Global military spending reached a record $2.89 trillion in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The surge was driven largely by sharp increases in Europe and Asia, while the Middle East recorded only marginal growth of 0.1 percent, bringing its total to an estimated $218 billion.

The five largest military spenders were the United States, China, Russia, Germany and India, accounting for 58 percent of global expenditure. Although the United States remained the top spender, its budget fell by 7.5 percent to $954 billion, while China increased spending by 7.4 percent to $336 billion, continuing a three decade upward trend. India also boosted its defense budget amid conflict with Pakistan.

In the Middle East, Israel's military spending declined by 4.9 percent following a ceasefire in Gaza, though it remained far higher than before the October 2023 attacks. Iran's spending fell in real terms due to high inflation, despite increased support for domestic arms producers. Saudi Arabia and Turkey both raised their defense budgets, while Europe recorded its highest ever military expenditure as the war in Ukraine and uncertainty over security guarantees fueled large scale rearmament across the continent.