Saudi Arabia Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Saudi Arabia's military spending was 6.52% in 2025, ranked 6th globally. This represents a 10.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1963–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's military spending stood at 6.52% in 2025, a decline of +0.78% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.52% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 6th globally.
Saudi Arabia's military spending has undergone significant fluctuations over the past 59 years, with the latest figure standing at 6.52% of GDP. Notably, the country's military expenditure peaked in 1984 at 19.00% of GDP, a stark contrast to the trough of 5.90% in the same year, marking a substantial increase in defense spending during a period of regional turmoil. When compared to its peers, Saudi Arabia's military spending ranks closely behind the Russian Federation's 7.25% and slightly ahead of Myanmar's 6.49%. This trend suggests a sustained commitment to defense spending, driven in part by regional security concerns and the country's strategic position in the Middle East. As Saudi Arabia continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, any significant shifts in global oil prices or regional conflicts could alter the trajectory of military spending, potentially leading to further increases or a reevaluation of defense priorities.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 5.93% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 6.23% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 6.52% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.52% | −0.78% | #6 |
| 2024 | 7.30% | +0.01% | #144 |
| 2023 | 7.28% | +0.89% | #147 |
| 2022 | 6.40% | −0.83% | #148 |
| 2021 | 7.23% | −1.56% | #151 |
| 2020 | 8.79% | +1.00% | #150 |
| 2019 | 7.79% | −1.02% | #150 |
| 2018 | 8.81% | −1.03% | #153 |
| 2017 | 9.85% | +0.29% | #151 |
| 2016 | 9.56% | −3.46% | #150 |
| 2015 | 13.02% | +2.49% | #150 |
| 2014 | 10.54% | +1.64% | #153 |
| 2013 | 8.89% | +1.27% | #152 |
| 2012 | 7.62% | +0.44% | #148 |
| 2011 | 7.17% | −1.39% | #144 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The provided news headlines do not contain information directly related to Saudi Arabia's military spending, which was recently at 6.52%. The headlines discuss US litigation, potential US military options regarding Iran, radio technology, and a US political candidate's views, none of which offer specific insights into Saudi defense expenditures. Therefore, these developments do not provide a basis for analyzing changes or influences on Saudi Arabia's military budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's military spending was 6.52% in 2025. Ranked 6th globally. This represents a 10.7% decrease from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's military spending peaked at 19.00% in 1984.
The lowest military spending in Saudi Arabia was 5.90% in 1963.
Saudi Arabia ranks 6th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Saudi Arabia's military spending is projected to reach 6.52% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was 6.52%. This ranks 6th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_military-spending,
title = {Saudi Arabia Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}