Military budgets are a crucial indicator of a country’s defence capacity and global influence. The size of these budgets reveals how much nations allocate to maintain and improve their armed forces, affecting geopolitical dynamics and security policies. In 2026, the biggest military budgets belong to a handful of powerful countries, which focus heavily on military technology, defence systems, and strategic interests. Understanding these budgets helps us gauge how countries prioritize their defence needs and their position on the world stage. This list of the top 20 military budgets offers a unique insight into global military spending trends.
Military budgets are measured based on government spending allocated to defence and military operations, including salaries, equipment, and infrastructure. Countries with larger military budgets typically have more extensive defence needs, whether for national security, regional influence, or global power projection. The figures are often compared as a percentage of GDP, helping to understand how much of a country’s economy is dedicated to defence. Military spending tends to rise during times of international conflict or strategic uncertainty, and it is often driven by technological advancements, regional rivalries, or military modernization plans.
Top 10 Biggest Military Budgets in the World 2026
- United States: 801.7 Billion USD
- China: 293 Billion USD
- India: 73 Billion USD
- United Kingdom: 68 Billion USD
- Russia: 61.7 Billion USD
- Saudi Arabia: 61 Billion USD
- Germany: 56 Billion USD
- Japan: 54 Billion USD
- France: 52 Billion USD
- South Korea: 50 Billion USD
The United States remains the undisputed leader with a military budget far surpassing that of any other country, reflecting its global military dominance. China follows as a strong competitor, significantly outspending the next largest budgets. Nations like India, the United Kingdom, and Russia show notable investments in defence, with military budgets reflecting both their strategic priorities and regional security concerns. Saudi Arabia stands out with an exceptionally high percentage of GDP allocated to defence. These top 10 nations are central to global security policies, with defence spending aligning closely with their geopolitical ambitions.
| # | Country | Military budget (Billion USD) | Percentage of GDP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 801.7 | 3.7 |
| 2 | China | 293 | 1.9 |
| 3 | India | 73 | 2.4 |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 68 | 2.1 |
| 5 | Russia | 61.7 | 4.1 |
| 6 | Saudi Arabia | 61 | 8.5 |
| 7 | Germany | 56 | 1.4 |
| 8 | Japan | 54 | 1 |
| 9 | France | 52 | 2.3 |
| 10 | South Korea | 50 | 2.6 |
| 11 | Italy | 40 | 1.5 |
| 12 | Canada | 38 | 1.3 |
| 13 | Australia | 37 | 2 |
| 14 | Brazil | 36 | 1.3 |
| 15 | Turkey | 35 | 2 |
| 16 | Spain | 34 | 1.3 |
| 17 | Netherlands | 32 | 1.4 |
| 18 | Israel | 30 | 5.5 |
| 19 | South Africa | 3.9 | 1.1 |
| 20 | Argentina | 3.7 | 1 |
Key Points
- The United States spends over 800 billion USD on defence, a staggering lead over the second-largest budget in China.
- China’s military budget is more than four times that of India’s, signalling its rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Saudi Arabia allocates a disproportionately high percentage of its GDP (8.5%) to military spending, the highest in the top 20.
- Countries like Japan and South Korea show strong military investments, reflecting the ongoing security concerns in East Asia.
- Russia and France maintain large defence budgets despite their smaller economies compared to the United States or China.
- The United Kingdom’s military budget of 68 billion USD ranks it among the top five, underlining its continuing global role.
- South Korea’s strategic location in the Korean Peninsula justifies its military expenditure, ranking 10th globally.
- Military spending as a percentage of GDP is particularly high for Israel and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the importance of defence to their national security.
- Germany’s military budget has been steadily increasing, especially in the wake of European security challenges.
- Smaller economies, such as Argentina and South Africa, have military budgets under 5 billion USD, but their defence spending remains significant relative to their GDP.
The global ranking of military budgets in 2026 shows clear trends in defence spending, with nations like the United States and China at the top, driving much of the global military expenditure. While some countries prioritize large-scale military operations, others focus on strategic investments aligned with their regional security needs. As global tensions rise and defence technologies evolve, these budgets will likely continue to shift, reflecting both traditional military needs and modern warfare innovations. The future of military spending will be shaped by geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and new defence strategies.
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