France Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1949–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$69.4 billion
Ranked #9 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.2%
Ranked #59 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $66.3B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$69.4 billion
Reached in 2026
France Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, France is estimated to have spent $69.4 billion on military and defense, representing 2.2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. France is the #9 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $66.3 billion to $69.4 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 7.6% in 1953. The historical average military budget is 3.2% 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) | 2.20% | $69,448M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.10% | $66,292M |
| 2024 | 2.05% | $63,135M |
| 2023 | 1.95% | $59,492M |
| 2022 | 1.96% | $58,904M |
| 2021 | 1.98% | $59,214M |
| 2020 | 2.02% | $56,796M |
| 2019 | 1.85% | $54,873M |
| 2018 | 1.85% | $53,530M |
| 2017 | 1.85% | $53,226M |
| 2016 | 1.85% | $52,354M |
| 2015 | 1.87% | $52,239M |
| 2014 | 1.86% | $50,848M |
| 2013 | 1.85% | $49,978M |
| 2012 | 1.87% | $50,304M |
| 2011 | 1.89% | $51,089M |
| 2010 | 1.97% | $52,655M |
| 2009 | 2.10% | $55,275M |
| 2008 | 1.90% | $51,467M |
| 2007 | 1.91% | $51,844M |