Global Defense Budget Hits Record $2.9 Trillion as Europe and Asia Ramp Up Arms

New data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows global military spending rose by 2.9% in real terms in 2025, pushing total outlays to $2.887 trillion—an 11th straight year of growth. Europe led the surge with a 14% jump to $864 billion driven by the Ukraine war and NATO policy shifts. Germany’s budget climbed 24% past 2% of GDP, while Russia spent $190 billion and Ukraine devoted 40% of its GDP to defense. In Asia and Oceania, spending reached $681 billion—its fastest growth since 2009. China’s budget hit $336 billion, Japan spent at its highest GDP share since 1958, and Taiwan saw its biggest rise since 1988. Nigeria’s defense outlay also surged 55% to tackle internal insurgencies.

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