Stockholm, April 27 (SANA) Global military expenditure climbed to about $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking an eleventh consecutive year of growth as conflicts and geopolitical tensions reshaped defense priorities, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Agence France-Presse cited the report as saying that spending rose by 2.9% year-on-year, reflecting continued increases driven by wars and strategic rivalries. The United States, China and Russia accounted for more than half of global military expenditure, totaling about $1.48 trillion.
Despite a decline in U.S. military spending, overall global expenditure continued to rise, supported by increases across Europe and Asia. Researchers said 2025 was defined by escalating conflicts and growing geopolitical uncertainty.
The report also said the global “military burden”, measured as defense spending relative to GDP, has reached its highest level since 2009.
U.S. military spending fell by 7.5% to $954 billion, largely due to reduced new military aid to Ukraine, although it is expected to rise again following approval of larger defense budgets.
In Europe, spending rose by 14% to $864 billion, driven by the war in Ukraine and efforts to strengthen defense capabilities. Germany increased its defense budget by 24% to $114 billion, while Spain’s spending rose by 50% to $40.2 billion.
Russia’s military expenditure rose by 5.9% to $190 billion, accounting for 7.5% of its GDP. Ukraine increased its spending by 20% to $84.1 billion, equivalent to about 40% of its economic output.
In Asia and Oceania, spending grew by 8.5% to $681 billion, the fastest increase since 2009. China remained the largest regional spender at about $336 billion, while Japan, Taiwan and South Korea also increased defense budgets.
In the Middle East, spending rose slightly by 0.1% to $218 billion.
Analysts say the continued rise in global military spending reflects increasing focus on defense amid persistent instability, with conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East driving rearmament efforts.
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