Global Military Spending Soars Amid U.S. Aid Halt to Ukraine

In 2025, global military spending increased by 2.9% despite a 7.5% decrease in U.S. expenditure. The SIPRI report highlights total spending reaching $2.89 trillion, driven by a 14% rise in Europe. The U.S., China, and Russia were the top spenders, accounting for over half of global expenditure.

Global military spending climbed by 2.9% in 2025, notwithstanding a 7.5% reduction in U.S. expenditure as President Donald Trump ceased financial military aid to Ukraine, a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute revealed on Monday.

The total expenditure ascended to $2.89 trillion, marking the 11th uninterrupted year of increase, reaching a significant 2.5% of global GDP—the highest since 2009. According to SIPRI, with current crises and long-term military spending targets, this upward trend is likely to persist beyond 2026.

The key military spenders—the U.S., China, and Russia—constituted 51% of global expenditure. U.S. spending fell to $954 billion mainly due to the halt on new military assistance to Ukraine. In contrast, European military budgets spiked by 14%, fueled by tensions from the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.