Democratic Republic of the Congo Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1963–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$991 million
Ranked #85 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.0%
Ranked #128 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $963M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$991 million
Reached in 2026
Democratic Republic of the Congo Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Democratic Republic of the Congo is estimated to have spent $991 million on military and defense, representing 1.0% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Democratic Republic of the Congo is the #85 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $963 million to $991 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 5.2% in 1993. The historical average military budget is 0.7% 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) | 0.97% | $991M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.97% | $963M |
| 2024 | 1.23% | $935M |
| 2023 | 1.12% | $794M |
| 2022 | 0.57% | $390M |
| 2021 | 0.53% | $347M |
| 2020 | 0.73% | $415M |
| 2019 | 0.69% | $402M |
| 2018 | 0.61% | $345M |
| 2017 | 0.74% | $401M |
| 2016 | 1.03% | $507M |
| 2015 | 1.22% | $593M |
| 2014 | 0.89% | $415M |
| 2013 | 1.07% | $458M |
| 2012 | 1.11% | $410M |
| 2011 | 0.90% | $323M |
| 2010 | 0.82% | $282M |
| 2009 | 0.65% | $180M |
| 2008 | 0.70% | $167M |
| 2007 | 1.11% | $232M |