Papua New Guinea Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1975–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$100 million
Ranked #135 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.4%
Ranked #154 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+3.1%
From $97M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$167 million
Reached in 1994
Papua New Guinea Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Papua New Guinea is estimated to have spent $100 million on military and defense, representing 0.4% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Papua New Guinea is the #135 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 3.1%, from $97 million to $100 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 1.6% in 1976. The historical average military budget is 0.8% 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) | 0.36% | $100M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.36% | $97M |
| 2024 | 0.31% | $94M |
| 2023 | 0.34% | $97M |
| 2022 | 0.42% | $133M |
| 2021 | 0.33% | $91M |
| 2020 | 0.39% | $102M |
| 2019 | 0.36% | $100M |
| 2018 | 0.33% | $90M |
| 2017 | 0.36% | $92M |
| 2016 | 0.38% | $93M |
| 2015 | 0.46% | $111M |
| 2014 | 0.48% | $118M |
| 2013 | 0.49% | $105M |
| 2012 | 0.52% | $108M |
| 2011 | 0.36% | $75M |
| 2010 | 0.33% | $65M |
| 2009 | 0.45% | $78M |
| 2008 | 0.34% | $62M |
| 2007 | 0.41% | $75M |