Defense spending refers to the amount of money that a government allocates towards its military and defense-related activities. This includes expenditures on personnel, equipment, research and development, as well as other operational costs for the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and homeland security measures. The level of defense spending is often seen as an indicator of a country's commitment to national security and its willingness to invest in military capabilities. It can also be used as a tool for projecting power and influence on the global stage. However, high levels of defense spending can also have economic implications, such as reducing funds available for other government programs or increasing public debt.