Asian defence spending jumps 8.1 per cent in 2025 amid tensions: SIPRI

STOCKHOLM: Military spending across Asia rose sharply in 2025, marking the fastest annual increase since 2009, as regional tensions and security concerns drove countries to boost defence budgets, according to new data from a leading research institute.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said Asian military expenditure reached $681 billion in 2025, up 8.1 per cent from the previous year.

Globally, military spending climbed to $2.887 trillion, a real-term increase of 2.9 per cent compared with 2024, the institute said.

The United States, China and Russia remained the world’s top military spenders, accounting for a combined $1.48 trillion, or about 51 per cent of global defence outlays.

China, the world’s second-largest military spender, increased its defence budget by 7.4 per cent to $336 billion, marking its 31st consecutive year of growth as it continues military modernisation efforts.

India, ranked fifth globally, raised its military spending by 8.9 per cent to $92.1 billion in 2025.

Pakistan, India’s longstanding rival, increased its defence expenditure by 11 per cent to $11.9 billion, reflecting a continued upward trend, though its overall spending remains significantly lower than that of its neighbour.

Elsewhere in the region, Japan’s military spending rose by 9.7 per cent to $62.2 billion, equivalent to 1.4 per cent of its gross domestic product, the highest level since 1958.

Taiwan recorded one of the steepest increases, with defence spending rising 14 per cent to $18.2 billion, or 2.1 per cent of GDP, amid heightened military activity by China around the island.

The report also noted that US allies in Asia and Oceania, including Australia, Japan and the Philippines, have increased defence spending in response to longstanding regional tensions and growing uncertainty about U.S. security commitments.