Singapore Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Singapore's military spending was 2.79% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Singapore's military spending stood at 2.79% in 2025, a decline of +0.05% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.79% by 2025. Singapore ranked 29th globally.
Singapore's military spending, as a proportion of its gross domestic product, has exhibited a notable downward trend over the years, with the latest available figure standing at 2.79 percent. This represents a significant decrease from the country's all-time peak of 5.68 percent in 1977, a period marked by heightened tensions in the region due to the Cold War. Conversely, the all-time trough of 2.41 percent was recorded in 2022. For context, Singapore's military spending ranks 29th globally, with Togo ranking closest at 2.85 percent. Notably, Singapore's military spending has been steadily decreasing since the 1990s, a period marked by improved regional stability and a shift towards more diplomatic engagement. As global security dynamics continue to evolve, a potential increase in regional tensions or a shift in Singapore's foreign policy stance could alter its military spending trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.87% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.83% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.79% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.79% | −0.05% | #29 |
| 2024 | 2.84% | +0.01% | #121 |
| 2023 | 2.83% | +0.42% | #122 |
| 2022 | 2.41% | −0.13% | #120 |
| 2021 | 2.54% | −0.27% | #125 |
| 2020 | 2.80% | +0.04% | #125 |
| 2019 | 2.76% | −0.05% | #127 |
| 2018 | 2.81% | −0.16% | #130 |
| 2017 | 2.97% | −0.12% | #127 |
| 2016 | 3.10% | +0.05% | #129 |
| 2015 | 3.05% | −0.00% | #127 |
| 2014 | 3.05% | +0.01% | #128 |
| 2013 | 3.04% | −0.07% | #127 |
| 2012 | 3.11% | −0.09% | #127 |
| 2011 | 3.19% | −0.19% | #124 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Singapore's military spending was 2.79% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.
Singapore's military spending peaked at 5.68% in 1977.
The lowest military spending in Singapore was 2.41% in 2022.
Singapore ranks 29th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Singapore's military spending is projected to reach 2.79% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Singapore in 2025 was 2.79%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_military-spending,
title = {Singapore Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}