Saudi Arabia Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1963–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$86.8 billion
Ranked #6 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
6.5%
Ranked #5 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $82.9B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$99.0 billion
Reached in 2015
Saudi Arabia Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Saudi Arabia is estimated to have spent $86.8 billion on military and defense, representing 6.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Saudi Arabia is the #6 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $82.9 billion to $86.8 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 19.0% in 1984. The historical average military budget is 10.6% 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) | 6.50% | $86,849M |
| 2025(estimate) | 6.20% | $82,901M |
| 2024 | 7.30% | $78,954M |
| 2023 | 7.28% | $77,765M |
| 2022 | 6.40% | $72,570M |
| 2021 | 7.23% | $66,265M |
| 2020 | 8.79% | $69,769M |
| 2019 | 7.79% | $73,072M |
| 2018 | 8.81% | $81,666M |
| 2017 | 9.85% | $78,950M |
| 2016 | 9.56% | $70,807M |
| 2015 | 13.02% | $98,961M |
| 2014 | 10.54% | $92,775M |
| 2013 | 8.89% | $78,710M |
| 2012 | 7.62% | $68,697M |
| 2011 | 7.17% | $60,701M |
| 2010 | 8.57% | $59,888M |
| 2009 | 9.62% | $57,540M |
| 2008 | 7.35% | $55,990M |
| 2007 | 8.53% | $57,047M |