Global military spending reached a record $2.887 trillion in 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of growth and representing 2.5% of global GDP, the highest share since 2009. European defense budgets surged 14% to $864 billion, with Germany increasing spending 24% to $114 billion and exceeding NATO's 2% GDP benchmark for the first time since 1990, while Spain, Poland, and Italy also posted double-digit increases driven by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The United States remained the largest spender at $954 billion despite a 7.5% decrease and approved no new Ukraine aid, while China continued its 31-year streak of budget increases with 7.4% growth as it modernized forces and tested advanced weapons. SIPRI warns the trend will continue amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, potentially forcing governments to cut social services.
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