Updated · Stockholm International Peace Research Institute · Apr 27
SIPRI reports global military spending rises for 11th year to $2887 billion in 2025
Updated
Updated · Stockholm International Peace Research Institute · Apr 27
SIPRI reports global military spending rises for 11th year to $2887 billion in 2025
15 articles · Updated · Stockholm International Peace Research Institute · Apr 27
Spending grew 2.9% from 2024, with Europe up 14% and Asia and Oceania up 8.1%. US spending fell 7.5% to $954 billion, while China and Russia increased their budgets.
European NATO members saw their fastest spending growth since 1953, with Germany and Spain surpassing 2% of GDP. Ukraine’s military spending surged 20% to $84.1 billion amid ongoing war.
Asia and Oceania posted their largest rise since 2009, led by China and Japan. Middle East spending remained stable, while Africa and countries like Nigeria and Guyana increased budgets due to regional insecurity.
What is the hidden environmental cost of this $2.9 trillion global military expenditure?
As global military spending hits a new high, is the world buying security or fueling a new arms race?
As defense giants profit from conflict, who truly bears the cost of global rearmament?
With NATO's new 5% spending target, is Europe becoming a self-reliant military power?
With US allies boosting defense budgets, are they preparing for war or hedging against an unreliable America?
Does record military spending stimulate economies, or sacrifice long-term prosperity for short-term security?
Record $2.89 Trillion Military Expenditure in 2025: Economic, Social, and Environmental Impacts
Overview
Global military spending reached a record $2.89 trillion in 2025, driven mainly by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which spurred increased defense budgets in Europe and a surge in investment in AI-enabled drones and advanced military technology. While U.S. spending declined, tensions like the U.S.-China rivalry over Taiwan and instability in regions such as North Africa fueled long-term arms build-ups. NATO's commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 adds further pressure amid political divisions and economic challenges. This arms race strains social programs, widens inequality, and worsens environmental impacts, prompting calls for a human-centered security approach that balances defense needs with sustainable development and climate action.