Global Military Spending Soars Amid Economic Crisis , 2025 Defense Budgets Revealed

Kazi Abul Monsur#

Despite the ongoing global economic crisis and recession, most countries around the world are ramping up their military and defense spending to unprecedented levels due to the Russia–Ukraine war and escalating tensions in the Middle East. This trend became evident as early as 2022. Particularly, countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East have increased—or are in the process of increasing—their military budgets by 140% to 300% in recent years. Moreover, an estimated 40–45% of the current global arms trade is directly directed toward Arab nations in the Middle East.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditure reached $2.443 trillion in 2023—significantly higher than the previous year. In 2024, the amount rose to approximately $2.56 trillion, and by 2025, it is expected to reach around $2.68 trillion. The annual growth rate in this sector is nearly 4.9%.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has allocated $849.8 billion for military and defense spending in 2025, along with an additional $140 billion for strategic nuclear weapons and advanced facilities.

On the other hand, Russia has approved a $126 billion defense budget for 2025, which is around $28 billion more than the previous year. However, according to Al Jazeera, Russia’s actual military expenditure might be closer to $145 billion—about one-third of its national budget. Some analysts estimate the real figure could exceed $200 billion. Russia is also importing weapons and ammunition from Iran, China, and North Korea, while investing heavily in hypersonic and nuclear weapons modernization.

As a rising global military and economic power, China has announced an approximate military budget of $249 billion (1.78 trillion yuan) for 2025, reflecting a 7.2% increase from 2024. However, military research organizations suggest that China’s actual defense spending could be between $350 billion and $471 billion, as the country deliberately obscures its true expenditures.

India, a major power in South Asia, has allocated $79.78 billion for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Other major defense budgets for 2025 include:

• Saudi Arabia: $75.8 billion

• United Kingdom: $71.5 billion

• Japan: $57 billion

• Australia: $55.7 billion

• France: $55 billion

• Ukraine: $53.7 billion

Despite enduring years of international sanctions, Iran has achieved a significant degree of defense self-sufficiency by investing in drones, ballistic missiles, and regional proxy groups. While its official military budget for 2025 is around $24 billion, the actual figure is likely much higher. Additionally, Iran is heavily investing in its ambitious nuclear program. According to Western claims, Iran currently possesses enough enriched uranium to build at least six nuclear weapons.

Turkey has announced a record $46 billion military budget for 2025—significantly higher than the previous year. The country is focusing on developing indigenous defense technologies such as the TF-X fighter jet, Altay tank, drones, and naval warships. Despite being a NATO member, Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 system from Russia strained its relations with the West. However, Turkey has strategically expanded its military presence in regions like the South Caucasus, Libya, and Syria.

Although it has a population of only 9.1 million, Israel has announced a $30 billion defense budget for 2025. The country is investing billions in upgrading its Iron Dome, Arrow-3, and David’s Sling defense systems—projects that are significantly funded by the United States. Israel is also increasing its spending on nuclear weapons research.

In conclusion, as the world faces challenges such as economic pressure, inflation, food insecurity, and energy shortages, the massive rise in global military spending is creating new kinds of strategic and security concerns. The shrinking space for diplomatic dialogue and peaceful solutions is increasing the likelihood of conflict. In the long term, the impact will not only be political but also deeply social and humanitarian.

This situation is not just politically alarming—it is socially and ethically dangerous. An increased risk of war could severely impact people’s livelihoods, healthcare, education, and human rights. Therefore, there is an urgent need for global cooperation, renewed diplomatic dialogue, and a shift in focus from militarization to social and economic development. Otherwise, the world may be headed toward an uncertain and darker future—a burden not only for the present generation but also for the generations to come.##