Yemen Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1990–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$5.8 billion
Ranked #44 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
4.2%
Ranked #16 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $5.7B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$7.6 billion
Reached in 2009
Yemen Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Yemen is estimated to have spent $5.8 billion on military and defense, representing 4.2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Yemen is the #44 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $5.7 billion to $5.8 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 8.4% in 1994. The historical average military budget is 5.5% 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) | 4.21% | $5,846M |
| 2025(estimate) | 4.21% | $5,680M |
| 2014 | 3.97% | $5,515M |
| 2013 | 4.08% | $5,732M |
| 2012 | 4.57% | $6,229M |
| 2011 | 4.93% | $6,800M |
| 2010 | 4.69% | $7,499M |
| 2009 | 5.65% | $7,556M |
| 2008 | 4.45% | $6,605M |
| 2007 | 4.85% | $6,872M |
| 2006 | 4.31% | $5,748M |
| 2005 | 4.87% | $6,143M |
| 2004 | 5.30% | $5,976M |
| 2003 | 6.85% | $7,327M |
| 2002 | 6.90% | $7,101M |
| 2001 | 5.48% | $5,607M |
| 2000 | 4.92% | $5,276M |
| 1999 | 5.17% | $4,434M |
| 1998 | 6.08% | $4,090M |
| 1997 | 5.81% | $4,258M |