Global Military Spending Reaches $2.887 Trillion in 2025, Europe Up 14%

On April 27, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released a report showing that global military spending in 2025 reached $2,887 billion, representing a 2.9% increase from 2024 levels. European military spending surged 14% to $864 billion in the same period, according to the report. This marks the 11th consecutive year of growth in global military expenditures.

Global Military Spending Trends

The 2025 figures represent a significant milestone for global defense budgets. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global military spending now accounts for 2.5% of global gross domestic product, reaching the highest proportion since 2009. The consistent year-over-year increases reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions and defense modernization efforts worldwide.

European Military Spending and NATO

Europe experienced particularly sharp increases in defense spending during 2025. The 29 NATO member states in Europe collectively spent $559 billion on military expenditures. Among these nations, 22 countries allocated at least 2.0% of their gross domestic product to military spending, demonstrating a widespread commitment to defense investment across the alliance.

The $864 billion in total European military spending encompasses both NATO members and non-NATO European countries, reflecting a broader regional security posture amid evolving international circumstances.