Military Expenditure in Argentina, 1960-2022

Argentina's military expenditure peaked during the military dictatorship era of 1976–1983, reaching 4.7% of GDP in 1979. This surge reflects heightened spending due to internal security measures and the 1982 Falklands War. After the return to democracy in 1983, expenditure began a steady decline, falling to 1.5% by 1991. This reduction aligns with broader economic reforms and reduced militarization priorities during the 1990s.

Since the early 2000s, military spending has remained consistently low, averaging under 1% of GDP, reflecting Argentina’s focus on economic recovery and limited international security engagements. The decline to just 0.4% by 2022 highlights fiscal constraints and the prioritization of social and economic issues over defense.