Meta plans to spend $145 billion this year, more than every military budget except the U.S., China and Russia

In 2026, Meta plans to allocate up to $145 billion on capital expenditure, surpassing the military budgets of all countries except the U.S., China, and Russia. This represents a significant increase of about 101% from the previous year's spending of $72.2 billion. CEO Mark Zuckerberg attributes the rise to higher component prices, additional data center costs, and AI's growing importance in Meta's business.

Zuckerberg views 2026 as a pivotal year for Meta's AI-driven efforts, which will enhance user experience, drive better performance for advertisers, and foster new revenue streams through personal agents and products. Meta's capex has been accelerating as the company shifts focus towards AI, with projected total expenses reaching $169 billion in 2026.

This includes increased spending on AI talent and infrastructure, reflected in higher compensation and recruitment costs. The $145 billion capex places Meta above the military budgets of every nation except the U.S., China, and Russia, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.