The world's most expensive armed forces

As tensions rise in a number of global hotspots, the military budgets of many world powers have been on the increase, too. In fact, a new analysis of arms spending from Jane’s Defence Budgets report found that outlays on weapons and equipment rose in 2016 to a global total of $1,570,000,000,000. We reveal the countries that spend the most on their militaries, and give you the heads-up on the nations that have been upping their expenditure to fight existing and emerging threats.
 

SOUTH KOREA – $33.4 BILLION

The threat from North Korea appears to have intensified over the last couple of years. Ever vigilant, the South Korean government is upping its military spending to a colossal $214.7 billion between 2016–20, a figure that dwarfs the Australian government's $26 billion defense budget boost. The bulk of the extra money will go toward increasing personnel levels and improving the country's missile defense systems.

GERMANY – $35.7 BILLION

The German government recently announced an increase in military spending after years of stable expenditure. Chancellor Angela Merkel has highlighted the need for the German military to deal with ever-increasing 'external threats', and earlier this year, Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen introduced plans to recruit an additional 14,300 soldiers, the country's first army expansion since the Cold War.

JAPAN – $41.6 BILLION

Responding to rising tensions in the South China Sea and the increasing threat from North Korea, the Japanese government expanded the nation's defense budget earlier this year. Though the government is keen to maintain Japan's pacifist ethos, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration is planning to invest in anti-missile defense systems and increase the country's military presence on its southern islands.

FRANCE – $44.3 BILLION

The French government recently announced an increase in military spending for 2017. The increase in spending comes as France remains in a state of emergency and faces an unprecedented threat from terrorism. The boost will also provide funding for new military hardware, including a new generation nuclear missile submarine.

RUSSIA – $48.4 BILLION

The Russian defense budget increased year by year from 1998 to 2015 with the country exerting its military might during conflicts in Chechnya, South Ossetia and, more recently, Ukraine. The collapse in the price of oil and the ensuing Russian financial crisis has hit the economy hard and the military budget was slashed by 5.3% this year, with the country's navy taking the brunt of the cuts.

SAUDI ARABIA – $48.6 BILLION

Saudi Arabia boasts the highest military spending in the world as a percentage of GDP. While most countries devote around 2% max to defense, the Gulf State channels a huge 13.9% of its GBP into its military. The world's second-largest arms importer, Saudi Arabia buys most of its weapons from the U.S., France and the UK. The military has been engaged in operations in Yemen, assisting the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

INDIA – $50.6 BILLION

India has broken into the world top-five defense spenders’ club for first time, out-gunning the likes of Russia and Saudi Arabia. The world's largest arms importer and a nuclear power to boot, India spends a huge amount of money on its military. The country boasts Asia’s third-largest economy, and spent $50.6 billion in 2016 - up from $46.6 billion in 2015. A large portion of the budget will be spent modernizing the armed forces and updating combat aircraft.

UK – $53.8 BILLION

One of the few NATO members that meets the 2% target of GDP on defense, the UK has the second-largest budget in the organization. Defense spending is projected to increase by 0.5% above inflation until 2021 to maintain the 2% ratio, funding everything from combat ships and maritime patrol aircraft to cutting-edge equipment for UK Special Forces. The government also plans to increase naval forces by recruiting 700 extra personnel.

CHINA – $191.7 BILLION

China's territorial claims on islands in the South China Sea have raised tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and the huge increase in the emerging superpower's defense budget hasn't helped to diffuse the situation. In the last five years, China's military spending has skyrocketed by 43% in real terms, and although the economy is slowing down, the defense budget is projected to grow to $255 billion by 2020.

UNITED STATES – $622 BILLION

Well out in the front, the United States spends more on its military than the previous eight countries combined. While defense expenditure is expected to remain flat through 2020, the Pentagon's vast budget will still account for more than 3% of the nation's GDP. An estimated 60% of the military's budget will be put aside for various aircraft, mission support, combat shipbuilding and surveillance programs to improve national security.