United States Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1949–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1065.2 billion
Ranked #1 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
3.5%
Ranked #26 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $1016.8B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$1065.2 billion
Reached in 2026
United States Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, United States is estimated to have spent $1065.2 billion on military and defense, representing 3.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. United States is the #1 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $1016.8 billion to $1065.2 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 13.9% in 1952. The historical average military budget is 5.9% 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) | 3.50% | $1,065,220M |
| 2025(estimate) | 3.40% | $1,016,801M |
| 2024 | 3.42% | $968,382M |
| 2023 | 3.30% | $916,015M |
| 2022 | 3.31% | $896,121M |
| 2021 | 3.40% | $906,594M |
| 2020 | 3.65% | $916,417M |
| 2019 | 3.41% | $875,217M |
| 2018 | 3.30% | $828,158M |
| 2017 | 3.30% | $803,961M |
| 2016 | 3.40% | $812,331M |
| 2015 | 3.46% | $814,831M |
| 2014 | 3.68% | $833,765M |
| 2013 | 4.02% | $888,413M |
| 2012 | 4.46% | $962,443M |
| 2011 | 4.82% | $1,019,046M |
| 2010 | 4.90% | $1,031,257M |
| 2009 | 4.88% | $1,002,596M |
| 2008 | 4.45% | $929,458M |
| 2007 | 4.07% | $866,430M |