Jamaica Military Spending

Defense budget and military expenditure data (1976–2026)

Key Facts (2026 estimate)

Military Expenditure

$267 million

Ranked #116 of 148 countries worldwide

Percent of GDP

1.3%

Ranked #114 of 157 countries by % of GDP

Year-over-Year Change

+2.7%

From $260M in 2025

Historical Peak Spending

$301 million

Reached in 2019

Jamaica Defense Budget Summary

In 2026, Jamaica is estimated to have spent $267 million on military and defense, representing 1.3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Jamaica is the #116 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.

Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.7%, from $260 million to $267 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.

The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 1.7% in 2020. The historical average military budget is 0.9% 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

YearPercent of GDPUSD (millions)
2026(estimate)1.25%$267M
2025(estimate)1.25%$260M
20241.27%$252M
20231.19%$230M
20221.29%$234M
20211.47%$247M
20201.71%$271M
20191.68%$301M
20181.33%$238M
20170.97%$169M
20160.95%$161M
20150.87%$142M
20140.87%$136M
20130.90%$141M
20120.93%$147M
20110.93%$147M
20100.87%$139M
20090.95%$157M
20080.95%$162M
20070.65%$120M
Showing most recent 20 years of 48 total years of data.