the region at $83.2 billion. The UN warned that rising military budgets divert resources from poverty reduction, healthcare, education, and climate action, undermining sustainable development goals. A UN report highlighted a $4 trillion annual financing gap for these goals, noting that $21.9 trillion spent on militarization over the past decade could have addressed global hunger, healthcare, and climate adaptation.