Lesotho Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1976–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$36 million
Ranked #140 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.6%
Ranked #88 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $35M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$56 million
Reached in 2010
Lesotho Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Lesotho is estimated to have spent $36 million on military and defense, representing 1.6% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Lesotho is the #140 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $35 million to $36 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.8% in 1986. The historical average military budget is 2.6% 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) | 1.56% | $36M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.56% | $35M |
| 2024 | 1.57% | $34M |
| 2023 | 1.63% | $34M |
| 2022 | 1.47% | $33M |
| 2021 | 1.54% | $34M |
| 2020 | 1.88% | $42M |
| 2019 | 1.88% | $45M |
| 2018 | 2.00% | $49M |
| 2017 | 2.27% | $53M |
| 2016 | 1.96% | $49M |
| 2015 | 1.87% | $48M |
| 2014 | 1.95% | $46M |
| 2013 | 2.03% | $43M |
| 2012 | 2.15% | $43M |
| 2011 | 2.26% | $44M |
| 2010 | 3.16% | $56M |
| 2009 | 2.72% | $42M |
| 2008 | 1.55% | $20M |
| 2007 | 2.37% | $27M |