Uzbekistan Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Uzbekistan's military spending was 2.87% in 2018, ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 566.8% increase from 2017. Data from World Bank, covering 1994–2018.
Overview
Uzbekistan's military spending stood at 2.87% in 2018, a rise of +2.44% from 2003. Uzbekistan ranked 132nd globally.
Uzbekistan’s military expenditure has risen steadily since the early 2000s, climbing from a trough of 0.43 % of GDP in 2003 to an all‑time peak of 2.87 % in 2018, the latest figure reported by the World Bank and placing the country 132nd in global rankings. Over the ten‑year coverage period, the share of GDP devoted to defence more than sextupled, reflecting a broader regional pattern in which neighbouring peers such as Mali (2.82 %) and Cuba (2.88 %) recorded comparable levels in the same year. The upward trajectory coincides with Uzbekistan’s post‑Soviet security reforms and increased procurement of modern equipment, suggesting a deliberate policy shift toward greater self‑reliance. While the current level remains modest relative to major powers, any acceleration in economic growth or shifts in geopolitical tensions could either temper or amplify future spending, making the next decade pivotal for the country’s defence budget trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2.87% | +2.44% | #132 |
| 2003 | 0.43% | −0.05% | #9 |
| 2002 | 0.48% | −0.19% | #9 |
| 2001 | 0.67% | −0.25% | #14 |
| 2000 | 0.92% | −0.39% | #28 |
| 1999 | 1.31% | +0.19% | #47 |
| 1997 | 1.12% | +0.13% | #34 |
| 1996 | 0.98% | +0.10% | #27 |
| 1995 | 0.88% | −0.64% | #19 |
| 1994 | 1.53% | – | #48 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uzbekistan matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uzbekistan's military spending was 2.87% in 2018. Ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 566.8% increase from the previous year.
Uzbekistan's military spending peaked at 2.87% in 2018.
The lowest military spending in Uzbekistan was 0.43% in 2003.
Uzbekistan ranks 132nd globally in military spending as of 2018.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The military spending of Uzbekistan in 2018 was 2.87%. This ranks 132nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uzbekistan_military-spending,
title = {Uzbekistan Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uzbekistan/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}