World
Global Military Spending Soars to New High Amidst Global Chaos
By Matt De Vlieger · April 22, 2024
New Report: Global Military Spending Surged in 2023
Global military expenditure reached $2443 billion in 2023, marking a 6.8% increase from the previous year. The top three spenders were the United States, China, and Russia. Geralt/Pixabay
Military Expenditure Increases Across All Regions
Spending rose in all five geographical regions defined by the Stockhold International Peace Reasearch Institute (SIPRI), notably in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. This increase reflects growing concerns over global peace and security. SIPRI
Military Aid to Ukraine Narrows Spending Gap with Russia
Russia's military spending reached $109 billion in 2023, with Ukraine trailing closely at $64.8 billion, buoyed by substantial military aid, including $25.4 billion from the USA. This aid significantly closed the spending gap between Ukraine and Russia. Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation
USA Still NATO's Major Spender with European Allies Increasing
The USA accounted for 68% of total NATO military spending in 2023, with most European members increasing their expenditure, reflecting a shift in threat perceptions post-Ukraine conflict. Canada and Turkey contributed the remaining 4%. Michael Afonso/Unsplash
China's Rising Military Expenditure Drives Neighbors' Spending
China's military spending rose to $296 billion in 2023, prompting neighboring countries like Japan and Taiwan to boost their military capabilities, fueling regional tensions. Japan allocated $50.2 billion, and Taiwan spent $16.6 billion on defense. PLA Eastern Theater Command/WeChat
War and Tensions in the Middle East Fuel Spending Surge
Military expenditure in the Middle East surged by 9.0% to $200 billion in 2023, largely driven by Israel's offensive in Gaza and broader regional tensions. Israel's military spending reached $27.5 billion, the second-largest in the region. SIPRI
Military Action Against Organized Crime Boosts Central America Spending
Central America and the Caribbean witnessed a 54% increase in military spending since 2014, primarily due to escalating violence from criminal gangs. Countries like the Dominican Republic and Mexico saw significant spending rises to counter gang violence. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff/Flickr
India Ranks Fourth Globally in Military Spending
India's military expenditure reached $83.6 billion in 2023, making it the fourth-largest spender globally, reflecting its security concerns and regional dynamics. India continues to prioritize defense amidst evolving geopolitical challenges. Getty Images
DRC Records Largest Percentage Increase
The Democratic Republic of the Congo saw a 105% increase in military spending in 2023 amid ongoing conflict with non-state armed groups, underscoring the region's instability. South Sudan followed with a 78% rise due to internal violence and spillover from Sudan. President Paul Kagame/Flickr
Poland Witnesses Significant Military Spending Growth
Poland's military spending soared by 75% in 2023, reaching $31.6 billion, the 14th highest globally, signaling heightened security concerns in Eastern Europe. The substantial increase reflects Poland's commitment to NATO's defense posture. Georgios Moumoulidis/Public Domain
Brazil Pursues Constitutional Amendment to Increase Military Spending
Brazil's military spending rose by 3.1% in 2023 to $22.9 billion, with efforts underway to increase military burden to 2% of GDP, aligning with NATO guidelines. The proposed constitutional amendment aims to bolster Brazil's defense capabilities. Jorge Cardoso/Ministério da Defesa - Tropas em Rosário do Sul - RS
Algeria Records Historic High in Military Expenditure
Algeria's military spending surged by 76% to $18.3 billion in 2023, driven by increased revenue from gas exports and regional security concerns. The spike in expenditure underscores Algeria's focus on bolstering its defense capabilities. Algerian Presidency/Anadolu Agency
Iran Ranks Fourth in Middle East Military Spending
Iran allocated $10.3 billion to its military in 2023, with a notable increase in funding for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reflecting its regional ambitions and security imperatives. Iran remains a key player in the Middle East's military landscape. M. Sadegh Nikgostar/Fars Media Corporation
USA is Still the Biggest Spender
The USA remained the largest military spender globally, with a budget of $916 billion in 2023. Its military expenditure accounts for a significant portion of NATO's total spending. Master Sgt. Val Gempis/U.S. Air Force
China is the Second Spender
China's military expenditure reached $296 billion in 2023, making it the world's second-largest military spender. Its continued military buildup has led to regional concerns and increased spending by neighboring countries. Bumblee-Dee/Canva
Global Military Spending Reaches Highest Level Ever Recorded
World military expenditure increased for the ninth consecutive year in 2023, reaching a record $2443 billion. This 6.8% surge, the steepest since 2009, underscores the escalating global security concerns.
Military Burden Rises to 2.3% of Global GDP
The world military burden, representing military spending as a percentage of global GDP, rose to 2.3% in 2023. This uptick reflects heightened defense priorities amid geopolitical tensions and conflicts worldwide. SIPRI
Average Military Spending Per Person Reaches Highest Level Since 1990
With military spending per person hitting $306 in 2023, it marked the highest level since 1990, highlighting the increasing cost of defense and security measures globally. This trend underscores the growing importance of military expenditure in national budgets. SIPRI