Belgium Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1949–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$9.0 billion
Ranked #29 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.5%
Ranked #94 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $8.6B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$10.1 billion
Reached in 1981
Belgium Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Belgium is estimated to have spent $9.0 billion on military and defense, representing 1.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Belgium is the #29 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $8.6 billion to $9.0 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.9% in 1954. The historical average military budget is 2.3% 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) | 1.50% | $9,017M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.30% | $8,607M |
| 2024 | 1.28% | $8,197M |
| 2023 | 1.18% | $7,629M |
| 2022 | 1.16% | $7,364M |
| 2021 | 1.04% | $6,500M |
| 2020 | 1.01% | $5,888M |
| 2019 | 0.89% | $5,407M |
| 2018 | 0.89% | $5,289M |
| 2017 | 0.89% | $5,176M |
| 2016 | 0.90% | $5,172M |
| 2015 | 0.91% | $5,194M |
| 2014 | 0.97% | $5,394M |
| 2013 | 1.00% | $5,482M |
| 2012 | 1.04% | $5,626M |
| 2011 | 1.04% | $5,689M |
| 2010 | 1.09% | $5,896M |
| 2009 | 1.16% | $6,156M |
| 2008 | 1.22% | $6,536M |
| 2007 | 1.10% | $5,995M |