economy
April 28, 2026
Europe driving global military spending hike
Global military spending hit almost $3 trillion in 2025, with Europe being the largest regional driver, according to the SIPRI report
TL;DR
- Global military spending hit a record high of almost $3 trillion in 2025.
- Worldwide military expenditure rose 2.9% in real terms, reaching $2.887 trillion.
- Europe accounted for the largest regional increase, with spending rising 14% to $864 billion.
- The surge in European spending is linked to the Ukraine conflict, standoff with Russia, and pursuit of self-reliance.
- US military expenditure fell 7.5% to $954 billion.
- Russia's defense expenditure grew 5.9% to $190 billion.
- Ukraine increased spending by 20% to $84.1 billion, equivalent to 40% of its GDP.
- China increased military spending by 7.4% to $336 billion.
- Japan's expenditure rose 9.7% to $62.2 billion, and Taiwan's by 14% to $18.2 billion.
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