Italy Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Italy's military spending was 1.56% in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 2.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Italy's military spending stood at 1.56% in 2025, a decline of +0.05% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.56% by 2025. Italy ranked 76th globally.
Italy’s military expenditure has fallen markedly from its 1966 all‑time peak of 2.99 % of GDP to a historic low of 1.20 % in 2015, reflecting a long‑term shift toward fiscal restraint after the post‑war expansion era. Over the 66‑year span covered, the share has hovered around the mid‑single digits before a gradual decline set in during the 2000s, culminating in the 2015 trough that coincided with broader austerity measures across the euro area. By 2025 Italy’s defence outlay stands at 1.56 % of GDP, ranking it 76th globally and placing it on par with peer economies such as Senegal (1.56 %) and Honduras (1.58 %). The modest rebound from the trough suggests a cautious reallocation of resources, yet the trajectory will likely depend on NATO commitments, domestic political priorities and the pace of economic recovery, which could either sustain the modest rise or pull spending back toward the lower end of the recent range.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 1.50% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.53% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.56% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.56% | −0.05% | #76 |
| 2024 | 1.61% | +0.00% | #74 |
| 2023 | 1.61% | −0.05% | #77 |
| 2022 | 1.65% | −0.01% | #93 |
| 2021 | 1.66% | −0.07% | #91 |
| 2020 | 1.73% | +0.42% | #84 |
| 2019 | 1.31% | −0.05% | #66 |
| 2018 | 1.35% | +0.00% | #76 |
| 2017 | 1.35% | +0.02% | #73 |
| 2016 | 1.33% | +0.13% | #71 |
| 2015 | 1.20% | −0.07% | #63 |
| 2014 | 1.28% | −0.12% | #71 |
| 2013 | 1.39% | −0.03% | #79 |
| 2012 | 1.42% | −0.05% | #80 |
| 2011 | 1.47% | −0.03% | #79 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Italy matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1986. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Broader European economic challenges and fiscal warnings highlighted in the news suggest a climate where Italy, with its own economic considerations, might face pressure to maintain fiscal prudence, potentially limiting significant increases to its current military spending of 1.56%. Conversely, the RAND study's warning about a potential hasty US military exit from Europe could prompt NATO allies, including Italy, to consider increasing their defense outlays to strengthen European security. This dynamic presents conflicting pressures on Italy's military spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Italy's military spending was 1.56% in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 2.9% decrease from the previous year.
Italy's military spending peaked at 2.99% in 1966.
The lowest military spending in Italy was 1.20% in 2015.
Italy ranks 76th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Italy's military spending is projected to reach 1.56% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Italy in 2025 was 1.56%. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_italy_military-spending,
title = {Italy Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/italy/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}