Russia's military expenditures have exceeded Europe's total expenses: IISS analysts data

And given the parity of purchasing power (PCS), Moscow's military expenses in 2024 reached $ 462 billion, which exceeds the total military budgets of all European countries. This is stated in the report of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). IISS analysts also published a detailed overview of the defense expenditures of the world countries for 2024. According to the report, the total global defense costs amounted to $ 2. 46 trillion, which is 8. 9% more than in 2023 ($ 2.

24 trillion). This corresponds to 1. 9% of world GDP. The largest increase is recorded in Europe, where the defense budgets increased by 11. 7% (up to $ 457 billion). However, the most striking jump was demonstrated by Russia, and according to IISS forecasts, in 2025 the cost of defense will increase to 7. 5% of GDP.

Senior Researcher at the Institute of Fenell McGerti explained that the analysis of military expenditures for PCS demonstrates the ability of the Russian Federation to finance the army at the highest level, despite the seemingly lower budget in dollars. At the same time, the Defense Express observatives noted that NATO European countries will reach 3% of GDP for five years at the current rate. However, the goal of 5%offered by President Donald Trump will be possible no earlier than 2035.

With regard to Ukraine, the country is practically not in the IAS report, except for one key mention: in 2024, Kiev spent about $ 40 billion or 22% of GDP on defense - the highest figure in the world. However, the real picture is distorted, since much of the military expenses are provided at the expense of foreign aid.