New Zealand Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1956–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$3.3 billion
Ranked #53 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.6%
Ranked #87 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $3.1B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$3.3 billion
Reached in 2026
New Zealand Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, New Zealand is estimated to have spent $3.3 billion on military and defense, representing 1.6% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. New Zealand is the #53 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $3.1 billion to $3.3 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 3.1% in 1956. The historical average military budget is 1.9% 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) | 1.60% | $3,255M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.50% | $3,107M |
| 2024 | 1.19% | $2,959M |
| 2023 | 1.22% | $3,029M |
| 2022 | 1.17% | $2,891M |
| 2021 | 1.16% | $2,854M |
| 2020 | 1.34% | $3,126M |
| 2019 | 1.29% | $3,037M |
| 2018 | 1.11% | $2,495M |
| 2017 | 1.05% | $2,285M |
| 2016 | 1.04% | $2,133M |
| 2015 | 0.99% | $1,933M |
| 2014 | 1.00% | $1,874M |
| 2013 | 1.04% | $1,879M |
| 2012 | 1.12% | $1,924M |
| 2011 | 1.16% | $1,978M |
| 2010 | 1.21% | $2,046M |
| 2009 | 1.22% | $2,009M |
| 2008 | 1.15% | $1,914M |
| 2007 | 1.18% | $1,973M |