Global military spending hits record high amid warnings of new arms race
Global military spending reached a record high of nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of increases. This surge is attributed to ongoing wars and geopolitical instability, raising concerns about a potential arms race. Analysts warn that increased military budgets could detract from public spending on essential services like education and health.
- ▪Global military expenditure rose by 2.9 percent compared to 2024, reaching its highest level since 2009.
- ▪The United States, China, and Russia accounted for over half of the global military spending, totaling $1.48 trillion.
- ▪Ukraine's military budget increased by 20 percent, now constituting about 40 percent of its GDP due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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Global military spending hits record high amid warnings of new arms raceABy Annika BurgessTopic:Defence IndustryTue 28 Apr 2026 at 2:48pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 2:48pmTue 28 Apr 2026 at 2:48pmGlobal military expenditure has risen for the 11th consecutive year. (Reuters: Guglielmo Mangiapane)In short:Global military spending has hit a record high, reaching nearly $US2.9 trillion ($4 trillion) in 2025, according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).Researchers say the increase has been driven by another year of wars, uncertainty and geopolitical upheaval.What's next?The UN and some international relations experts have raised concerns that the spending was fuelling a new arms race and placing pressure on national…
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