El Salvador’s Ministry of Defense is slated to receive $314.5 million under the proposed 2027 budget, representing 32%of the country’s total $997.2 million public security allocation. While this figure marks a $20 million reduction from 2026, defense officials confirm that the vast majority—97% or $306 million—will directly power operational management to maintain territorial control in both urban and rural areas.

The core operational funding of $306 million will primarily fuel Army operations and institutional support ($296.2 million), while allocating $5.4 million to the National Navy and $4.3 million to the Air Force. These investments aim to optimize military readiness, enhance rapid response capabilities, deter criminal expansion, and continue the progressive re-equipping of armed units.

Beyond tactical deployments, the proposed funds are designated for crucial administrative and social services within the institution. Defense plans to spend $6.5 million on executive administration and $2 million on internal support entities, such as the Armed Forces Pharmaceutical Center (Cefafa), while also ensuring comprehensive medical care for service members and their families.

This funding adjustment comes alongside broader fiscal updates announced by Finance Minister Jerson Posada, who noted that safety strategy gains allowed a strategic shift of $40 million from defense and security toward education. Posada highlighted that “this reallocation of resources is carried out considering the results of the security strategy, allowing funds that were for weapons and ammunition to be redirected to the education of children and youth.”