Nepal Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1970–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$450 million
Ranked #105 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.5%
Ranked #96 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.9%
From $429M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$479 million
Reached in 2017
Nepal Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Nepal is estimated to have spent $450 million on military and defense, representing 1.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Nepal is the #105 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.9%, from $429 million to $450 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 1.7% in 2005. The historical average military budget is 1.1% 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) | 1.50% | $450M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.50% | $429M |
| 2024 | 0.98% | $409M |
| 2023 | 1.07% | $436M |
| 2022 | 1.16% | $463M |
| 2021 | 1.22% | $462M |
| 2020 | 1.32% | $468M |
| 2019 | 1.24% | $455M |
| 2018 | 1.35% | $470M |
| 2017 | 1.48% | $479M |
| 2016 | 1.47% | $417M |
| 2015 | 1.37% | $392M |
| 2014 | 1.43% | $408M |
| 2013 | 1.34% | $361M |
| 2012 | 1.24% | $330M |
| 2011 | 1.35% | $347M |
| 2010 | 1.37% | $336M |
| 2009 | 1.44% | $320M |
| 2008 | 1.40% | $286M |
| 2007 | 1.35% | $271M |