Global military spending is currently recorded to increase by 2.9% compared to 2024, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in the context of the world experiencing another year of increasing conflict and tension.
Researcher Lorenzo Scarazzato said that the US spending reduction is not enough to pull total spending down, as other regions increase sharply. The proportion of military spending in global GDP has reached its highest level since 2009, reflecting growing feelings of insecurity.
The US remains the largest spender with 954 billion USD, down 7.5% due to the lack of a new military aid package for Ukraine. The US Congress has approved spending of more than 1,000 billion USD for 2026, which could increase to 1,500 billion USD by 2027 if the budget proposal is approved.
Europe is the main driver of the increase, with total spending increasing by 14% to 864 billion USD. This increase is linked to the US reducing its level of engagement in conflict, prompting European countries to ensure their own security. Germany increased spending by 24% to 114 billion USD, while Spain increased by 50% to 40.2 billion USD, for the first time exceeding the 2% GDP threshold since 1994.
Russia also recorded a 5.9% increase in spending to 190 billion USD, equivalent to 7.5% of GDP. Ukraine increased by 20% to 84.1 billion USD, accounting for 40% of GDP, the highest level in the government budget.
In the Middle East, spending only increased slightly by 0.1% to $218 billion. Iran decreased by 5.6% to $7.4 billion due to high inflation, although nominal value still increased. Israel decreased by 4.9% to $48.3 billion after the intensity of the Gaza conflict decreased.
Asia and Oceania regions recorded an increase of 8.5%, reaching 681 billion USD. China spent about 336 billion USD, continuing the decades-long upward trend. Japan increased by 9.7% to 62.2 billion USD, the highest level in terms of GDP ratio since 1958, while Taiwan (China) increased by 14% to 18.2 billion USD.
