SIPRI Warns Global Development Aid Shrinks as Military Budgets Rise

Stockholm researchers report that global military spending is squeezing international development aid. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released new data on 27 October 2026. The report highlights a growing gap between aid funding and global needs.

Global military spending reached 2.9 trillion US dollars last year. That figure is the highest level ever recorded. It equals 2.5 percent of global gross domestic product. Meanwhile, official aid has declined since 2024. Core aid spending began stagnating in 2021. The biggest aid cuts hit economic infrastructure and health programs.

SIPRI researcher Xiao Liang noted that wealthy states sharply increased military budgets. However, governments made deep cuts to development and humanitarian assistance. Xiao Liang warned that military spending alone cannot guarantee security. SIPRI director Nan Tian stated that meeting future aid needs remains affordable.

Researchers estimate aid needs could reach 326 billion dollars in 2028. This leaves a projected funding gap of 179 billion dollars. SIPRI examined recent budget policies in Germany and the United Kingdom. Both governments justified aid cuts to fund higher military spending.