Global Defense Budgets Hit Record High in 2023, Led by the United States

SIPRI’s 2023 database shows global military expenditure at its highest ever, reflecting heightened threats from Ukraine, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. The United States leads with an estimated $916 billion, roughly 37% of the world total, funding a global network of bases, a large nuclear triad and extensive R&D. China ranks second at $296 billion, though its true outlay is likely higher due to opaque budgeting, and it invests heavily in naval expansion and missile forces.

Russia’s $109 billion budget, about six percent of its GDP, has surged because of the Ukraine war and associated sanctions. India ($83.6 billion), Saudi Arabia ($75.8 billion), the United Kingdom ($74.9 billion), Germany ($66.8 billion), France ($61.3 billion), Ukraine ($64.8 billion) and Japan ($50.2 billion) round out the list, each driven by regional rivalries, NATO commitments or domestic security goals. Together these ten nations account for roughly 75% of all defense spending worldwide.