Ethiopia Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1961–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1.2 billion
Ranked #77 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.0%
Ranked #125 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $1.2B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$2.4 billion
Reached in 1999
Ethiopia Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Ethiopia is estimated to have spent $1.2 billion 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. Ethiopia is the #77 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $1.2 billion to $1.2 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 10.3% in 1989. The historical average military budget is 3.5% 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) | 1.01% | $1,186M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.01% | $1,153M |
| 2024 | 0.65% | $1,119M |
| 2023 | 0.88% | $1,409M |
| 2022 | 1.51% | $2,210M |
| 2021 | 1.61% | $2,229M |
| 2020 | 0.78% | $1,067M |
| 2019 | 0.58% | $760M |
| 2018 | 0.65% | $802M |
| 2017 | 0.68% | $795M |
| 2016 | 0.68% | $762M |
| 2015 | 0.71% | $694M |
| 2014 | 0.77% | $677M |
| 2013 | 0.81% | $621M |
| 2012 | 0.87% | $619M |
| 2011 | 1.09% | $663M |
| 2010 | 1.15% | $687M |
| 2009 | 1.20% | $680M |
| 2008 | 1.52% | $687M |
| 2007 | 1.90% | $859M |