Key facts
- The United States has the highest defence spending in Asia.
- China is the second-largest defence spender in the region.
- India ranks fourth in defence expenditure.
- Japan, South Korea, and Australia are also significant defence spenders, ranking fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively.
The United States leads in defence spending across Asia, according to data from the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index. China follows as the second-largest spender in the region. India is ranked fourth, with Russia in third place. Other notable spenders in the top ten include Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore. The index measures annual expenditure allocated to maintaining, renewing, replacing, and expanding military capability.