Top 10 countries with the strongest military in the world 2024: The global military expenditure has reached $2.443 trillion, marking the ninth consecutive year of increase, as per a recent data study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). “The increase in military spending is seen as a direct response to the global deterioration in peace and security,” warns Nan Tian, Senior Researcher with SIPRI’s Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme, underscoring the risk of an action-reaction spiral in the increasingly volatile geopolitical and security landscape.
Amid rising insecurity and geopolitical conflicts and tensions, most nations today are racing to establish a strong military might, positioning themselves as formidable contenders for the title of the most powerful country in the world by military capabilities, as it reflects their economic and strategic position in the world, enabling them to play a vital role in global politics, defense, and international relations.
The Global Firepower Military Strength Ranking recently listed the most powerful militaries in the world, evaluating the military strengths of 145 countries based on over 60 individual factors, contributing to a PowerIndex score (the lower scores indicate stronger military capabilities), making them key players in the global arena.
The United States has long been considered the world’s most powerful military force, and now countries like India and China have also rapidly expanded their military capabilities in recent years, driven by their growing economic and strategic ambitions: Here are the top 10 powerful countries by military strength in 2024 according to the Global Firepower Military Strength Ranking.
Top 10 most powerful countries in the world, by military strength (in 2024):
1. The United States of America:
Source: US Department of Defense
The United States holds the top position globally, boasting the most potent military force. According to Global Firepower, it has a Power Index of 0.0712, demonstrating unparalleled capabilities in defense technologies and armed forces. With a total of 2,127,500 military personnel and the most significant defense expenditure, the US military’s storied history, unwavering commitment to defense, and cutting-edge technology make it a formidable force.
2. Russia:
Source: Getty
Russia, with a total military personnel of 3,570,000, has played a pivotal role in shaping international relations. With a history spanning a millennium, Russia maintains nearly 900,000-strong active military forces. Russia’s advanced technology, significant and well-trained military force, and strategic global influence continue to hold its second-place position.
3. China:
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Source: Shutterstock
China, the second-largest economy, boasts significant military might with a power index of 0.0722. It has been channeling substantial efforts into strengthening its naval, airpower, and land warfare capabilities, primarily through domestic sources. China’s military capabilities are now a major factor in regional and global affairs, making it the third-most powerful military country in the world.
4. India:
Source: Indian Express
With a growing focus on digitization and modernization and an efficient domestic military-industrial complex, India’s military is a significant force in regional and global affairs, resulting in its impressive rank in fourth place. With total military personnel of 5,137,550, India exhibits substantial military strength with a power index of 0.1025, demonstrating exceptional growth and a strong defense infrastructure.
5. South Korea:
Source: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
South Korea ranks fifth with a score of 0.1505, indicating strong military capabilities and a significant arsenal driven by long-standing tensions with North Korea. Its military strength lies in its aircraft fleet, armored fighting vehicles, and helicopter assets. With over 133,000 vehicles and 739 helicopters, including a formidable fleet of 112 attack helicopters, South Korea’s military prowess is a clear indication of its ongoing commitment to security.
6. United Kingdom:
Source: Sky News
The United Kingdom maintains a notable military force with a Power Index of 0.1435, reflecting its consistent defense investments and strategic capabilities. It holds the sixth position, showcasing its military strength and strategic influence.
7. Japan:
Source: David Mareuil/Anadolu/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Japan, one of the most literate and technologically advanced nations globally, is ranked seventh with a power index of 0.1711. It has a significant arsenal of over 1,400 military aircraft, and one of the major ports ranks among the top 10 powerful countries, showcasing its strategic maritime advantage, in addition to, having four helicopter carriers, making it rank second in the category, following the United States.
8. Turkey:
Source: Dogukan Keskinkilic/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Turkey’s geographical location, as the gateway between Europe and Asia, makes it one of the most strategically powerful countries in the world. Being the second-largest military in the NATO alliance, with 355,000 active armed personnel, the United States and other NATO member countries have been the top arms exporters to Turkey. It has recently started expanding its imports and has made Russia a significant arms trade partner, in addition to investing heavily in its indigenous defense industry.
9. Pakistan:
Source: AFP
Pakistan has climbed to the eighth spot with a power index of 0.1694, having over 3,700 tanks, 1,400 military aircraft, and a strong force of 654,000 active military personnel. The country’s increased focus on utilizing natural resources such as natural gas and coal, combined with its strategic position along shared borders, has further enhanced Pakistan’s presence on the world stage.
10. Italy:
Source: Wikipedia Commons
Having a fleet of 404 helicopters, including 58 attack helicopters, Italy is ranked tenth, showcasing its military strength with a power index of 0.1973. It maintains a well-equipped and technologically advanced military force, including a robust fleet of aerial tanker aircraft and operational aircraft carrier warships. Italy excels in areas such as its aerial tanker aircraft fleet, substantial total helicopter strength, impressive attack aircraft capabilities, and the possession of multiple aircraft carrier warships.
Please note: The annual updates to these rankings reflect changes in defense strategies and geopolitical situations, providing valuable insights into the dynamic nature of global power dynamics.