Kuwait Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1970–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$8.3 billion
Ranked #33 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
5.2%
Ranked #11 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $7.9B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$28.3 billion
Reached in 1991
Kuwait Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Kuwait is estimated to have spent $8.3 billion on military and defense, representing 5.2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Kuwait is the #33 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $7.9 billion to $8.3 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 117.3% in 1991. The historical average military budget is 9.0% 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) | 5.20% | $8,311M |
| 2025(estimate) | 5.00% | $7,933M |
| 2024 | 4.84% | $7,555M |
| 2023 | 4.77% | $7,755M |
| 2022 | 4.51% | $8,516M |
| 2021 | 6.35% | $9,525M |
| 2020 | 6.47% | $7,728M |
| 2019 | 5.32% | $8,300M |
| 2018 | 5.19% | $8,109M |
| 2017 | 5.61% | $7,726M |
| 2016 | 5.89% | $7,491M |
| 2015 | 5.01% | $6,850M |
| 2014 | 3.59% | $6,801M |
| 2013 | 3.27% | $6,815M |
| 2012 | 3.41% | $7,203M |
| 2011 | 3.50% | $6,656M |
| 2010 | 3.76% | $5,825M |
| 2009 | 3.97% | $5,933M |
| 2008 | 3.01% | $6,103M |
| 2007 | 3.59% | $6,629M |