Rwanda Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1973–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$202 million
Ranked #120 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.3%
Ranked #110 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.5%
From $197M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$202 million
Reached in 2026
Rwanda Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Rwanda is estimated to have spent $202 million on military and defense, representing 1.3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Rwanda is the #120 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.5%, from $197 million to $202 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 5.5% in 1991. The historical average military budget is 2.1% 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) | 1.28% | $202M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.28% | $197M |
| 2024 | 1.25% | $191M |
| 2023 | 1.25% | $179M |
| 2022 | 1.33% | $189M |
| 2021 | 1.51% | $201M |
| 2020 | 1.47% | $171M |
| 2019 | 1.20% | $148M |
| 2018 | 1.24% | $141M |
| 2017 | 1.25% | $132M |
| 2016 | 1.24% | $126M |
| 2015 | 1.21% | $119M |
| 2014 | 1.10% | $101M |
| 2013 | 1.05% | $89M |
| 2012 | 1.04% | $87M |
| 2011 | 1.09% | $88M |
| 2010 | 1.22% | $87M |
| 2009 | 1.33% | $86M |
| 2008 | 1.31% | $84M |
| 2007 | 1.37% | $79M |