Global Military Spending Is Now $1.7 Trillion (And Rising)

SIPRI: Global military spending rises for the first time since 2011

The US and China continue to be the top spenders, but Saudi Arabia pulled ahead of Russia in 2015. The research institute said falling oil prices and economic crises have created "contrasting trends" across the globe.
DW:

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Tuesday published a report showing global military spending increased by one percent in 2015, marking the first increase since 2011.

However, falling oil prices and economic hardships have led several countries to drastically cut their military expenditure.

"On the one hand, spending trends reflect the escalating conflict and tension in many parts of the world; on the other hand, they show a clear break from the oil-fuelled surge in military spending of the past decade," said Sam Perlo-Freedom, who heads SIPRI's military spending project, in a statement.

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WNU Editor: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's website is here. The big surprise in this report .... saudi Arabia is now the world's third largest military spender, surpassing Russia.

More News On Global Military Spending Is Now $1.7 Trillion

World military spending resumes upward course, says SIPRI -- SIPRI
Global military spending nearly $1.7T amid Mideast conflicts -- AP
Military spending rises again in 2015 -- AFP
Global Military Spending Grows For First Time Since 2011 -- Defense News
World military spending grows to $1.7tn in 2015 - Swedish think tank -- RT
Global Military Spending Grows by 1% in 2015, Totaling Nearly $1.7 Trillion -- Sputnik
World military spending rose 1% last year; first increase since 2011 -- IBTimes
Arms industry cashes in on Asia tensions -- Financial Times
Saudi Arabia Replaces Russia As World's Third Biggest Military Spender -- RFE
US Tops 2015 Military Spending at $596 Billion -- 24/7 Wall Street