Asia-Pacific military spending rises to US$681 billion at fastest pace since 2009
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Apr 27
Asia-Pacific military spending rises to US$681 billion at fastest pace since 2009
16 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Apr 27
SIPRI's annual report shows Asia-Pacific expenditures surged amid concerns over US reliability, with global military spending reaching US$2.89 trillion in 2025.
This marks the 11th consecutive year of global increases, bringing military spending to 2.5% of world GDP, the highest since 2009.
The US, China, and Russia together accounted for over half of global military expenditure, while Europe and Asia/Oceania also saw significant increases due to heightened geopolitical tensions.
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.