Laos Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1992–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$20 million
Ranked #145 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.2%
Ranked #155 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+0.0%
From $20M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$207 million
Reached in 1992
Laos Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Laos is estimated to have spent $20 million on military and defense, representing 0.2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Laos is the #145 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 0.0%, from $20 million to $20 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 8.7% in 1992. 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) | 0.20% | $20M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.20% | $20M |
| 2013 | 0.19% | $19M |
| 2012 | 0.20% | $19M |
| 2011 | 0.21% | $18M |
| 2010 | 0.20% | $16M |
| 2009 | 0.22% | $16M |
| 2008 | 0.27% | $19M |
| 2007 | 0.31% | $21M |
| 2006 | 0.34% | $21M |
| 2005 | 0.39% | $21M |
| 2004 | 0.43% | $21M |
| 2003 | 0.49% | $23M |
| 2002 | 0.58% | $26M |
| 2001 | 0.72% | $28M |
| 2000 | 0.79% | $29M |
| 1999 | 1.06% | $37M |
| 1998 | 2.59% | $83M |
| 1997 | 3.84% | $122M |
| 1996 | 4.19% | $133M |