Rankings by category · SD Strength Index
Military budget by country: 2026 ranking
The ranking
Download the data (CSV)| # | Country | US$ billion |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  United States | 893–1,050 |
| 2 |  China | 277–377 |
| 3 |  Russia | 145–200 |
| 4 |  Germany | 118–130 |
| 5 |  India | 88–92 |
| 6 |  United Kingdom | 85–92 |
| 7 |  France | 62–68 |
| 8 |  Ukraine | 55–75 |
| 9 |  Saudi Arabia | 64–78 |
| 10 |  Japan | 57–61 |
| 11 |  Poland | 47–55 |
| 12 |  Canada | 45–52 |
| 13 |  Italy | 37–55 |
| 14 |  Australia | 43–48 |
| 15 |  Israel | 44.8–45.8 |
| 16 |  South Korea | 44–47 |
| 17 |  Spain | 39.5–41.5 |
| 18 |  Netherlands | 31–35 |
| 19 |  Taiwan | 31 |
| 20 |  Brazil | 24–27 |
| 21 |  Algeria | 24.5–25.4 |
| 22 |  United Arab Emirates | 22–27.2 |
| 23 |  Singapore | 19.5 |
| 24 |  Turkey | 17–30 |
| 25 |  Sweden | 18–20 |
| 26 |  Qatar | 14–18 |
| 27 |  Colombia | 15–17 |
| 28 |  Norway | 10.5–18 |
| 29 |  Mexico | 12.5–13.2 |
| 30 |  Morocco | 7.5–15.7 |
| 31 |  Indonesia | 11.3 |
| 32 |  Pakistan | 10.4–10.9 |
| 33 |  Vietnam | 8–11.9 |
| 34 |  Romania | 9.5–11 |
| 35 |  Greece | 8–10 |
| 36 |  Kuwait | 8.1 |
| 37 |  Iran | 7.4–25 |
| 38 |  Finland | 7.1–7.6 |
| 39 |  Oman | 6–8.2 |
| 40 |  North Korea | 4–10 |
| 41 |  Iraq | 5.5–8 |
| 42 |  Thailand | 6–6.4 |
| 43 |  Malaysia | 5.1–5.5 |
| 44 |  Azerbaijan | 5–5.2 |
| 45 |  Philippines | 5–6.5 |
| 46 |  Argentina | 4–4.6 |
| 47 |  Bangladesh | 3.4 |
| 48 |  Kazakhstan | 3–3.8 |
| 49 |  South Africa | 3.1–3.3 |
| 50 |  Chile | 3–3.3 |
| 51 |  Peru | 2.6–2.8 |
| 52 |  Jordan | 2.4–2.8 |
| 53 |  Egypt | 2.4–2.6 |
| 54 |  Myanmar | 2.1–2.7 |
| 55 |  Nigeria | 2.1–2.3 |
| 56 |  Uzbekistan | 1.5–2.6 |
| 57 |  Kenya | 1.9–2 |
| 58 |  Angola | 1.3–2.2 |
| 59 |  Tunisia | 1.6–1.8 |
| 60 |  Belarus | 1.4–1.6 |
| 61 |  Bahrain | 1.5 |
| 62 |  Armenia | 1.5–1.5 |
| 63 |  Uganda | 1.3–1.5 |
| 64 |  Venezuela | 0.5–2 |
| 65 |  Ethiopia | 0.3–1.5 |
| 66 |  Lebanon | 0.6–1 |
Which country spends the most on its military?
The United States, by a wide distance. Its 2026 national defence spending passed $1 trillion for the first time, combining about $890bn of regular money with roughly $152bn from the 2025 reconciliation law, spread over several years and aimed at shipbuilding, the Golden Dome missile defence programme and munitions. That is about 3.4% of a $30.5 trillion economy. A further $67bn war supplemental for Iran was requested in June 2026.
China's official budget rose about 7% to 1.91 trillion yuan, around $277bn. Estimates of its real spending run as high as $377bn, which is why we grade the figure as an estimate.
What are the top military budgets in 2026?
After the US and China come Russia, at an estimated $145bn to $200bn for its national defence line depending on the rouble, and Germany at about $124bn including its special fund, a sharp jump after the 2025 debt brake reform. India spends $90bn after a 15% rise, and Britain an estimated $85bn to $92bn.
France spends about $66bn, Ukraine an estimated $55bn to $75bn of its own money before donor aid, and Saudi Arabia an estimated $64bn to $78bn. Japan ($58bn, a record), Poland (about $55bn), Italy (an estimated $37bn to $55bn), Canada and Israel (about $45bn each), South Korea ($44.7bn) and Australia (about $43bn) complete the leading group.
Which countries spend the most as a share of GDP?
Ukraine, at an estimated 27% of GDP, is a country at war. North Korea is estimated at 15% to 25%, though its real budget is unknown. Algeria (about 8.8%), Oman (about 7.5%) and Saudi Arabia (7.1%) follow, with Azerbaijan, Qatar, Morocco and Israel at an estimated 5.5% to 7.5%.
Among large powers, Russia spends an estimated 5.1% and Poland a record 4.8%. China and Japan, both about 1.4% on official figures, look modest by this measure despite their size, though Japan reaches about 2% once related security spending is added.
Does a bigger budget mean a stronger military?
Not on its own. Budget and industry are worth 18% of the Silent Dossier score. We start from the budget and raise it for countries that build their own weapons and have recent combat experience, because those show what the money buys today. Saudi Arabia outspends Israel by an estimated $19bn or more a year but relies on foreign contractors to keep its jets flying. Germany's new money will take years to become trained units.
Currency also distorts the picture. Russia's budget swings by tens of billions of dollars with the rouble, and India's figure includes military pensions as well as new equipment. Where a budget is opaque, as with North Korea or Vietnam, we give a range rather than a number we cannot stand behind.
Where is spending rising fastest?
Europe is where the curve bends hardest. Poland planned about 200bn zloty for 2026. France brought its €64bn target forward to 2027, Britain plans 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and Sweden aims for 3.5% by 2030. Asia is climbing too: South Korea's 2027 request is up about 11%, and Japan set another record.
Not everyone is spending more. Armenia cut its budget by about 15% in 2026, and Russia's national defence line fell slightly in nominal terms. That dip looks temporary, since Moscow's draft for 2027 raises defence to 17.1 trillion roubles.
Questions readers ask
Which country has the highest military budget?
The United States, at about $1.04 trillion in 2026, the first time it has passed $1 trillion.
What is China's military budget in 2026?
The official figure is 1.91 trillion yuan, roughly $277bn, up about 7%. Estimates of total real spending run as high as $377bn.
How much does Russia spend on its military?
Russia's 2026 national defence line is about 13 trillion roubles, an estimated $145bn to $200bn depending on the exchange rate, around 5% of GDP.
Which country spends the most on defence relative to GDP?
Ukraine, at an estimated 27% of GDP. North Korea comes next at an estimated 15% to 25%, then Algeria, Oman and Saudi Arabia at roughly 7% to 9%.
How much does India spend on defence?
About $90bn in the 2026/27 budget, a rise of roughly 15%, including pensions.