Global Military Spending Hits Record High Amid Geopolitical Tensions

By: Sherazur Rahman

In recent years, the world has seen a sharp rise in military and defense spending by almost every major power. Nations are investing heavily in modernizing their armed forces and strategic deterrence systems due to growing geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and fears of a potential third world war.

International research organizations and military think tanks predict that by the end of 2025, global military spending could reach about $2.7 to $2.8 trillion. This marks an increase from $2.56 trillion in 2024 and $2.44 trillion in 2023. Experts caution that if this concerning trend persists, global defense spending may surpass $3 trillion by 2030.

The United States leads as the top military spender, planning a defense budget between $895 billion and $968 billion for 2025. China follows as the second-largest spender, officially reporting a $249 billion defense budget for 2025, a 7.2% increase over the previous year. However, analysts estimate that China's true spending could reach up to $381 billion.

Russia has notably increased its defense budget since 2022, mainly due to its actions in Ukraine. For 2025, Russia's budget is approximately 15.5 trillion rubles, around $160 billion, but actual spending may exceed $200 billion.

In South Asia, India has allocated $81 to $86.1 billion for defense in the 2025-26 fiscal year, about 1.9% of its GDP. Despite facing economic challenges, Pakistan aims to spend around $9 to $10 billion. Bangladesh has earmarked about $3.4 billion for military and defense.

Other significant countries in Europe and Asia have also boosted their defense budgets. For 2025, the UK has budgeted $81.76 billion, Germany $86.3 billion, France $54.58 billion, Japan $70 billion, and Italy $52.38 billion.

Additionally, South Korea is set to spend $47.1 billion, Turkey roughly $46 to $47 billion, and even smaller, more peaceful nations like Singapore plan to allocate $23.4 billion. Iran, despite sanctions, has designated about $23.1 billion to strengthen its defense sector in 2025.

Currently, nearly 40% of the global arms trade goes to wealthy Arab nations in the Middle East. According to Arab News, Saudi Arabia plans to spend $78 billion, the UAE $25.4 billion, Qatar $15.5 billion, and Israel between $47 and $50 billion on defense in 2025.

This rise in global military spending underscores increasing instability and benefits major arms manufacturers. Countries like the U.S., China, and Russia are heavily investing in new technologies such as next-generation missiles, fighter jets, and submarines. This not only enhances their military capabilities but also increases arms exports, generating hundreds of billions in revenue.

In summary, the current geopolitical unrest, fears of global conflict, new military alliances, and competitive arms development are prompting many developing and low-income countries to prioritize defense spending over social development. This trend jeopardizes humanitarian, social, and economic progress in the 21st century.

Sources: Wikipedia, SIPRI, BBC, Reuters, Arab News, GlobalSecurity, Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency, Xinhua, and the author’s own analysis.

Note:

1. All figures are approximate and based on various international sources and expert estimates.

2. Actual national defense expenditures may vary.

Author BIO:  

Sherazur Rahman  

Teacher and Writer,  

Bangladesh.