Global military spending reached a record high of nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of growth. Researchers reported that the 2.9% increase was driven by rising insecurity and rearmament.
The United States, China, and Russia were the three top spenders, contributing a combined total of $1.48 trillion. This expenditure accounts for just over half of the total global military spending.
Spending in the United States declined by 7.5% during this period. This drop occurred as President Donald Trump halted new financial military aid to Ukraine.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute warns that the current trend is likely to continue and carries additional risks.