This site uses cookies to ensure the best viewing experience for our readers.
Report: Israel’s Military Expenditure Among Highest in the World

Brief

Report: Israel’s Military Expenditure Among Highest in the World

According to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditure rose to $1.8 trillion in 2018

Amarelle Wenkert | 14:17, 30.04.19

Israel’s military burden—meaning defense spending as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP)—was some of the highest in the world in 2018, according to a new report published Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Israel spent $15.9 billion on defense in 2018, or 4.3% of its GDP, ranking seventh after Saudi Arabia (8.8%), Oman (8.2%), Algeria (5.3%), Kuwait (5.1%), Lebanon (5%), and Jordan (4.7%). While Middle Eastern countries were among the world’s most burdened by defense expenses, countries in the region spent 1.9% less on defense in 2018 compared to 2017.

For daily updates, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here. 

For all its military spending, Israel is also one of the world’s largest arms exporters. A SIPRI report published in March ranked it in eighth place, after countries such as the U.S., Russia, France, Germany, and China.

Global military spending rose to $1822 billion in 2018, a 2.6% increase from 2017, representing 2.1% of global GDP, according to SIPRI data. The U.S., China, Saudi Arabia, India, and France were the biggest defense spenders, accounting together for 60% of all military expenditure.

Rafael Spike missile test. Photo: Rafael Rafael Spike missile test. Photo: Rafael Rafael Spike missile test. Photo: Rafael

share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin share on whatsapp share on mail

TAGS