This marks the eleventh consecutive year of rising global military spending, driven by ongoing wars and geopolitical crises. This is the conclusion reached in the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
United States remains the leader in defence spending
Although the United States remains the leader in defence spending, its expenditure has fallen, bucking the global trend. This is primarily due to the fact that, at times, no new military aid for Ukraine was approved. In Europe, by contrast, spending rose significantly by 14 per cent.
EU investing more in its own defence
According to the report, Ukraine invested heavily in its own defence, whilst European partners expanded their support and, at the same time, invested more in their own defence following the reduction in US aid.
Germany ranks fourth among countries with the highest military expenditure
Germany recorded an increase of 24 per cent. According to SIPRI experts, this is attributable, on the one hand, to the perceived threat from Russia and, on the other, to the US’s growing disinterest in NATO. In an international comparison, Germany thus remains in fourth place among the countries with the highest military expenditure.
Further rise in military spending expected
SIPRI researchers expect military spending to continue rising worldwide. According to SIPRI, the decline in the US is also likely to be only temporary, partly due to the ongoing conflict with Iran and planned US defence spending of up to $1.5 trillion in the 2027 budget.
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