TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A nation’s power and influence can be measured through various perspectives, including military strength. As a backbone for defense against external threats, a number of nations have invested significantly in their military capabilities, with some consistently ranking among the strongest militaries in the world.
List of the Strongest Military in the World
As expected, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) revealed that the United States continues to dominate the ranking of the strongest militaries in the world. Other nations maintaining their positions in the global military force are as follows:
1. United States
The United States is the strongest military in the world, continuously retaining the top spot with its advanced technologies and impressive defense budget. As the world’s most powerful nation, the U.S. has around 2,127,500 personnel and a total of 13,043 military aircraft—the largest fleet globally. As noted by Jagran Josh, the United States has allocated around US$849 billion for its defense budget in 2025.
2. China
China continues to strengthen its military capabilities, driven by rapid modernization and technological advancements. The nation’s military spending stands at around US$266.85 billion, a huge sum complementing the operation of 2,500 aircraft and 7,150 tanks. The armed forces are estimated to consist of approximately 2,2 million active troops who are aiming to establish a “world-class” reputation by 2049.
3. Russia
Russia ranks third among the strongest military in the world, famously known for its large size of about a million active-duty soldiers. The Russian Armed Forces feature a significant nuclear arsenal, totaling around 5,977 warheads, along with 3,500 aircraft and 12,950 tanks.
4. Germany
With about 183,000 active troops, the German Armed Forces, also known as the Bundeswehr, outperforms other European countries. The nation has focused on modernizing its forces with a special defense budget set at €100 billion. In terms of defense strategy, Germany is not only committed at the national level but also within the collective framework of NATO.
5. United Kingdom
According to gov.uk, the UK Armed Forces have a total of 180,780 highly trained personnel. With a military spending of $71.5 billion, the strong nation has prioritized modernization within its forces, including the introduction of advanced Ajax reconnaissance vehicles. Their assets include 900 aircraft and 220 tanks.
6. India
Across the Asia-Pacific region, India holds a strong position due to its substantial active military force of 1.4 million. Continuous modernization efforts are embedded in the force’s strategic development agenda, as evident in its 2,100 advanced aircraft. Though the primary focus remains on defensive strategies, India has also developed cyber warfare capabilities.
7. Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has allocated $78 billion for defense spending in 2025, according to Breaking Defense. As the U.S. has long been the provider of the Kingdom’s military equipment, the authority stated its vision of fostering a robust and sustainable defense industry to ensure asset readiness and contribute to long-term economic prosperity.
8. France
Well-known for its role in European security, France maintains its reputation among the strongest militaries in the world. Allocation of around €413 billion to defense reflects the nation’s commitment to the modernization and advancement of its forces, including assets like missile submarines, satellites, and battle tanks.
9. Japan
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are among the most technologically advanced in the world, best known for their professionalism and effectiveness. With 240,000 active troops, Japan operates assets including tanks, submarines, and surface ships. Even so, the nation still lacks nuclear weapons as it relies on the U.S.
10. South Korea
With a robust military, South Korea rounds out the top 10. The nation has allocated a military spending of around $50 billion, focusing on modernization and bolstering interoperability with the US forces. As of April 2025, South Korea has about 620,000 active-duty soldiers.
Military strength is a vital pillar of national security and international influence. Notably, nine of the ten countries featured in this list also rank among the strongest nations in the world.
Editor's Choice: 10 Smallest Countries in Asia by Area
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
TPNPB-OPM Declares War on Indonesian Military in Papua
11 menit lalu
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson said they are ready to face the Indonesian military but urged the government to stop using heavy weapons in the conflict zone.
Indonesian Police Arrest Four for Running Online Gambling Site
32 menit lalu
The four suspects are the operators of the online gambling site h55.hiwin.care.
Trump's Tariffs Add $900 Million to Apple's Operating Costs
1 jam lalu
Apple faces uncertainty due to potential sudden policy changes.
Today's Top 3 News: How to Sell Rare Coins? Here's the Quick Guide
18 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Chongqing, China's Mountain City
1 hari lalu
Planning a trip to Chongqing? Here are some top places to visit in Chongqing, from the wonderful Dazu Rock Carvings to the Yangtze River views.
Trump Says U.S. Ships Should Sail Free Through Suez and Panama Canals
1 hari lalu
Trump suggested that American ships should travel free through the Suez and Panama Canals, claiming the U.S. is responsible for their existence.
Indonesia Awaits Indian Defense Minister's Visit to Finalize Missile Purchase Talks
1 hari lalu
Indonesia is reportedly interested in buying BrahMos, Indian-made cruise missiles.
Mark Carney Leads Liberal Party to Win in Canada, Declares Bold Vision Against Trump
1 hari lalu
The Liberal Party under the leadership of Mark Carney continues its dominance in Canada after winning the election held on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Indonesia's Strategies for Navigating Middle-Income Countries
2 hari lalu
The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Arrmanatha Nasir supports middle-income countries in facing global challenges.
Indonesia's Food Agency Seeks Garlic Imports to Stabilize Market Prices
2 hari lalu
The National Food Authority (Bapanas) stated that assigning garlic imports to ID Food is necessary to intervene in prices.
