Sierra Leone Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1959–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$29 million
Ranked #142 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.6%
Ranked #146 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+3.6%
From $28M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$47 million
Reached in 2016
Sierra Leone Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Sierra Leone is estimated to have spent $29 million on military and defense, representing 0.6% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Sierra Leone is the #142 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 3.6%, from $28 million to $29 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 1.7% in 2001. 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) | 0.55% | $29M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.55% | $28M |
| 2024 | 0.46% | $27M |
| 2023 | 0.60% | $38M |
| 2022 | 0.58% | $39M |
| 2021 | 0.60% | $39M |
| 2020 | 0.49% | $31M |
| 2019 | 0.38% | $24M |
| 2018 | 0.47% | $30M |
| 2017 | 0.68% | $42M |
| 2016 | 0.71% | $47M |
| 2015 | 0.58% | $38M |
| 2014 | 0.75% | $45M |
| 2013 | 0.47% | $29M |
| 2012 | 0.52% | $29M |
| 2011 | 0.53% | $27M |
| 2010 | 0.60% | $26M |
| 2009 | 0.70% | $25M |
| 2008 | 0.60% | $21M |
| 2007 | 0.84% | $28M |