The Military Balance 2026

Indexes of Tables, Figures and Maps
Editor’s Introduction

Capabilities, Developments and Economics
Chapter 1 Defence and military analysis
Fortifying NATO’s eastern flank
Global defence spending

Chapter 2 North America
Regional overview
United States
United States: defence economics
Canada
Arms procurement and defence-industrial developments
Armed forces data

Chapter 3 Europe
Regional overview
Defence economics
Arms procurement and defence-industrial developments
Armed forces data

Chapter 4 Russia and Eurasia
Regional overview
Russia
Russia: defence economics
Arms procurement and defence-industrial developments
Armed forces data

Chapter 5 Asia
Regional overview
China
China: defence economics
Asia: defence economics
Arms procurement and defence-industrial developments
Armed forces data

Chapter 6 Middle East and North Africa
Regional overview
Defence economics
Arms procurement and defence-industrial developments
Armed forces data

Chapter 7 Latin America and the Caribbean
Regional overview
Defence economics
Arms procurement and defence-industrial developments
Armed forces data

Chapter 8 Sub-Saharan Africa
Regional overview
Defence economics
Arms procurement and defence-industrial developments
Armed forces data

Reference
Explanatory notes
Principal land definitions
Principal naval definitions
Principal aviation definitions
List of abbreviations for data sections
International comparisons of defence expenditure and military personnel
Index of country/territory abbreviations
Index of countries and territories

Biography

The International Institute for Strategic Studies is an independent centre for research, information and debate on the problems of conflict, however caused, that have, or potentially have, an important military content. The staff of the Institute is international in composition and IISS work is international in its perspective and reach. The Institute is independent and stresses rigorous fact-based research with a forward-looking policy orientation that can improve wider public understanding of international security problems and influence the development of sounder public policy, and more effective business decisions in the international arena.

Because military affairs are inevitably clouded in fog, The Military Balance is an essential companion for those who seek to understand. - LORD ROBERTSON OF PORT ELLEN

Amid continuing conflict and broadening insecurity, The Military Balance provides essential facts and analysis for decision-makers and for better informed public debate. -  DR ROBERT M. GATES FORMER US SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AND DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE

The Military Balance is an invaluable source of the independent military capability assessments that are vital for the work of the defence sector. - THOMAS ENDERS PRESIDENT OF THE GERMAN COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS AND FORMER CEO OF EADS AND AIRBUS