Military expenditure (current LCU)

This indicator encompasses comprehensive data on defense spending as outlined by the SIPRI framework, capturing both ongoing and capital outlays associated with military forces, including those involved in peacekeeping missions. It extends beyond traditional military budgets to include financing for defense departments and related agencies, paramilitary units poised for combat operations, and military space initiatives. Expenditure calculations also account for personnel costs—encompassing salaries, retirement benefits, and welfare services—along with operational maintenance, equipment procurement, and R&D investments. Notably, certain expenditures like civil defense and veterans’ benefits are excluded, illustrating the complexity of accurately delineating military financial commitments, particularly given varying national accounting practices and the lack of transparency regarding off-budget military expenditures. Source: