Military expenditure around the world has reached an all-time high of $2.1 trillion in 2021, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The Institute said on Monday that the five largest countries in terms of military spending are the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, and Russia.

A statement by SIPRI said that total global military expenditure "increased by 0.7 percent in real terms in 2021, to reach $2113 billion."

Who were the 5 largest military spenders in 2021?

1) USA🇺🇸
2) China🇨🇳
3) India🇮🇳
4) UK🇬🇧
5) Russia🇷🇺

Together they accounted for 62% of world military
spending. New SIPRI data out now ➡️ https://t.co/9dsFAulApR pic.twitter.com/7mP3Yfo6gh

— SIPRI (@SIPRIorg) April 24, 2022

Furthermore, as a result of the recovery from the pandemic, defense spending amounted to 2.2% of the world's GDP, marking a slight 0.1% drop from 2020.

Moreover, from 2021 to 2021, the US, whose 2021 military budget was $801 billion, increased funding for military research and development by 24%, while reducing arms purchases by 6.4%. 

China, which came in second place, spent $293 on its military budget, marking a 4.7% increase from 2020. India was in third with $76.6 billion, the UK in fourth place with $68.4 billion, while Russia came in fifth with $65.9 billion.

"Russia increased its military expenditure by 2.9 per cent in 2021, to $65.9 billion, at a time when it was building up its forces along the Ukrainian border. This was the third consecutive year of growth and Russia’s military spending reached 4.1 per cent of GDP in 2021," the statement said.

Military expenditure grew in 3 of the world's 5 regions in 2021. Spending increased in Asia and Oceania ⬆️3.5%, Europe ⬆️3.0% and Africa ⬆️1.2%. Spending decreased in the Middle East ⬇️–3.3% and the Americas ⬇️–1.2%.

Get the full analysis ➡️ https://t.co/H1pigK1gic#GDAMS2022 pic.twitter.com/AB74Cq1j9T

— SIPRI (@SIPRIorg) April 25, 2022