Australia Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1950–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$36.3 billion
Ranked #15 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.2%
Ranked #56 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $34.7B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$36.3 billion
Reached in 2026
Australia Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Australia is estimated to have spent $36.3 billion on military and defense, representing 2.2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Australia is the #15 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $34.7 billion to $36.3 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 5.2% in 1952. The historical average military budget is 2.4% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 2.20% | $36,306M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.10% | $34,656M |
| 2024 | 1.88% | $33,006M |
| 2023 | 1.86% | $32,388M |
| 2022 | 1.88% | $32,764M |
| 2021 | 1.98% | $32,540M |
| 2020 | 2.01% | $30,467M |
| 2019 | 1.88% | $29,047M |
| 2018 | 1.90% | $28,281M |
| 2017 | 2.01% | $28,972M |
| 2016 | 2.09% | $29,024M |
| 2015 | 1.95% | $26,505M |
| 2014 | 1.77% | $24,045M |
| 2013 | 1.64% | $22,155M |
| 2012 | 1.67% | $22,349M |
| 2011 | 1.76% | $23,160M |
| 2010 | 1.85% | $23,486M |
| 2009 | 1.92% | $23,216M |
| 2008 | 1.80% | $21,589M |
| 2007 | 1.81% | $20,830M |