Global defense spending rose 2.5% to $2.63 trillion
Portafolio Journalist 02.25.2026 21:05 Updated: 02.25.2026 21:05
TL;DR
- Global defense investment grew 2.5% to $2.63 trillion in 2025.
- Defense spending as a proportion of global GDP increased from 1.9% to 2%.
- This growth was driven by great power competition and prolonged conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.
- China's military spending in Asia represented almost 44% of regional expenditure in 2025.
- China's military display in September confirmed the People's Liberation Army's nuclear triad for the first time.