Global Military Spending Surging Despite Global Pandemic

The US continues to be the world's biggest military spender, accounting for almost 40% of global expenditure  

DW: Global military spending increases despite COVID-19 pandemic — report 

Despite the global health and economic crises, total military spending went up in 2020, Swedish research institute SIPRI has reported. Almost two-thirds of spending came from just five countries. 

Total military expenditure worldwide increased by 2.6% in 2020 reaching almost $2 trillion (€1.65 trillion), despite the global coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn, according to a report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday. 

Due to the global fall in gross domestic product (GDP), the so-called military burden — military spending as a share of GDP — rose to an average of 2.4%, up from 2.2% in 2019, the biggest year-on-year increase since the financial crisis of 2009.  

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WNU Editor: SIPRI's report is here .... SIPRI Fact Sheet April 2021: Trends in world military expenditure, 2020 (Relief Web). 

More News On Global Military Spending Surging Despite Global Pandemic  

World military spending grows despite pandemic -- France 24 

Global military spending rises 2.6% in 2020 despite pandemic hit -- Reuters  

Total expenditure reports largest year-to-year increase since 2009 financial crisis -- Global Times  

Despite virus, global military spending grew in 2020, led by US -- Al Jazeera  

Military spending rises to US$2 trillion as urgent needs remain unmet -- Yuba  

International military expenditure not affected by COVID-19 -- Defence Web  

Global Military Spending Surge Despite Worldwide Coronavirus-Related Crisis -- Sputnik