SIPRI reports global military spending reached $2.9 trillion in 2025, a 2.9% increase year-on-year.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its annual Trends in World Military Expenditure report showing global defense spending rose 2.9% to nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, representing 2.5% of global GDP, the highest share since 2009. European NATO members saw their fastest spending increase since 1953, up 14% to $864 billion, while Asia-Oceania rose 8.1% to $681 billion. The US remained the top spender at $954 billion but approved no new Ukraine assistance in 2025, dampening the overall growth rate from the prior year's 9.7%.
Lightly covered so far
Too few outlets to map a left-right split. Here is each take as it stands.
“Global military spending rises 2.9% despite US decline over Ukraine freeze”
“Military spending surges in Europe and Asia, pushing world to levels not seen in 16 years, report says”
“Trump Effect: NATO Spending Surge Hits Levels Not Seen in Decades”