Money · Spending

How much does the UK spend on defence?

The UK government spent £65 billion on defence in 2025-26: 5% of all government spending and 2.1% of GDP, about £941 for every person in the UK.

SPENT

£65bn

On defence, 2025-26.

SHARE OF SPENDING

Of £1,360bn total government spending.

PER PERSON

£941

A year, across 69.5 million people.

Spending on defence over the last few years

Figures are in cash terms, not adjusted for rising prices, and for the whole UK public sector. See all spending →

Financial year	Spent	Share of GDP	Share of spending	Change on the year before
2025-26	£65.4bn	2.1%	4.8%	+2.7%
2024-25	£63.7bn	2.2%	4.9%	+12.1%
2023-24	£56.8bn	2.0%	4.6%	–

See how MPs have voted on defence and security →

What it cannot tell you. The Treasury’s defence heading follows its own classification, which differs from the NATO definition used to compare countries, so the figure here will not match NATO’s. It does not show whether spending is enough for any purpose.

Questions people ask

How much does the UK spend on defence?

£65 billion in 2025-26, which is 5% of government spending and 2.1% of GDP.

Is this the same as the NATO figure?

No. NATO counts some extra items, such as pensions and some intelligence and security spending, so its figure for the UK is usually higher.

Is this adjusted for inflation?

No. The figures are in cash terms, so a rise can partly reflect higher prices. See the inflation page for how fast prices have risen.

Sources: HM Treasury, Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA), and the ONS, 2025-26. Latest published outturn; it can be revised. Updated every night.