The article examines the militarization of the economies of leading countries as a key factor in structural shifts in the global economy in the context of global transformations. It reveals the peculiarities of the militarization policies of the US, China, and the European Union, with an emphasis on fiscal burden, defense budget structure, growth rates, and institutional architecture. The leadership of countries in terms of military spending is analyzed. The structural and functional characteristics of the militarization policy of leading centers of geo-economic power are outlined, in particular the dynamics of defense spending, its share in GDP, and key growth factors. Three models of militarization are identified: the American model, with a high innovative component and global military presence; the Chinese model, with a concept of military-civilian integration; and the European model, which is fragmented but modernization-oriented. The article presents generalized macroeconomic characteristics of the militarization policies of leading countries in 2024. The article pays particular attention to the functioning of the military-industrial complex as an indicator of technological potential and a component of economic security. It proves that the military-industrial complex is an indicator of the technological capacity of countries, and the level of investment in R&D determines their position in global value chains. Particular attention is paid to comparing the growth rates of defense budgets. The article shows that defense innovations stimulate the development of high-tech production and the formation of competitive advantages of countries. In the context of growing global instability and the transformation of security priorities of the world's leading economies, different models of militarization are demonstrated, which are reflected in fiscal policy, the structure of innovative development, and geo-economic strategies. The article concludes that the militarization of the economy in the 21st century is becoming a tool for ensuring economic security, geo-economic influence, and technological leadership. 

global transformations, militarization of the economy, defense spending, military-industrial complex, world economy, national economies, economic competition, innovation, technological leadership, European Union, economic security