Malaysia Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1951–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$4.6 billion
Ranked #49 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.0%
Ranked #127 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $4.4B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$4.6 billion
Reached in 2026
Malaysia Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Malaysia is estimated to have spent $4.6 billion on military and defense, representing 1.0% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Malaysia is the #49 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $4.4 billion to $4.6 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 5.8% in 1981. The historical average military budget is 2.8% 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) | 1.00% | $4,638M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.00% | $4,427M |
| 2024 | 0.99% | $4,217M |
| 2023 | 0.98% | $3,925M |
| 2022 | 0.90% | $3,639M |
| 2021 | 0.98% | $3,543M |
| 2020 | 1.00% | $3,383M |
| 2019 | 0.89% | $3,187M |
| 2018 | 0.96% | $3,300M |
| 2017 | 1.10% | $3,617M |
| 2016 | 1.38% | $4,304M |
| 2015 | 1.50% | $4,495M |
| 2014 | 1.46% | $4,175M |
| 2013 | 1.50% | $4,143M |
| 2012 | 1.41% | $3,802M |
| 2011 | 1.55% | $3,987M |
| 2010 | 1.49% | $3,556M |
| 2009 | 1.87% | $4,068M |
| 2008 | 1.82% | $4,309M |
| 2007 | 1.96% | $4,214M |