El Salvador Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1953–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$446 million
Ranked #106 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.3%
Ranked #104 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.8%
From $434M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$943 million
Reached in 1984
El Salvador Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, El Salvador is estimated to have spent $446 million on military and defense, representing 1.3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. El Salvador is the #106 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.8%, from $434 million to $446 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 6.6% in 1985. The historical average military budget is 1.6% 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) | 1.32% | $446M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.32% | $434M |
| 2024 | 1.19% | $421M |
| 2023 | 1.34% | $455M |
| 2022 | 1.43% | $477M |
| 2021 | 1.21% | $392M |
| 2020 | 1.38% | $397M |
| 2019 | 1.18% | $365M |
| 2018 | 1.13% | $339M |
| 2017 | 1.04% | $303M |
| 2016 | 1.02% | $291M |
| 2015 | 1.06% | $293M |
| 2014 | 1.04% | $274M |
| 2013 | 1.08% | $282M |
| 2012 | 1.05% | $268M |
| 2011 | 1.09% | $268M |
| 2010 | 1.09% | $257M |
| 2009 | 1.08% | $246M |
| 2008 | 0.96% | $226M |
| 2007 | 0.97% | $231M |