In a world where superpowers are defined by economic and military stature, countries continue to invest hundreds of billions in military and defense every year.
In 2024, global military expenditure reached $2.7 trillion, hitting a record high—and just three countries made up more than half of the total.
This infographic breaks down global military spending by country in 2024, highlighting the top military spenders using data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The World’s Biggest Military Spenders in 2024
America continues to dominate global military expenditure, spending nearly $1 trillion or 3.4% of its GDP on defense in 2024. U.S. military expenditure makes up over one-third of the global total, and it also has the world’s biggest defense budget.
Here’s a look at the top 20 countries by military spending in 2024:
| Rank | Country | Military Spending (2024) | Share of Global Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States  | $997B | 36.7% |
| 2 | China  | $314B | 11.6% |
| 3 | Russia  | $149B | 5.5% |
| 4 | Germany  | $88.5B | 3.3% |
| 5 | India  | $86.1B | 3.2% |
| 6 | United Kingdom  | $81.8B | 3.0% |
| 7 | Saudi Arabia  | $80.3B | 3.0% |
| 8 | Ukraine  | $64.7B | 2.4% |
| 9 | France  | $64.7B | 2.4% |
| 10 | Japan  | $55.3B | 2.0% |
| 11 | South Korea  | $47.6B | 1.8% |
| 12 | Israel  | $46.5B | 1.7% |
| 13 | Poland  | $38.0B | 1.4% |
| 14 | Italy  | $38.0B | 1.4% |
| 15 | Australia  | $33.8B | 1.2% |
| 16 | Canada  | $29.3B | 1.1% |
| 17 | Türkiye  | $25.0B | 0.9% |
| 18 | Spain  | $24.6B | 0.9% |
| 19 | Netherlands  | $23.2B | 0.9% |
| 20 | Algeria  | $21.8B | 0.8% |
Rest of World  | $408.8B | 15.0% | |
World  | $2,718B | 100.0% |
China follows the U.S. with an estimated $314 billion in military expenditure, up 7% from 2023. Over the last decade (2015–2024), China’s military spending increased by 59%.
Meanwhile, Russia’s spending was up by 38% year over year at nearly $150 billion. Together, the United States, China, and Russia—often considered strategic competitors—made up 54% of global military expenditure in 2024.
Germany and India round out the top five, with both countries ramping up military spending in light of rising geopolitical tensions in recent years. India’s simmering tensions with Pakistan and China contribute to its defense budget.
Meanwhile, as a major NATO member, Germany’s spending is partly down to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Together, NATO countries made up 55% of global military expenditure in 2024.
In the eighth spot, Ukraine has seen the biggest jump in military spending in recent years—with its 2024 spending at nearly 10 times 2021 levels. It also has the highest military burden globally at 34.5% of its GDP in 2024. Although peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are ongoing, a complete ceasefire is yet to be achieved.
Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com
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