Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Global Military Spending Hits Record as Europe Re-Arms, Asia Expands
Countries around the world spent more money on their militaries in 2025 than ever before.
The total reached $2.89 trillion.
Europe increased spending especially quickly because of the war in Ukraine and concerns about future security.
Germany and Spain were among the European countries with the largest increases.
The United States still spent more than any other country, but its spending fell because it did not approve new military aid for Ukraine during the year.
China continued increasing its military budget for the 31st year in a row.
India was the fifth-largest military spender, while Pakistan spent much less.
Many Asian countries also raised spending because of regional tensions and uncertainty about future US support.
The three biggest spenders—the United States, China and Russia—accounted for about half of the world's total.
Global military expenditure reached a record $2.89 trillion in 2025, equal to 2.5% of global GDP.
European military spending rose 14% to $864 billion, driven by the Ukraine war and NATO rearmament.
The United States remained the largest spender at $954 billion, despite a 7.5% decline from 2024.
China increased spending 7.4% to an estimated $336 billion, while India rose 8.9% to $92.1 billion.
The United States, China and Russia together accounted for about 51% of global military expenditure.
- Who
- Governments worldwide, particularly the United States, China, Russia, European NATO members and India.
- What
- Global military expenditure reached a record $2.89 trillion in 2025, with Europe and Asia driving much of the increase.
- When
- The figures cover 2025 and were released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute on April 27.
- Where
- Worldwide, with especially sharp increases in Europe, Asia and Oceania.
- Why
- The increases were linked to the war in Ukraine, military modernization, regional tensions, nuclear and conventional capability investments, and uncertainty over future US security support.
Arguments for increased military spending
Concerns about increased military spending
European rearmament
Arguments for increased military spending
European governments are increasing defence budgets to respond to the war in Ukraine, strengthen independent military capabilities and meet pressure for greater NATO burden-sharing.
Concerns about increased military spending
The rapid increases indicate a potentially lasting transformation of Europe's defence posture and a broader expansion of military commitments beyond immediate wartime needs.
Regional military expansion
Arguments for increased military spending
Countries including China, India, Japan and Taiwan are raising spending to modernize forces and respond to regional security challenges and uncertainty about future US support.
Concerns about increased military spending
As countries expand military capabilities in response to one another, the increases may contribute to wider regional military competition.
US spending trajectory
Arguments for increased military spending
The United States' 2025 decline was partly linked to the absence of newly approved military assistance for Ukraine and may be temporary, with congressional approvals above $1 trillion for 2026.
Concerns about increased military spending
The fall in US spending and uncertainty over future support are prompting allies to reassess their own defence requirements.
- Global military spending
- $2.89 trillion in 2025
- Share of global GDP
- 2.5%, the highest level since 2009
- United States
- $954 billion, down 7.5% from 2024
- China
- An estimated $336 billion, up 7.4%
- Europe
- $864 billion, up 14%
- India
- $92.1 billion, up 8.9%; fifth-largest military spender
- Top three spenders
- The United States, China and Russia spent about $1.48 trillion, or 51% of the global total