Italy Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1949–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$41.2 billion
Ranked #13 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.0%
Ranked #73 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $39.3B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$41.2 billion
Reached in 2026
Italy Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Italy is estimated to have spent $41.2 billion on military and defense, representing 2.0% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Italy is the #13 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $39.3 billion to $41.2 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.0% in 1952. The historical average military budget is 2.0% 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) | 2.00% | $41,188M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.60% | $39,316M |
| 2024 | 1.61% | $37,444M |
| 2023 | 1.61% | $36,933M |
| 2022 | 1.65% | $37,639M |
| 2021 | 1.66% | $37,829M |
| 2020 | 1.73% | $36,337M |
| 2019 | 1.31% | $29,598M |
| 2018 | 1.35% | $30,430M |
| 2017 | 1.35% | $30,129M |
| 2016 | 1.33% | $29,287M |
| 2015 | 1.20% | $25,853M |
| 2014 | 1.28% | $26,999M |
| 2013 | 1.39% | $29,247M |
| 2012 | 1.42% | $30,411M |
| 2011 | 1.47% | $32,900M |
| 2010 | 1.49% | $33,595M |
| 2009 | 1.55% | $34,583M |
| 2008 | 1.53% | $35,755M |
| 2007 | 1.44% | $34,333M |