Top 10 countries with the highest military expenses

Nov 12, 2024

By: Kapil Yadav

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Trends in world military expenditure

The data in this list is based on the ‘Trends in world military expenditure, 2023’ report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

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USA

The USA tops the list with $916 billion in military spending, which accounts for 3.4% of its GDP.

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China

China ranks second, spending $296 billion, or 1.7% of its GDP, on military expenses.

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Russia

Russia, with military spending of $109 billion (5.9% of its GDP), is third, and has the highest percentage of GDP spent on defence among the top 10.

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India

India spends $89 billion, or 2.4% of its GDP, on military expenses, placing it fourth on the list.

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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia spends $75.8 billion, which is 7.1% of its GDP, on military expenditure, ranking fifth.

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United Kingdom

The United Kingdom ranks sixth, allocating $74.9 billion (2.3% of GDP) to military spending.

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Germany

Germany ranks seventh with military spending of $66.8 billion, or 1.5% of its GDP.

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Ukraine

Ukraine is the highest spender in terms of GDP percentage, dedicating over 37% (or $64.8 billion) of its GDP to military expenses, placing it on the eighth spot.

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France

France, in ninth place, spends $61.3 billion, or 2.1% of its GDP, on defence.

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Japan

Japan rounds out the list, spending $50.2 billion (1.2% of its GDP) on military expenses.

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Countries with the world’s lowest birth rates