Military expenditure (% of GDP)

This indicator reflects the proportion of a nation's gross domestic product allocated to military spending, encompassing a comprehensive range of expenses as defined by NATO. It accounts for both current and capital outlays on armed forces, including personnel costs, operational maintenance, procurement, and research and development. Notably, it integrates expenses related to defense ministries and paramilitary forces deemed combat-ready, as well as military space initiatives. However, the measure is complicated by varying transparency in military budgets across nations, which may omit crucial elements like civil defense or past military operations. Consequently, a precise application of this definition is often hindered by the lack of detailed reporting, making cross-country comparisons challenging and highlighting disparities in military commitment and operational strategy. Source: