Military Expenditure in Spain, 1960-2022

Spain’s military expenditure reflected its transition from a dictatorship to a democracy and integration into NATO. Spending started at 2.3% of GDP in 1960, rising to 3.0% by 1984 during a period of military modernization. A decline followed, coinciding with Spain's democratic consolidation and reduced Cold War tensions.

By the late 1990s, spending stabilized at around 1.4%, with minor fluctuations over the 21st century. Recent increases to 1.5% in 2022 reflect Spain's renewed commitment to NATO amid heightened European security concerns.