SIPRI: Global military spending set to reach $3.29 trillion in 2026

Global military spending is expected to rise to $3.29 trillion in 2026, up from $2.95 trillion in 2025, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), NATO and national agencies.

The United States accounted for around one-third of global defence spending in 2025, with expenditures reaching $954 billion. The combined military spending of other NATO members stood at about $550 billion.

The United States also increased its arms exports, with the value rising from $54 billion in 2021 to at least $64 billion in 2025.

Ukraine was the world’s largest recipient of weapons over the past five years. Other major arms importers between 2021 and 2025 included India, which purchased weapons worth $56 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia ($46 billion), Qatar ($44 billion) and Pakistan ($29 billion).

By Sabina Mammadli