Top 10 Countries With Highest Military Spending: Know Where India Ranks

Countries With Highest Military Spending:  World military spending has risen to record levels in 2024-25. All due to increased geopolitical tensions and continued conflicts among countries. The recent India-Pakistan conflict also reminded the world about the importance of a strong defence system. The increased defence expenditures across the globe also reflect international insecurity and shifting power relationships among countries. Therefore, here’s a list of the top 10 countries with the highest military spending, along with India’s rank in this comparison, according to the Global Firepower Ranking 2025. 

List Of Top 10 Countries With Highest Military Spending: 

1. United States

The United States is the clear global military spending leader, with a budget of over $895 billion in 2025, which is approximately 62.3% of global military expenditure. The U.S. budget supports six branches and encompasses everything from salaries for personnel to upgrading nuclear arsenals, all of which highlight the nation’s international defence dominance and technological superiority.

2. China

China's defence budget rose to $266.85 billion in 2025, which is 18.6 % of global military expenditure. China is now the second-largest military spender. The country spend much on updating its military, increasing naval operations, and creating new war-fighting arsenals.

3. Russia

Russia's military budget is estimated at $126 billion in 2025, which is 8.8% of global military spending. The largest country in the world focuses on military operations and strategic defence system, which makes Russia the third largest country with highest military spending.

4. India

India is the world's fourth-largest military spender, with a budget of around $75 billion, which is a total of 5.5% of global military expenditure. The budget is aimed at technologically advanced systems, border security, and indigenous defence production, all of which highlight India’s defence dominance within South Asia.

5. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's estimated defence expenditure is $74.76 billion, which is also just like India, a 5.2% of world military expenditure. The kingdom's spending is focuses on security issues in the region and the continued modernisation of its military. 

6. United Kingdom

The UK spent $ 71.5 billion on defence, aimed at modernisation, nuclear deterrence, and NATO commitments. The UK is an important contributor to European and transatlantic security.

7. Japan

The Japanese military budget totalled at $57 billion, which is the reason for increased security issues in the Indo-Pacific region and also to strengthen self-defence.

8. Australia

Australia's defence spending grew to $55.7 billion, which is fueled by regional security commitments, large military force (the Australian Defence Force or ADF), technological advanced system. 

9. France

France spent $55 billion on its defence in 2025 and is continuing to be a top military power in Europe and a significant member of NATO. The budget finances overseas deployments and modernisation initiatives.

10. Ukraine

Ukraine's defence budget skyrocketed to $53.7 billion. The spending is a direct result of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the outlay is directed at short-term operational requirements and overseas military aid.

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