Bulgaria Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1989–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$2.5 billion
Ranked #61 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.1%
Ranked #63 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $2.4B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$5.1 billion
Reached in 1989
Bulgaria Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Bulgaria is estimated to have spent $2.5 billion on military and defense, representing 2.1% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Bulgaria is the #61 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $2.4 billion to $2.5 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.4% in 1989. The historical average military budget is 2.1% 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) | 2.10% | $2,492M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.00% | $2,378M |
| 2024 | 2.15% | $2,265M |
| 2023 | 1.94% | $1,990M |
| 2022 | 1.59% | $1,615M |
| 2021 | 1.51% | $1,470M |
| 2020 | 1.59% | $1,383M |
| 2019 | 3.14% | $2,761M |
| 2018 | 1.45% | $1,203M |
| 2017 | 1.22% | $974M |
| 2016 | 1.24% | $940M |
| 2015 | 1.25% | $877M |
| 2014 | 1.31% | $865M |
| 2013 | 1.45% | $926M |
| 2012 | 1.33% | $858M |
| 2011 | 1.31% | $857M |
| 2010 | 1.64% | $1,031M |
| 2009 | 1.74% | $1,093M |
| 2008 | 2.13% | $1,370M |
| 2007 | 2.23% | $1,402M |