World military expenditure soars infographic
Graphic charts global military expenditure, by region, 1988–2024.
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MILITARY

Global tensions lead to steep rise in military spending

By Ninian Carter

April 28, 2025 - Global military spending rose to $2.72 trillion in 2024 – up 9.4% on 2023, and the steepest year-on-year rise since the end of the Cold War, according to a new think tank report.

Global military spending rose to $2.72 trillion in 2024 – up 9.4% on 2023, and the steepest year-on-year rise since the end of the Cold War, according to a new report.

Data from a leading conflict think tank, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), indicates that expenditure increased most rapidly in the Middle East and Europe – the latter fuelled by the war in Ukraine and doubts over U.S. commitments to the NATO-alliance.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 28/04/2025; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: U.S. Army
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