Iraq Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1957–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$6.3 billion
Ranked #40 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.5%
Ranked #48 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $6.0B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$9.7 billion
Reached in 2015
Iraq Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Iraq is estimated to have spent $6.3 billion on military and defense, representing 2.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Iraq is the #40 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $6.0 billion to $6.3 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 12.5% in 1974. The historical average military budget is 5.9% 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) | 2.50% | $6,335M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.50% | $6,047M |
| 2024 | 2.36% | $5,759M |
| 2023 | 2.26% | $5,519M |
| 2022 | 1.64% | $5,249M |
| 2021 | 2.26% | $5,559M |
| 2020 | 3.11% | $5,773M |
| 2019 | 3.24% | $7,771M |
| 2018 | 2.75% | $6,411M |
| 2017 | 3.91% | $7,547M |
| 2016 | 3.55% | $6,076M |
| 2015 | 5.41% | $9,708M |
| 2014 | 2.95% | $7,088M |
| 2013 | 3.32% | $8,142M |
| 2012 | 1.90% | $4,416M |
| 2011 | 2.30% | $4,856M |
| 2010 | 2.71% | $4,507M |
| 2009 | 2.90% | $3,999M |
| 2008 | 2.37% | $4,196M |
| 2007 | 2.24% | $3,174M |