South Africa Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1951–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$3.0 billion
Ranked #55 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.7%
Ranked #141 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $2.8B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$5.3 billion
Reached in 1988
South Africa Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, South Africa is estimated to have spent $3.0 billion on military and defense, representing 0.7% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. South Africa is the #55 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $2.8 billion to $3.0 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 5.3% in 1977. 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) | 0.70% | $2,964M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.70% | $2,829M |
| 2024 | 0.70% | $2,694M |
| 2023 | 0.75% | $2,876M |
| 2022 | 0.80% | $3,059M |
| 2021 | 0.81% | $3,089M |
| 2020 | 0.96% | $3,430M |
| 2019 | 0.88% | $3,303M |
| 2018 | 0.89% | $3,324M |
| 2017 | 0.94% | $3,469M |
| 2016 | 0.97% | $3,520M |
| 2015 | 1.01% | $3,613M |
| 2014 | 1.02% | $3,584M |
| 2013 | 1.03% | $3,580M |
| 2012 | 1.03% | $3,511M |
| 2011 | 1.00% | $3,360M |
| 2010 | 1.00% | $3,242M |
| 2009 | 1.09% | $3,351M |
| 2008 | 1.04% | $3,203M |
| 2007 | 1.06% | $3,227M |