Canada Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1950–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$32.0 billion
Ranked #16 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.5%
Ranked #95 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $30.5B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$32.0 billion
Reached in 2026
Canada Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Canada is estimated to have spent $32.0 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. Canada is the #16 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $30.5 billion to $32.0 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 7.4% in 1953. 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% | $31,973M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.40% | $30,519M |
| 2024 | 1.31% | $29,066M |
| 2023 | 1.25% | $27,228M |
| 2022 | 1.17% | $25,598M |
| 2021 | 1.25% | $26,132M |
| 2020 | 1.39% | $26,296M |
| 2019 | 1.28% | $25,427M |
| 2018 | 1.32% | $25,697M |
| 2017 | 1.35% | $25,816M |
| 2016 | 1.16% | $21,372M |
| 2015 | 1.15% | $21,092M |
| 2014 | 0.99% | $18,358M |
| 2013 | 1.00% | $18,064M |
| 2012 | 1.12% | $19,541M |
| 2011 | 1.19% | $20,550M |
| 2010 | 1.19% | $19,878M |
| 2009 | 1.38% | $22,009M |
| 2008 | 1.25% | $21,047M |
| 2007 | 1.19% | $19,530M |