Which countries invest the most in their armed forces? This ranking shows the countries with the highest military spending in 2025.
The ranking is based on annual data from SIPRI, which systematically records and compares global defense spending. The official budgets of the countries, which are stated in billions of US dollars, are taken into account. This makes it possible to see which states spend the most money on their military.
Editorial team finanzen.net
17th place: The ranking
This ranking presents the top 16 countries with the highest military spending worldwide. The basis is data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The data is as of April 2025.
Source: SIPRI, Image: LadyLensArt / Shutterstock.com
16th place: Canada
Canada invests $29.3 billion in defense, but remains in the middle of the pack internationally. The focus is on NATO commitments and the modernization of the air force.
Source: SIPRI, Image: Mark Heirreid / Shutterstock.com
15th place: Australia
Australia is committed to military modernization. The country is investing 33.8 billion US dollars, particularly in cooperation with the USA and Great Britain (AUKUS alliance), to strengthen its role in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: SIPRI, Image: Rosel Eckstein / pixelio.de
14th place: Italy
With $38 billion, Italy is one of the countries with the highest military spending in NATO. Investments are primarily made in the navy and international operations, as the country is strategically positioned on the Mediterranean.
Source: SIPRI, Image: leoks / Shutterstock.com
13th place: Poland
Poland has recently increased its defense spending dramatically. The country is investing heavily in tanks, missile defense systems and personnel to the tune of $38 billion – particularly in the wake of the war in Ukraine.
Source: SIPRI, Image: fotorince / Shutterstock.com
12th place: Israel
Israel is committing $46.5 billion to a technologically advanced army with strong air defenses and cyber capabilities. Given the unstable situation in the Middle East, the country has been investing heavily in its military for years.
Source: SIPRI, Image: Dan Josephson / Shutterstock.com
11th place: South Korea
South Korea is one of the countries with the highest military spending per capita. At $47.6 billion, large amounts of money are being invested in modern technology and deterrence in the face of the threat from North Korea.
Source: SIPRI, Image: swissmacky / Shutterstock.com
10th place: Japan
Japan increased its defense spending to $55.3 billion. Especially in view of the tensions with China and North Korea, Tokyo is investing more in missile defense and the navy.
Source: SIPRI, Image: SeanPavonePhoto / Shutterstock.com
9th place: France
France is one of Europe’s leading military powers. With $64.7 billion and a focus on nuclear weapons, naval and global operations, it is almost tied for 8th place.
Source: SIPRI, Image: Domen Colja / Shutterstock.com
8th place: Ukraine
Due to the war against Russia, Ukraine has massively increased its military spending to $64.7 billion. International support also helps maintain the country’s defense capability.
Source: SIPRI, Image: Sergii Votit / Shutterstock.com
7th place: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is investing $80.3 billion in defense. A large part of the funds goes into arms purchases from the USA and Europe in order to secure regional supremacy in the Gulf.
Source: SIPRI, Image: Millenius / Shutterstock.com
6th place: United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the largest military investors in Europe, with $81.8 billion. In addition to conventional armed forces, London relies heavily on nuclear deterrence and global operations.
Source: SIPRI, Image: clearlens-images / pixelio.de
5th place: India
India is investing $86.1 billion in its armed forces to deal with both China and Pakistan. In addition to a large army, the modernization of the navy also plays an important role.
Source: SIPRI, Image: pockygallery / Shutterstock.com
4th place: Germany
Germany has significantly increased its military spending and now has one of the largest military budgets in the world at $88.5 billion. The Bundeswehr’s special assets and modernization projects are driving the numbers up.
Source: SIPRI, Image: Gemen64 / pixelio.de
3rd place: Russia
Russia’s spending increased significantly in the wake of the Ukraine war. 149 billion US dollars are mainly used for armaments and logistics in order to maintain military effectiveness despite international sanctions.
Source: SIPRI, Image: valeriiaarnaud / Shutterstock.com
2nd place: China
China has been massively expanding its armed forces for years. The country is investing $314 billion primarily in high-tech weapons, navy and cyber warfare to consolidate its geopolitical role.
Source: SIPRI, Image: istock/Paul Rushton
1st place: USA
The United States is by far the leader. At $997 billion, the United States accounts for almost a third of global military spending. State-of-the-art technology, global presence and a strong navy ensure the status of the largest military power.
Source: SIPRI, Image: Vacclav / Shutterstock.com