Bahrain Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1971–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1.4 billion
Ranked #71 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
3.3%
Ranked #31 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $1.4B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$1.6 billion
Reached in 2014
Bahrain Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Bahrain is estimated to have spent $1.4 billion on military and defense, representing 3.3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Bahrain is the #71 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $1.4 billion to $1.4 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 8.5% in 1982. The historical average military budget is 4.4% 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) | 3.28% | $1,447M |
| 2025(estimate) | 3.28% | $1,406M |
| 2024 | 2.89% | $1,365M |
| 2023 | 3.52% | $1,622M |
| 2022 | 3.42% | $1,599M |
| 2021 | 3.52% | $1,491M |
| 2020 | 4.06% | $1,448M |
| 2019 | 4.03% | $1,568M |
| 2018 | 4.04% | $1,554M |
| 2017 | 4.32% | $1,591M |
| 2016 | 4.67% | $1,585M |
| 2015 | 4.64% | $1,560M |
| 2014 | 4.42% | $1,626M |
| 2013 | 4.14% | $1,524M |
| 2012 | 3.84% | $1,381M |
| 2011 | 3.59% | $1,241M |
| 2010 | 3.28% | $1,008M |
| 2009 | 3.61% | $1,010M |
| 2008 | 2.80% | $902M |
| 2007 | 2.96% | $834M |