Libya Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1960–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1.7 billion
Ranked #67 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
8.4%
Ranked #3 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $1.6B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$3.6 billion
Reached in 2013
Libya Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Libya is estimated to have spent $1.7 billion on military and defense, representing 8.4% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Libya is the #67 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 15.5% in 2014. The historical average military budget is 3.6% 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) | 8.37% | $1,668M |
| 2025(estimate) | 8.37% | $1,621M |
| 2023 | 5.29% | $1,574M |
| 2022 | 4.35% | $1,255M |
| 2014 | 15.48% | $3,343M |
| 2013 | 7.64% | $3,613M |
| 2012 | 3.75% | $2,771M |
| 2008 | 1.49% | $1,277M |
| 2007 | 0.95% | $845M |
| 2006 | 1.12% | $898M |
| 2005 | 1.53% | $1,020M |
| 2004 | 2.07% | $1,036M |
| 2003 | 2.07% | $793M |
| 2002 | 2.07% | $637M |
| 2001 | 2.41% | $496M |
| 2000 | 3.15% | $507M |
| 1999 | 3.78% | $474M |
| 1998 | 5.30% | $613M |
| 1997 | 4.08% | $544M |
| 1982 | 2.24% | $558M |