Military Spending by ASEAN Countries in 2025

Military spending remains an important indicator of a country's security priorities, strategic concerns, and defense modernization efforts.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), several Southeast Asian nations significantly increased or maintained substantial defense budgets in 2025, reflecting the region's evolving security environment and growing geopolitical importance.

Singapore ranked as the largest military spender in Southeast Asia in 2025, allocating approximately $17.0 billion to defense. Despite its relatively small size, Singapore has long maintained one of the most technologically advanced armed forces in Asia.

Its defense investments focus on advanced equipment, cybersecurity capabilities, and maintaining a highly trained military force capable of responding to a wide range of security challenges.

Indonesia followed closely with military expenditure of $15.0 billion. As the region's largest country by population and territory, Indonesia faces the challenge of securing vast maritime borders and maintaining stability across its archipelago.

The country's defense spending supports military modernization, naval expansion, and the protection of key strategic waterways.

Vietnam ranked third with spending of $10.0 billion. The country continues to strengthen its defense capabilities as part of broader efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and modernize its armed forces. Investments have been directed toward naval, air, and coastal defense systems.

The Philippines spent approximately $6.4 billion on defense in 2025, slightly ahead of Thailand's $6.0 billion. The Philippines has prioritized military modernization and maritime security, while Thailand continues to invest in maintaining and upgrading its military capabilities to support national defense and regional security objectives.

Malaysia allocated $4.9 billion to military spending. The country focuses on protecting its maritime interests, modernizing military equipment, and enhancing the operational readiness of its armed forces. Malaysia's strategic location along major international shipping routes makes defense preparedness an important national priority.

Among the smaller Southeast Asian nations included in the SIPRI data, Cambodia spent about $740 million on defense in 2025. Although significantly lower than the region's larger economies, Cambodia has gradually increased military investment in recent years to improve defense infrastructure and capabilities.

Timor-Leste recorded the lowest military expenditure among the countries listed, spending approximately $48 million. As one of the youngest nations in Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste maintains a relatively modest defense budget that reflects its smaller population, limited resources, and security requirements.

Overall, military spending across Southeast Asia highlights the diverse security needs and strategic priorities of the region's nations. While budgets vary greatly, each country continues to invest in defense according to its geographic position, economic capacity, and national security objectives.