Azerbaijan strengthening defense and national security

Financial support aimed at reinforcing Azerbaijan’s defense capabilities and national security is a key priority in the 2026 state budget, Finance Minister Sahil Babaev said during a plenary session of the Milli Majlis (parliament) while discussing the draft law on the 2026 state budget.

According to the minister, 21% of the 2026 budget expenditures—equivalent to 8.7 billion manat—will be allocated to defense and national security, an increase of 319 million manat compared to the current year.

“The 2026 state budget projects revenues of 38.6 billion manat and expenditures of 41.7 billion manat, resulting in a deficit of 3.1 billion manat. Budget spending will account for 31.1% of GDP, revenues for 28.8% of GDP, and the deficit for 2.3% of GDP,” Babaev added.