South Sudan Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (2006–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$974 million
Ranked #86 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.9%
Ranked #79 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $947M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$3.5 billion
Reached in 2011
South Sudan Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, South Sudan is estimated to have spent $974 million on military and defense, representing 1.9% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. South Sudan is the #86 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $947 million to $974 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 8.8% in 2012. The historical average military budget is 4.4% 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) | 1.88% | $974M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.88% | $947M |
| 2024 | 1.96% | $919M |
| 2023 | 2.10% | $1,076M |
| 2022 | 1.57% | $533M |
| 2021 | 1.51% | $204M |
| 2020 | 1.87% | $136M |
| 2019 | 3.80% | $255M |
| 2018 | 4.77% | $415M |
| 2017 | 3.99% | $296M |
| 2016 | 4.85% | $686M |
| 2015 | 8.60% | $2,351M |
| 2014 | 8.57% | $2,927M |
| 2013 | 6.57% | $2,245M |
| 2012 | 8.77% | $2,258M |
| 2011 | 6.09% | $3,547M |
| 2010 | 4.14% | $2,485M |
| 2009 | 4.97% | $2,351M |
| 2008 | 5.76% | $3,295M |
| 2007 | — | $2,383M |