Global Military Spending Increases by 2.9% in 2025

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has indicated that global military spending reached a record level in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth, driven by wars and geopolitical tensions.

According to the report published this Monday, inflation-adjusted spending rose by 2.9% year-on-year to reach nearly $2.89 trillion, bringing the cumulative increase over the last decade to 41%.

The report notes that the growth rate was slower than in 2024, while the United States remains by far the leading country in military expenditure. These spending levels are expected to rise further following the announcement of new budget increase plans.

A sharp rise in spending in Europe was a major driver of the global increase, with expenditures jumping 14% across the region in 2025.

Germany ranked fourth globally, behind the United States, China, and Russia, with a 24% increase in its spending, reaching $114 billion.

For the first time since 1990, German defense spending exceeded the 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target set by NATO. In total, 22 European members of the Alliance reached this threshold.