Taiwan Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1976–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$18.3 billion
Ranked #21 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.6%
Ranked #44 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $17.5B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$18.3 billion
Reached in 2026
Taiwan Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Taiwan is estimated to have spent $18.3 billion on military and defense, representing 2.6% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Taiwan is the #21 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $17.5 billion to $18.3 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 7.6% in 1979. The historical average military budget is 3.7% 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) | 2.60% | $18,298M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.50% | $17,466M |
| 2024 | 2.10% | $16,635M |
| 2023 | 2.14% | $16,345M |
| 2022 | 1.97% | $14,901M |
| 2021 | 1.87% | $13,146M |
| 2020 | 1.90% | $12,166M |
| 2019 | 1.82% | $11,652M |
| 2018 | 1.74% | $10,925M |
| 2017 | 1.82% | $11,166M |
| 2016 | 1.82% | $11,020M |
| 2015 | 1.87% | $11,213M |
| 2014 | 1.85% | $10,639M |
| 2013 | 1.94% | $10,701M |
| 2012 | 2.12% | $11,331M |
| 2011 | 2.06% | $10,945M |
| 2010 | 2.04% | $10,842M |
| 2009 | 2.33% | $11,471M |
| 2008 | 2.15% | $10,651M |
| 2007 | 2.00% | $10,460M |