Six Major Global Conflicts in 2025: Casualties and Arms Trade Surge

The year 2025 has been marked by six significant global conflicts, contributing to millions of casualties and a dramatic rise in arms sales. The ongoing disputes, which include the India-Pakistan conflict, the Ukraine-Russia war, and the Israel-Hamas confrontation, have resulted in widespread destruction and humanitarian crises. The latest escalation is the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, which adds to the list of clashes that have defined this tumultuous year.

Overview of Major Conflicts

From South Asia to the Middle East and Africa, the consequences of these wars have been severe. The conflicts have not only led to loss of life but have also devastated infrastructure, displacing millions of people and prompting a surge in military spending across the globe. Here’s a detailed look at the destruction, loss of life, and arms trade associated with each of these six conflicts.

1. India-Pakistan Conflict

On May 7, 2025, India conducted a series of missile strikes in “Operation Sindoor” targeting militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba within Pakistan. This operation was a direct response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Pakistan retaliated, claiming that India’s actions constituted an act of war, using drones, missiles, and fighter aircraft. A ceasefire was eventually called on May 10, 2025.

The conflict led to significant casualties on both sides. In India, 16 civilians, including five children, were killed, alongside extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan reported 40 civilian deaths, including 7 women and 15 children, and 11 soldiers were killed in the strikes. The conflict has spurred an estimated $5 to $10 billion increase in arms spending, with a high demand for drones and missile systems.

2. Cambodia-Thailand Conflict

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand escalated on July 24, 2025, when Thailand launched airstrikes using F-16 jets against Cambodian military installations. This followed Cambodian drone and rocket attacks as tensions flared over long-standing border disputes surrounding the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples. The violence has resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure.

Thailand reported 14 deaths, including 13 civilians, and around 46 injuries, with damage to critical facilities such as gas stations and hospitals. Cambodia claims to have suffered approximately 20 fatalities. The conflict has displaced between 40,000 and 100,000 individuals, leading to increased demand for military equipment in the region.

3. Ukraine-Russia War

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the war in Ukraine has continued into 2025, fueled by geopolitical tensions over NATO expansion and energy resources. The ongoing conflict has resulted in devastating losses, with over 10,000 civilian deaths and an estimated 500,000 military casualties, including 350,000 Russian and 150,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

Approximately 70% of Ukraine’s infrastructure has been destroyed, with major cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv suffering catastrophic damage. The war has displaced 12 million people, with 5 million seeking refuge in other countries. The arms trade has flourished, with more than $80 billion in military sales recorded from 2022 to 2024, as both sides continue to procure advanced weaponry.

4. Israel-Hamas War

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israeli retaliatory strikes have led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has seen over 43,000 fatalities, primarily among women and children. The destruction of essential infrastructure has left 2 million people, constituting 90% of Gaza’s population, displaced.

In Israel, approximately 1,200 fatalities and 3,000 injuries were reported in 2023. The conflict has led to more than $10 billion in arms sales, with both sides heavily investing in advanced military capabilities.

5. Sudan Civil War

A violent civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Army erupted in April 2023 and has continued into 2025. The conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and left around 33,000 individuals injured. The fighting has caused significant damage, with an estimated 60% of buildings in Darfur and Khartoum affected.

The war has displaced 10 million people, with millions facing extreme hunger. The arms trade has also been significant, with an estimated $5 billion in military sales attributed to the conflict, as both sides acquire advanced weaponry.

6. Iran-Pakistan Tensions

In January 2024, tensions escalated as Iran launched a counterattack against militant targets in Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated, leading to casualties primarily among militants. Although the death toll was relatively low, the conflict has displaced thousands and caused destruction of local villages and militant camps.

The arms trade has seen an uptick, with an estimated $2 billion in sales as both countries increased military capabilities, including drones and aircraft.

Implications for Regional Stability

The ramifications of these conflicts extend beyond their immediate borders. Increased tensions, particularly in South Asia, threaten regional stability and could impact India’s strategic interests, including the Chabahar Port project and broader foreign policy objectives. The ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan underscore the need for enhanced disaster management and humanitarian relief capabilities.

As global demand for advanced military technology rises, the changing landscape of warfare necessitates a re-evaluation of national defense strategies. Countries must adapt to these challenges, focusing on indigenous development of defense systems and responding to the complex humanitarian landscape emerging from these conflicts.