ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military spending increased by 11 percent to $11.9 billion in 2025, largely due to new weapons procurement following last year’s conflict with India, according to the latest global military expenditure report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The findings highlight how regional security dynamics continue to shape defense policies across South Asia.
Weapons Procurement Drives Pakistan’s Defense Budget Growth
The report stated that the rise in defense spending mainly resulted from new orders for aircraft and missile systems placed with China during 2025 after the armed confrontation between Pakistan and India in May. In addition, payments for previously signed procurement contracts that are nearing completion also contributed significantly to higher military expenditure throughout the year.
Officials and analysts noted that defense modernization remains a key priority for Pakistan as it seeks to strengthen its deterrence capabilities and maintain operational readiness. Therefore, increased investment in advanced weapon systems and technology has become central to the country’s long-term security planning. Furthermore, policymakers emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced defense posture in response to evolving regional threats and strategic competition.
India Also Expands Military Budget Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Meanwhile, India, ranked as the world’s fifth-largest military spender in 2025, also raised its defense spending amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. According to the report, India’s military budget grew by 8.9 percent to reach $92.1 billion during the same period. The increase followed losses of several fighter jets during confrontations with the Pakistan Air Force, which prompted higher capital allocations for aircraft systems and operational costs.
Globally, military expenditure continued its upward trajectory, rising by 2.9 percent in real terms to reach $2.887 trillion in 2025. This marked the 11th consecutive year of growth in worldwide defense spending. Over the past decade, total global military expenditure has surged by 41 percent, reflecting persistent geopolitical uncertainty and defense modernization efforts across multiple regions.
Although the pace of growth slowed compared with 2024, overall spending still expanded as European defense budgets increased sharply and defense investments in Asia and Oceania remained strong. Excluding the United States, global military expenditure rose by 9.2 percent, underscoring the broader trend of rising security spending worldwide.
