Pakistan’s military spending increased by 11 percent to $11.9 billion in 2025. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released its global report today. Therefore, Pakistan’s military expenditure rises mainly due to new weapons procurement. The May 2025 war with India triggered this increase. New orders for aircraft and missile systems placed with China drove spending higher. Payments for previously signed procurement contracts also contributed to the rise. These contracts are nearing completion.

India also raised its defense spending amid heightened regional tensions. Consequently, Pakistan’s military expenditure rises as both nuclear-armed neighbors confront each other. India spent $92.1 billion, making it the world’s fifth-largest military spender. India’s military budget grew by 8.9 percent. The May 2025 war forced India to spend more after losing multiple fighter jets. Revised capital allocations for aircraft systems were about 50 percent higher than originally budgeted. Operational and personnel costs for the Indian Air Force increased by 18 percent.

Globally, military expenditure continued its upward trend. Worldwide spending rose by 2.9 percent to reach $2.887 trillion in 2025. This marks the 11th consecutive year of growth. Over the past decade, global military expenditure has increased by 41 percent. However, the pace of growth slowed compared with 2024. The 2025 increase represents the lowest annual growth rate since 2021. Pakistan’s military expenditure rises despite a slight slowdown globally.

The global military burden rose slightly from 2.4 percent to 2.5 percent of GDP. Per capita global military spending reached $352 in 2025. Despite a US decline, European defense budgets and Asian growth kept global spending climbing. Excluding the United States, global military expenditure expanded by 9.2 percent.