In 2023, military spending increased in all regions of the world, with the largest increases in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Ukraine is among the top ten countries with the largest defense expenditures, and aid from allies is closing the gap with Russia's spending.
Escalating military spending
Global spending growth
Total global military spending in 2023 will reach $2.4 trillion , which is 6.8% more than in 2022. This is the fastest annual growth since 2009. For the first time since 2009, military spending increased in all five regions tracked by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Escalation of expenditures of Russia and Ukraine
Russia's military expenditures increased by 24% to 109 billion USD in 2023, which is 57% more than in 2014, when it annexed Crimea. Ukraine ranked eighth in terms of military spending in 2023, dramatically increasing it by 51% to $64.8 billion.
Military aid to Ukraine from allies, including $25.4 billion from the US, is narrowing the gap between its military spending and that of Russia . Together, aid and Ukraine's own expenses accounted for about 91% of Russian expenses.
NATO spending growth
In 2023, NATO, which at that time included 31 countries, spent 1.3 trillion US dollars on the military, which is 55% of world military spending. The US provided 68% of total NATO spending, while European members increased their share to a record 28%. Canada and Turkey account for the remaining 4%.
11 out of 31 NATO countries have reached or exceeded the target of 2% of GDP for military needs – the highest figure since the commitment Yazan In addition, 28 out of 31 NATO countries spent at least 20% of their military spending on arms and military equipment last year, compared to only 7 in 2014.
Spending growth in other regions
Rising military spending by China, the world's second largest military spender, to US$296 billion in 2023 (+6% year-on-year) is forcing neighboring countries to increase their military spending as well. In particular, Japan and Taiwan increased their budgets by 11%.
Tensions in the Middle East have led to the largest increase in military spending in the region in 10 years, to $200 billion in 2023 (+9% YoY). Israel, the second biggest spender in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia, increased its military budget by 24% to $27.5 billion after the conflict with Hamas.
In Central America and the Caribbean, military spending has increased by 54% since 2014 due to the fight against criminal gangs.
Glossary
- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international institute that studies conflicts, armaments, arms control and disarmament .
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military-political alliance of 30 countries of North America and Europe.
- Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist radical organization that controls the Gaza Strip.
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What changes occurred in Ukraine's defense spending in 2023?
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Discussion of the topic – Defense spending in the world in 2023 reached a new record - $2.4 trillion, Ukraine entered the Top 10
In 2023, global military spending rose to a record $2.4 trillion, a 6.8% jump from 2022. This is the largest annual increase since 2009. Ukraine is among the top ten countries with the highest military expenditures, according to the SIPRI study.
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Анджей
What do you think can lead to such a sharp increase in military spending in the world? On the one hand, we can talk about strengthening security, but on the other hand, it is also a threat of escalation of conflicts and an arms race. 🤔
Софія
I understand the concern about rising military spending, but it is important to remember that some countries have to spend on defense because of external aggression. Aid to Ukraine helped reduce the cost gap with Russia. 💙💛
Ян
Indeed, the increase in military spending in NATO and China's neighboring countries can be seen as a response to growing threats. But won't this only deepen the existing conflicts and mistrust? 🤔
Марія
I agree that excessive military spending can trigger new conflicts. However, in some cases, such as in Ukraine, it is a question of the survival of the state and the protection of the population. Ideally, all countries should strive for a peaceful resolution of conflicts. 🕊️
Іван
Good point about a balanced approach. Although military spending is now necessary to ensure security, other priorities such as education, health care, etc. should not be forgotten. It is necessary to find a balance between different spheres. 💰⚖️
Збігнєв
Eh, all these fashion trends and gadgets... And here people are forced to spend billions on war and weapons. There is nothing good in this, unfortunately. At my age, it is already difficult to understand these novelties. 👴🚫
Наталія
Zbigniew, I understand your skepticism, but the world is changing and we have to adapt. Technologies can be used for both peace and war. The main thing is how we apply them. 💻⚔️
Алекс
Interestingly, the growth of defense spending in Europe can also stimulate the development of technology and innovation in this area. Although, of course, it would be better if these investments were directed to peaceful purposes. 🔬⚙️
Еміль
Indeed, someone says that the increase in military spending is bad, and someone says that it is a necessity. I think we need to find a balance between security and peace. Maybe we should pay more attention to diplomacy and negotiations? 🕊️🤝
Люсі
I understand the concern about rising defense spending, but for Ukraine it is a matter of survival. We have the right to defend our land and freedom. I am grateful to our partners for their help! 🇺🇦💪
Жан
It is interesting to look at the figures of expenditures for the army of Poland and other countries of the region. Apparently, this is a reaction to the actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and the threat from Russia. But won't this lead to a new round of confrontation? 🤔
Анна
Of course, the growth of military spending is a worrying trend. But I believe that in some cases it is, unfortunately, a necessity. Ukraine defends its sovereignty, and the help of partners in this is critically important. 🇺🇦✊
Томас
I understand the concern about increasing military budgets. But peace cannot be preserved without force. It is important that these funds are spent not on aggressive goals, but on defense against aggression. 🛡️⚔️
Катерина
The economic aspect cannot be ignored either. Military spending stimulates the development of high technologies and creates jobs. I think that as long as there are threats, a certain level of defense funding is justified. 💰🔬
Маттео
Really interesting discussion. I hope we will find a balance between security and peace, between military spending and the development of other industries. Seeing the picture as a whole is very important. 📊⚖️