Global military spending reached its highest level since 2009, driven by significant increases from NATO allies in Europe. The United States remains the world’s largest military spender, but adjusted for purchasing power parity, its allies’ spending is much more impactful. The analysis sheds light on the shifting global military landscape and the increasing importance of NATO’s collective defense capabilities.
In 2023, the world’s nine nuclear-armed states significantly increased their spending on nuclear weapons, reaching a combined total of $91.4 billion. This surge, driven largely by the United States, signals a growing reliance on deterrence and a modernization of nuclear arsenals, raising concerns about global security.
India emerged as the fourth-largest military spender worldwide in 2023, with expenditures surpassing $83.6 billion. This significant outlay represents a 4.2% increase from 2022 and a substantial 44% growth since 2014. The United States, China, and Russia retained the top three positions in global military spending, followed by India and Saudi Arabia. The report highlights a shift towards domestic procurement, with 75% of equipment spending directed towards domestically produced arms. This move aligns with India’s goal of self-reliance in defense development and production.
Global military expenditure witnessed a significant rise of 7% in 2023, marking the steepest annual increase since 2009. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) attributed this surge to deteriorating international peace and security. The United States, China, and Russia remained the top military spenders, with Russia increasing its budget by 24% and Ukraine receiving substantial military aid.
Global military expenditures reached an unprecedented $2.4 trillion in 2023, the highest amount ever recorded. The United States remained the top spender, with China following in second place. The war in Ukraine and heightened tensions with Russia led to significant increases in military spending worldwide. Notably, European NATO members boosted their budgets by 16%, while Ukraine increased its defense spending by 51% despite substantial losses in GDP.
According to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending surged by 6.8% in 2023, the largest year-on-year increase since 2009. This rise was primarily attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and heightened tensions in various regions worldwide. The United States, China, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia emerged as the top five military spenders, accounting for over 60% of global expenditure.
