Worldwide Defense Expenditure in 2025
Global military spending climbed by 2.9% in 2025, reaching nearly $2.9 trillion. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) annual report, this figure represents 2.5% of global GDP—the highest level since 2009. Over half (58%) of all military expenditures come from just five nations: the United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India. While the growth rate slowed compared to 2024, excluding U.S. spending would have pushed global growth to 9.2%.
Defense Budgets in Europe and Ukraine
European NATO members saw their military budgets expand at the fastest pace since 1953, with notable leaders in growth across the continent:
- Belgium (59%)
- Spain (50%)
- Norway (49%)
Germany, with a budget of $114 billion, ranked fourth worldwide in military spending. Japan’s outlays hit their highest level since 1958, while Taiwan recorded its largest single-year spending jump in decades. China’s defense budget has now increased for 31 consecutive years.
Ukraine channels 40% of its GDP into defense, while Russia has posted a historic high of 7.5% of GDP for military spending. The United States spent $954 billion in 2025, and the U.S. Congress has approved a defense budget exceeding $1 trillion for 2026. The ongoing conflict with Iran, now in its third month, costs Washington approximately $1 billion daily. The Trump administration has proposed raising defense outlays to $1.5 trillion by 2027.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a ramp-up in the production of unmanned ground systems (UGVs) to 50,000 units this year—a key topic discussed at the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s staff meeting. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received the directive. The meeting also covered ballistic missile defense and intelligence reports on the state of Russia’s economy.
“Unmanned ground systems represent the next major step in protecting the nation, truly making a difference after the transition to drones,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated.
The rise in global military spending highlights heightened defense activity among nations, especially amid growing geopolitical tensions. Investments in defense—particularly in emerging technologies like robotic systems—could prove critical for national security. For Ukraine, where defense outlays far exceed global averages, this underscores the urgent need to prepare for potential threats from aggressive neighbors.
As military expenditures continue to rise globally, Ukraine's defense budget has notably surpassed that of Saudi Arabia, reaching $84.1 billion. This significant increase underscores the country's commitment to strengthening its military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.