Benin Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1960–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$160 million
Ranked #127 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.7%
Ranked #138 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.6%
From $156M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$160 million
Reached in 2026
Benin Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Benin is estimated to have spent $160 million on military and defense, representing 0.7% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Benin is the #127 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.6%, from $156 million to $160 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 2.2% in 1964. The historical average military budget is 1.2% 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) | 0.70% | $160M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.70% | $156M |
| 2024 | 0.72% | $151M |
| 2023 | 0.76% | $149M |
| 2022 | 0.63% | $116M |
| 2021 | 0.55% | $93M |
| 2020 | 0.46% | $72M |
| 2019 | 0.47% | $72M |
| 2018 | 0.63% | $90M |
| 2017 | 0.92% | $122M |
| 2016 | 0.67% | $86M |
| 2015 | 0.80% | $98M |
| 2014 | 0.70% | $84M |
| 2013 | 0.69% | $77M |
| 2012 | 0.70% | $73M |
| 2008 | 0.66% | $60M |
| 2006 | 0.67% | $55M |
| 2005 | 0.68% | $55M |
| 2004 | 0.68% | $54M |
| 2003 | 0.65% | $50M |