Global military expenditure soared to an all-time high of $2.7 trillion in 2024, marking the sharpest annual increase since the Cold War, according to a report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The report highlighted rapid defense spending growth, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, fueled by regional conflicts and escalating geopolitical tensions.
“Over 100 countries worldwide raised their military spending in 2024,” SIPRI noted, emphasizing that many governments are increasingly prioritizing defense over other budgetary areas.
Ukraine posted the highest military burden globally, spending nearly $65 billion, equivalent to 34% of its GDP. Europe, including Russia, contributed nearly $700 billion to global defense outlays, making it the primary driver of the surge.
Central and Western European countries saw "unprecedented rises," with Germany’s military expenditure jumping 28% to over $88 billion. For the first time since reunification, Germany became the largest military spender in Western Europe, propelled by its €100 billion special defense fund announced in 2022.
Germany ranked as the world’s fourth-largest military spender in 2024, behind the United States, China, and Russia, and ahead of India. Together, these five nations accounted for about 60% of global defense expenditure.
Across NATO, members collectively spent $1.5 trillion—roughly 55% of global military spending. The United States remained NATO’s biggest contributor, investing $997 billion, which represented 37% of global spending. European NATO allies also raised their combined defense budgets to $454 billion.
SIPRI researcher Jade Guiberteau Ricard attributed the sharp increase in European NATO spending to "the ongoing Russian threat" and concerns over "potential U.S. disengagement within the alliance."
Former U.S. President Donald Trump had repeatedly urged NATO allies to increase their defense investments, criticizing the disproportionate financial burden carried by Washington. In response, NATO and EU countries have unveiled plans for further defense budget increases, including significant new borrowing initiatives aimed at strengthening deterrence against Russia.
Moscow has consistently denied accusations of aggressive intentions, with President Vladimir Putin describing Western fears as "complete nonsense."
Meanwhile, military spending in the Middle East climbed sharply to an estimated $243 billion in 2024, driven by the war in Gaza and broader regional instability.
SIPRI’s findings underscore a global trend toward heightened militarization amid growing insecurity and geopolitical rivalry.
Source: France24
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
