The 30 countries that spend the most on their militaries, ranked

"The International Institute for Strategic Studies compiled data about the world's military budgets. The top militaries spend hundreds of billions of dollars on defense, with the US leading worldwide. President Donald Trump has proposed increasing annual defense spending to $1.5 trillion. The US has the world's most expensive military, spending nearly $1 trillion on defense each year. That's roughly four times China's reported defense budget, the next largest."

"From spending on nuclear technology to advanced aircraft and warships, the world's top militaries allocate hundreds of billions of dollars each year to stay ahead. In some countries, big-ticket items such as naval assets or technologically advanced aircraft or missiles account for the bulk of military spending, while others devote largesums to maintaining large conscription troop systems. Ultimately, military spending varies by country depending on location and interests, Gian Gentile, a retired US Army colonel and senior historian at RAND, told Business Insider. Some countries prioritize homeland defense while others value overmatch and far-reaching power projection."

"A military's budget can be measured either as a total amount or as a share of its country's GDP, reflecting the burden on its economy. Worldwide, countries spent an average of 2.4% of their GDP on defense in 2024. Wartimespending as a share of GDP typically rises, putting strain on the civilian economy, said Mark Cancian, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Ukraine in 2024, for example, devoted over 15% of its GDP to its military, the highest share globally. Spending statistics help paint a picture of defense priorities, but they don't always translate into readiness for conflict. "Readiness is very expensive, and perishable," Cancian said."

IISS data show global defense spending concentrated among top militaries, with the United States spending nearly $1 trillion annually. Major powers invest heavily in nuclear systems, advanced aircraft, warships, and precision weapons while some countries prioritize large conscript forces or naval assets. Defense budgets are measured as total spending or as a percentage of GDP; the global average was 2.4% in 2024. Wartime conditions drive spending higher, exemplified by Ukraine allocating over 15% of GDP in 2024. High expenditures do not guarantee combat readiness, which is costly and perishable, and budget figures reflect priorities rather than automatic preparedness.

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