Ireland Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1958–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1.4 billion
Ranked #72 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.4%
Ranked #152 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.7%
From $1.4B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$1.4 billion
Reached in 2026
Ireland Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Ireland is estimated to have spent $1.4 billion on military and defense, representing 0.4% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Ireland is the #72 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.7%, from $1.4 billion to $1.4 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 1.7% in 1980. The historical average military budget is 1.0% 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) | 0.40% | $1,438M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.30% | $1,373M |
| 2024 | 0.24% | $1,307M |
| 2023 | 0.23% | $1,269M |
| 2022 | 0.21% | $1,271M |
| 2021 | 0.24% | $1,328M |
| 2020 | 0.26% | $1,272M |
| 2019 | 0.27% | $1,255M |
| 2018 | 0.28% | $1,196M |
| 2017 | 0.30% | $1,170M |
| 2016 | 0.33% | $1,164M |
| 2015 | 0.33% | $1,156M |
| 2014 | 0.45% | $1,152M |
| 2013 | 0.49% | $1,156M |
| 2012 | 0.51% | $1,163M |
| 2011 | 0.54% | $1,228M |
| 2010 | 0.57% | $1,295M |
| 2009 | 0.60% | $1,359M |
| 2008 | 0.58% | $1,377M |
| 2007 | 0.51% | $1,329M |