Top 8 Military Spenders: A Ranking of Global Defense Budgets
8 Russia (US$48 billion)
Despite economic woes, Russia prioritizes a strong military for international influence and maintaining control over former Soviet states.
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7 Japan (US$49 billion)
Rising tensions with China and territorial disputes reignite Japans military ambitions.
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6 Germany (US$50 billion)
Post-war pacifism gives way to increased spending, driven by the Ukraine war and NATO commitments.
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5 United Kingdom (US$55.1 billion)
Maintaining global influence and nuclear deterrence keeps British defence budgets robust.
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4 India (US$61 billion)
Tensions with Pakistan and China push Indias defence spending skyward, aiming to secure its borders and assert regional power.
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3 Saudi Arabia (US$67.6 billion)
Oil wealth fuels a formidable military, aiming to solidify regional dominance and counterbalance Iran.
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2 China (US$237 billion)
The dragon wakes up, with defence spending steadily rising for 24 years. Though still half of the US, its military budget has ballooned tenfold since 1994.
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1 United States (US$750 billion)
Uncle Sam takes the crown, outspending the next seven countries combined. National security ranks third in expense after Social Security and Medicare, and the US boasts the worlds second-largest military.
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