World's 10 Most Powerful Armies: India Beats UK, South Korea, France & Others
The Global Firepower Index 2025 ranks 145 countries by military strength. The top five are US, Russia, China, India and South Korea
The Global Firepower (GFP) Index for 2025 has been released, offering a comprehensive assessment of military strength across 145 countries. The Global Firepower Index highlights not only the raw numbers behind military strength but also the strategic, technological, and geopolitical factors shaping today's global defence environment.
This annual report ranks nations using a Power Index score, where a lower score denotes greater military capability. The rankings are based on more than 60 factors, including military size, manpower, equipment, financial stability, logistical capability, and geographical considerations.
The Top 10 Military Powers In 2025
1. United States – Power Index: 0.0744
The United States continues to lead the world in military power, with a formidable force of 2,127,500 personnel, 13,043 aircraft, and 4,640 tanks. With the world's largest defence budget, the US boasts unmatched air superiority, cutting-edge technology, and a vast network of overseas military bases.
2. Russia – Power Index: 0.0788
Russia ranks second, with 3,570,000 military personnel, 4,292 aircraft, and 5,750 tanks. Known for its extensive tank fleet and nuclear arsenal, Russia remains a key military player. While facing ongoing challenges related to the conflict in Ukraine, strategic alliances—particularly with China—continue to bolster its position.
3. China – Power Index: 0.0788
4. India – Power Index: 0.1184
India ranks fourth with a massive military of 5,137,550 personnel, 2,229 aircraft, and 4,201 tanks. As one of the world's largest armed forces, India continues to expand its defence production capabilities, nuclear arsenal, and strategic presence across Asia.
5. South Korea – Power Index: 0.1656
South Korea holds the fifth position with 3,820,000 personnel, 1,592 aircraft, and 2,236 tanks. Its defence capabilities are strengthened by cutting-edge technology and a strong alliance with the United States. Most of its forces are strategically deployed near the North Korean border.
6. United Kingdom – Power Index: 0.1785
The UK is ranked sixth, fielding 1,108,860 personnel, 631 aircraft, and 227 tanks. While its tank numbers are modest, the UK's global influence is reinforced by a powerful navy, nuclear capabilities, and a central role within NATO.
7. France – Power Index: 0.1878
France follows closely in seventh place with 376,000 military personnel, 976 aircraft, and 215 tanks. Despite smaller numbers, France remains a critical force within NATO and European security, supported by advanced weaponry and a limited but sophisticated nuclear arsenal.
8. Japan – Power Index: 0.1839
Ranked eighth, Japan maintains 328,150 personnel, 1,443 aircraft, and 521 tanks. Its military strength lies in advanced technology, a highly trained force, and a particularly capable navy and air force, making it a key player in regional defence.
9. Turkey – Power Index: 0.1902
Turkey is ninth with 883,900 military personnel, 1,083 aircraft, and 2,238 tanks. Active in both European and Middle Eastern theatres, Turkey commands a strong ground force and growing air capabilities, with strategic partnerships enhancing its global standing.
10. Italy – Power Index: 0.2164
Completing the top 10, Italy fields 280,000 personnel, 729 aircraft, and 200 tanks. Though smaller in scale, Italy plays a vital role within NATO, focusing its military investments on air and naval power to support European security.
As emerging powers continue to invest in modernisation and established ones adapt to new threats, the global balance of military power remains dynamic and closely watched.
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
April 24, 2025, 11:44 IST
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