Iran Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1960–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$7.3 billion
Ranked #36 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.6%
Ranked #43 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $7.0B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$8.8 billion
Reached in 1976
Iran Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Iran is estimated to have spent $7.3 billion on military and defense, representing 2.6% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Iran is the #36 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $7.0 billion to $7.3 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 12.1% in 1975. The historical average military budget is 3.9% 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) | 2.60% | $7,311M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.50% | $6,978M |
| 2024 | 2.01% | $6,646M |
| 2023 | 2.35% | $7,391M |
| 2022 | 2.11% | $6,996M |
| 2021 | 2.22% | $6,652M |
| 2020 | 2.18% | $5,473M |
| 2019 | 2.15% | $5,262M |
| 2018 | 2.36% | $6,289M |
| 2017 | 2.84% | $7,078M |
| 2016 | 2.80% | $6,291M |
| 2015 | 2.56% | $5,480M |
| 2014 | 2.12% | $5,154M |
| 2013 | 2.18% | $5,169M |
| 2012 | 2.69% | $6,418M |
| 2011 | 2.38% | $6,165M |
| 2010 | 2.79% | $7,143M |
| 2009 | 3.05% | $7,020M |
| 2008 | 2.68% | $6,709M |
| 2007 | 2.65% | $6,974M |