Malta Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1985–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$117 million
Ranked #131 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.9%
Ranked #132 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.5%
From $112M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$117 million
Reached in 2026
Malta Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Malta is estimated to have spent $117 million on military and defense, representing 0.9% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Malta is the #131 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.5%, from $112 million to $117 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 1.5% in 1987. The historical average military budget is 0.7% 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) | 0.90% | $117M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.80% | $112M |
| 2024 | 0.45% | $106M |
| 2023 | 0.50% | $113M |
| 2022 | 0.41% | $85M |
| 2021 | 0.45% | $90M |
| 2020 | 0.53% | $93M |
| 2019 | 0.49% | $88M |
| 2018 | 0.41% | $71M |
| 2017 | 0.46% | $72M |
| 2016 | 0.50% | $69M |
| 2015 | 0.46% | $60M |
| 2014 | 0.48% | $56M |
| 2013 | 0.50% | $53M |
| 2012 | 0.52% | $51M |
| 2011 | 0.57% | $55M |
| 2010 | 0.65% | $62M |
| 2009 | 0.68% | $60M |
| 2008 | 0.61% | $55M |
| 2007 | 0.62% | $54M |