Japan Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1952–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$64.2 billion
Ranked #10 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.0%
Ranked #74 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $61.3B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$64.2 billion
Reached in 2026
Japan Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Japan is estimated to have spent $64.2 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. Japan is the #10 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $61.3 billion to $64.2 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 2.2% in 1954. 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) | 2.00% | $64,239M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.60% | $61,319M |
| 2024 | 1.37% | $58,399M |
| 2023 | 1.14% | $48,189M |
| 2022 | 1.01% | $41,783M |
| 2021 | 1.06% | $44,421M |
| 2020 | 1.02% | $41,322M |
| 2019 | 0.99% | $41,679M |
| 2018 | 0.96% | $40,527M |
| 2017 | 0.91% | $38,584M |
| 2016 | 0.93% | $38,841M |
| 2015 | 0.95% | $39,074M |
| 2014 | 0.96% | $38,399M |
| 2013 | 0.94% | $37,992M |
| 2012 | 0.96% | $38,150M |
| 2011 | 0.97% | $38,618M |
| 2010 | 0.95% | $38,103M |
| 2009 | 0.97% | $37,967M |
| 2008 | 0.91% | $37,269M |
| 2007 | 0.88% | $37,631M |