Global military spending grew again for the eleventh consecutive year and reached a record figure in 2025 of close to 2.89 trillion dollars, equivalent to more than 2.46 trillion euros.
The new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) confirms a trend that already seems structural, the world dedicates more and more resources to defense while geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, and competition between great powers increase.
Europe leads the increase in military spending
Europe has become the main driver of the global increase. The continent raised its military spending in 2025 by 14% compared to the previous year, driven by the war in Ukraine, strategic pressure on NATO, and growing concern for regional security.
The total figure allocated to defense by European countries already reaches 864 billion dollars, consolidating a profound transformation in the continent's security policy.
Germany leads European rearmament
Germany leads the European military effort with a 24% increase and a budget exceeding 114 billion dollars. For the first time since reunification, Berlin surpasses the 2% of GDP allocated to defense threshold, marking a historic shift in its military policy.
This increase reflects the new German strategy in the face of a more unstable international context and the need to strengthen defensive capabilities within Europe.
Spain exceeds 2% of GDP for the first time since 1994
Spain for its part stars one of the biggest increases on the continent. Spanish military spending grew 50% in 2025, reaching 40.2 billion dollars.
With this increase, Spain exceeds 2% of GDP allocated to defense for the first time since 1994, aligning itself with NATO's demands and reinforcing its position within the military alliance.
The increase coincides with the open debate on Europe's role in security matters and international pressure to increase budgetary commitment to defense.
Asia and Oceania also intensify their military investment
The upward trend is not limited to Europe. Asia and Oceania registered an increase of 8.1%, driven mainly by China, which has now accumulated 31 consecutive years of increasing its military spending. Beijing allocated 336 billion dollars to defense, consolidating itself as the second world military power, only behind the United States.
Japan, Taiwan, and India also significantly increased their budgets, reflecting the growing strategic tension in the Indo-Pacific region.
United States maintains leadership despite a temporary fall
Although the United States reduced its military spending by 7.5% in 2025, it remains the main global player in terms of defense investment. Together with China and Russia, it concentrates more than half of global military spending, demonstrating the weight of the great powers in shaping the international strategic balance.
SIPRI experts consider that the US reduction will be temporary and anticipate new increases in the coming years.