Global military spending returned to an all-time high. In 2025, the world spent 2.89 trillion dollars on defense, representing an increase of
2.9% year-on-year.The data comes from a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which confirms a sustained trend: there are already eleven consecutive years of growth.
A historic level in relation to global GDP
Military spending reached 2.5% of global output.
This is the highest level since 2009, in a context marked by open conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
According to the report, the trend will not only continue, but it could accelerate in the coming years.
Europe leads growth The
main driver of the increase was Europe
.The continent registered an increase of 14%, reaching 864 billion dollars.
This is the biggest increase in Central and Western Europe since the end of the Cold War.
Countries such as Germany and Spain boosted this increase with strong increases in their budgets.
US reduces spending, but remains the leader
. US spending fell by 7.5%, to 954
billion dollars.The drop is explained by the suspension of military aid to Ukraine.
Even so, the United States remains the country that invests the most in defense.
China and Russia consolidate their weight
China and Russia continue to expand their spending
.China reached 336,000 million dollars and has maintained an upward trend for three decades.
