Global military spending reached a new record high in 2025, according to the Stockholm-based SIPRI. Inflation-adjusted, it rose 2.9 percent to nearly 2.89 trillion US dollars. The increase stems mainly from ramp-ups in Europe.
The world has never spent as much on the military as in 2025. SIPRI reports an eleventh consecutive record year with expenditures of 2.89 trillion US dollars (2.47 trillion euros). The inflation-adjusted rise was 2.9 percent from 2024 and 41 percent over the decade.
The US saw the highest spending despite a decline, at around 814 billion euros, mainly due to halted aid to Ukraine. SIPRI expert Diego Lopes da Silva said: "The USA have already announced plans to increase their military spending." European states raised spending by 14 percent, driven by uncertainty over the US NATO role.
Germany leads Europe and ranks fourth globally with 114 billion dollars (97 billion euros), up 24 percent. For the first time since 1990, it exceeds the NATO two-percent target. In Ukraine, military spending accounted for 40 percent of GDP.
SIPRI expects rising trends into 2026. "There are currently very, very many conflicts worldwide," da Silva said. The report covers personnel, aid, and research.
