The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed that the global defense budget for 2025 has reached a record high for the 11th consecutive year, approaching nearly $2.9 trillion, or about 93.8 trillion baht. The United States, China, and Russia together account for over half of global spending, while Europe is rapidly stockpiling weapons in response to the war in Ukraine and the diminishing role of the United States.
SIPRI reported that worldwide military expenditure in 2025 is nearly $2.9 trillion, approximately 93.8 trillion baht, marking the 11th consecutive year of growth amid global insecurity and the accelerated military capacity building of many countries.
The report states that the three countries with the highest military budgets— the United States, China, and Russia—spend a combined total of $1.48 trillion, about 47.87 trillion baht, representing more than half of global military expenditure.
Although the United States, the world's largest spender, is reducing its budget by 7.5% to $954 billion in 2025 due to no new approvals for military aid to Ukraine, this decrease is offset by increased spending in Europe and Asia.
Researchers note that the global military burden—the share of defense spending relative to gross domestic product (GDP)—has risen to its highest level since 2009, reflecting a world increasingly feeling insecure.
Europe is the driving force behind the rise in defense budgets, including Russia and Ukraine, where combined spending increased by 14% to $864 billion, influenced by the war in Ukraine and the reduced role of the United States in the region. Germany, the world's fourth-largest spender, increased its budget by 24% to $114 billion, while Spain raised its budget by 50% to $40.2 billion, exceeding 2% of its GDP for the first time in over 30 years.
Regarding the Ukraine war, both Russia and Ukraine have increased their defense budgets. Russia spends $190 billion, equating to 7.5% of its GDP, while Ukraine's budget grew by 20% to $84.1 billion, reaching as much as 40% of its GDP.
In the Middle East, despite ongoing tensions, spending increased only slightly by 0.1% to $218 billion. Israel and Iran both slightly reduced their budgets due to country-specific factors.
Asia and Oceania saw an 8.5% increase in spending, reaching $681 billion—the highest rise in more than 15 years. China remains a key player with a budget of about $336 billion (approximately 10.85 trillion baht), marking 30 consecutive years of growth. Additionally, countries in the region such as Japan and Taiwan have significantly increased their defense budgets in response to rising security threats.
Researchers conclude that these trends reflect a world facing increasing uncertainty, with countries boosting military spending to address escalating security risks.
/sourceAFP