United Kingdom Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1950–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$85.1 billion
Ranked #7 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.5%
Ranked #49 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $81.3B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$85.1 billion
Reached in 2026
United Kingdom Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, United Kingdom is estimated to have spent $85.1 billion on military and defense, representing 2.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. United Kingdom is the #7 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $81.3 billion to $85.1 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 11.0% in 1953. The historical average military budget is 4.5% 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) | 2.50% | $85,129M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.40% | $81,259M |
| 2024 | 2.28% | $77,390M |
| 2023 | 2.23% | $75,303M |
| 2022 | 2.06% | $68,878M |
| 2021 | 2.07% | $67,750M |
| 2020 | 2.16% | $66,723M |
| 2019 | 1.99% | $65,680M |
| 2018 | 1.94% | $63,060M |
| 2017 | 1.95% | $62,589M |
| 2016 | 1.98% | $62,475M |
| 2015 | 2.05% | $62,693M |
| 2014 | 2.18% | $65,200M |
| 2013 | 2.29% | $66,387M |
| 2012 | 2.42% | $68,906M |
| 2011 | 2.50% | $70,874M |
| 2010 | 2.57% | $73,354M |
| 2009 | 2.65% | $74,608M |
| 2008 | 2.49% | $73,431M |
| 2007 | 2.37% | $70,351M |