Romania Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1980–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$8.9 billion
Ranked #31 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
3.0%
Ranked #36 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $8.5B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$11.5 billion
Reached in 1986
Romania Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Romania is estimated to have spent $8.9 billion on military and defense, representing 3.0% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Romania is the #31 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $8.5 billion to $8.9 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.8% in 1989. 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) | 3.00% | $8,872M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.80% | $8,469M |
| 2024 | 2.30% | $8,066M |
| 2023 | 1.60% | $5,628M |
| 2022 | 1.75% | $5,872M |
| 2021 | 1.85% | $6,053M |
| 2020 | 2.00% | $6,188M |
| 2019 | 1.83% | $5,785M |
| 2018 | 1.79% | $5,285M |
| 2017 | 1.73% | $4,752M |
| 2016 | 1.43% | $3,502M |
| 2015 | 1.45% | $3,319M |
| 2014 | 1.35% | $2,877M |
| 2013 | 1.29% | $2,633M |
| 2012 | 1.17% | $2,447M |
| 2011 | 1.24% | $2,515M |
| 2010 | 1.23% | $2,431M |
| 2009 | 1.28% | $2,640M |
| 2008 | 1.40% | $3,105M |
| 2007 | 1.49% | $2,817M |