The United States Spends More on Defense than the Next 9 Countries Combined (2024)

April 22, 2024

The United States Spends More on Defense than the Next 9 Countries Combined (1)

Defense spending by the United States accounted for nearly 40 percent of military expenditures by countries around the world in 2023, according to recently released figures from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). U.S. defense spending increased by $55 billion from 2022 to 2023, in part due to additional military aid sent to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict. The United States spends more on defense than the next nine countries combined.

The United States Spends More on Defense than the Next 9 Countries Combined (2)

SIPRI’s definition of defense spending is broader than the definitions that are most frequently used in fiscal policy discussions in the United States, and according to their calculations, the United States spent $916 billion on national defense in 2023. SIPRI includes discretionary and mandatory outlays by the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of State, and the National Intelligence Program. By contrast, the national defense budget function ($820 billion in 2023) excludes outlays by the Department of State and certain programs of the Department of Energy. Nonetheless, the SIPRI comparison provides useful insights on the sheer scale of U.S. defense spending relative to other nations.

The United States Spends More on Defense than the Next 9 Countries Combined (3)

Although the United States spends more on defense than any other country, the Congressional Budget Office projects that defense spending as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) will decline over the coming years — from 2.9 percent of GDP in 2024 to 2.5 percent in 2034. That is considerably lower than the 50-year average spending on defense of 4.2 percent of GDP.

The United States Spends More on Defense than the Next 9 Countries Combined (4)

Defense spending accounts for a sizable portion of the federal budget and the United States vastly outspends other nations. In determining the appropriate level of such spending in the future, it will be important to evaluate whether it is being used effectively and how it fits in with other national priorities.

Infographic: The Facts About U.S. Defense Spending

Related: Budget Basics: National Defense

The United States Spends More on Defense than the Next 9 Countries Combined (2024)

FAQs

How much does the US spend on defense compared to other countries? ›

The United States accounts for nearly 40% of global military spending, and devotes a larger share of its GDP to defense than most other countries. The graph above shows that U.S. military spending was greater than the next ten biggest spenders in 2023.

What country spends the most on defense? ›

Although the United States spends more on defense than any other country, the Congressional Budget Office projects that defense spending as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) will decline over the coming years — from 2.9 percent of GDP in 2024 to 2.5 percent in 2034.

How much does the US spend on defense percentage? ›

What percentage of the US budget goes toward the military? In 2023, defense spending made up 13.3% of the federal budget. Since 1980, the percentage of federal spending for the military has fluctuated between a height of 27.9% in 1987 and lows of 11% in 2020 and 2021.

How much does the US spend on military compared to Russia? ›

The US defense budget in the fiscal year 2024 is $883.7 billion. While the Russian military spending in the fiscal year 2024 is $ 140 billion. The US has increased its military budget due to the escalating tensions in the South China Sea and the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Who has the biggest military budget in the world? ›

The United States has the highest military spending of any nation. Its military spending includes all of the Department of Defense's regular activities, war spending, the nuclear weapon program, international military assistance, and other Pentagon-related spending.

How much does China spend on military compared to the US? ›

The annual analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which estimates the full range of military spending by country beyond official figures, puts China's military spending at $292 billion in 2022, compared to U.S. spending of $877 billion in the same year.

Who has the largest army in the world? ›

China has the largest standing army, with over 2 million active personnel. With increasing defense spending over the last decades, the country also ranks third in the number of tanks and second in the number of aircraft carriers in service.

Who is stronger, America or Russia? ›

Depends. The US has stronger navy and air force but Russia is years ahead of the US in hypersonic and HGV tech and has much more capable air . United States and Russian armed forces comparison.

Who has the strongest military in the world? ›

Holding the top position, the United States commands the most potent military force globally. According to Global Firepower, with a Power Index of 0.0699, it demonstrates unparalleled capabilities in defence technologies and armed forces.

How much has the US spent on Ukraine? ›

From the total $175 billion in U.S. spending, $107 billion worth of aid goes to the government of Ukraine. Weapons and equipment are provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Presidential Drawdown Authority,* and Foreign Military Financing Program.

How does the US military compare to other countries? ›

The USA has by far the largest military budget, the biggest navy, & perhaps the biggest air force, & has more powerful armed forces than any other country, but it does not have the most military manpower in every force. Nor does it have the most of every class of weapon.

What percentage of the GDP is the federal government spending? ›

Total government spending

The US government's Bureau of Economic Analysis as of Q3 2023 estimates $10,007.7 billion in annual total government expenditure and $27,610.1 billion annual total GDP which is 36.2%.

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