Netherlands Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1949–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$24.7 billion
Ranked #18 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.1%
Ranked #67 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $23.6B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$24.7 billion
Reached in 2026
Netherlands Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Netherlands is estimated to have spent $24.7 billion on military and defense, representing 2.1% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Netherlands is the #18 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $23.6 billion to $24.7 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 5.8% in 1956. The historical average military budget is 2.4% 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) | 2.10% | $24,683M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.00% | $23,561M |
| 2024 | 1.92% | $22,439M |
| 2023 | 1.44% | $16,625M |
| 2022 | 1.30% | $14,541M |
| 2021 | 1.37% | $15,022M |
| 2020 | 1.41% | $14,546M |
| 2019 | 1.29% | $13,754M |
| 2018 | 1.20% | $12,402M |
| 2017 | 1.14% | $11,437M |
| 2016 | 1.14% | $11,193M |
| 2015 | 1.12% | $10,647M |
| 2014 | 1.15% | $10,673M |
| 2013 | 1.16% | $10,658M |
| 2012 | 1.23% | $11,442M |
| 2011 | 1.28% | $12,177M |
| 2010 | 1.32% | $12,601M |
| 2009 | 1.39% | $13,154M |
| 2008 | 1.30% | $12,876M |
| 2007 | 1.35% | $13,103M |