During a war, we can judge the value of an army by the results, that is, by the number of battles won. But in peacetime, how do you assess which country has the strongest military power? Is the technology adopted by a country to make it more powerful? Or do political leaders attribute the defense budget to the military budget? Does the number of soldiers recruited matter? Through research on different institutions, we have listed a ranking of the most powerful military countries.
Peru
Peru has 30 million inhabitants and a large army: 100,000 active members and 268,000 reserve forces. It can also rely on active air force, including fighter jets, attack helicopters and air support. As for the ground support of the country, no less than 300 tanks, armored vehicles, towed and self-propelled artillery support and grenade launchers. The country also has small naval support, including frigates, patrol boats, frigates and 6 submarines. The Peruvian army budget is approximately $ 820 million per year
Netherlands
Peru has 30 million inhabitants and a large army: 100,000 active members and 268,000 reserve forces. It can also rely on active air force, including fighter jets, attack helicopters and air support. As for the ground support of the country, no less than 300 tanks, armored vehicles, towed and self-propelled artillery support and grenade launchers. The country also has small naval support, including frigates, patrol boats, frigates and 6 submarines. The Peruvian army budget is approximately $ 820 million per year
Taiwan
As China continues to threaten to invade Taiwan, it is no surprise that this small island nation is working hard to bolster its military might.
The state has 300,000 active military personnel and 1.675 million reserve forces. In addition, there are 815 aircraft, 102 warships and 2005 tanks. Training personnel undergo rigorous testing before completing their mission. For example, Navy apprentices have to be tested and have to climb 50 meters of coral and sharp rocks. This test is called “the test in heaven” in Zuoying. The army budget is $ 19.2 billion.
Switzerland
If everyone likes Switzerland, this list will be useless.
This country, in fact, has 8.2 million inhabitants and only 21,000 active soldiers. However, 120,000 reserve personnel can also be added. The Swiss have a small helicopter-free air fleet consisting of fighters and ground attack aircraft, supported by a small number of aircraft. The Swiss army also has 224 assault tanks and multiple armored vehicles. Due to its geographical position, Switzerland does not have any naval equipment. Its military budget is $ 4.1 billion annually.
Norway
Norway has a population of just over 5 million and has a small army with only 26,500 employees and a whopping 46,000 reserve personnel.
Although the country is small, it operates 57 jet fighters, which operate in parallel with attack aircraft and part of the transport system. The country does not use attack helicopters. The focus is on ground support: it has 136 assault tanks, armored combat vehicles, self-propelled artillery and towed guns. The small Norwegian navy includes support for frigates, mining warships, patrol boats and 6 submarines. Norway’s military budget is $ 6.2 billion.
Argentina
Argentina has a population of 44 million, but there are only 75,000 active soldiers and 52,720 people in reserve.
In terms of materials: 86 fighter jets and some other attack planes plus 5 helicopters. Ground support is more important; including 430 assault tanks, armored combat vehicles, grenade launchers and self-propelled artillery. Argentina also has a small maritime military fleet, which includes destroyers, patrol boats, 6 frigates and 3 submarines. Argentina’s military budget is $ 5.6 billion annually.
Mexico
Mexico has a population of 124 million, but its army has only 273,000 active members and 110,000 reserve forces.
There are basically 58 fighter jets in the Mexican fleet, with several to support. On the ground, Mexico has 567 active tanks and a small number of armored combat vehicles. The town also has towed and self-propelled artillery. The country can also count on a navy composed of frigates, mining ships, patrol boats and seven frigate-style warships. Mexico spends $ 10.7 billion on military products annually.
Malaysia
The population of Malaysia is approximately 31 million, the military has 110,000 active members and 310,000 reserve members.
Malaysia has a small fleet of 44 fighter jets and a small number of attack helicopters assisted by support and training aircraft.
The country focuses primarily on ground support, with 64 assault tanks and armored combat vehicles, as well as artillery launchers and towed rockets. Malaysia provides maritime protection through a small number of frigates, four frigates, two submarines, patrol boats and mining warships. The country’s military budget is $ 4.69 billion annually
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has 10.6 million inhabitants and its army is very small, with only 29,050 members, of which 22,000 are in service.
The Czech Republic has a limited number of fighter jets, attack helicopters and air support vehicles, including 31 fighter jets and 24 attack helicopters, operated by a few army employees. The country’s efforts are mainly focused on 123 combat tanks, armored combat vehicles, self-propelled artillery and towed artillery. This country is located between Germany and Slovakia and does not have a navy. The country’s total annual military spending is $ 1.16 billion.
Burma
With a population of around 57 million, Myanmar (formerly Myanmar) is a medium-sized army with 406,000 active members and a reserve of 110,000.
In terms of air power, Myanmar has 128 fighter jets, several attack aircraft, 10 fighter helicopters, and other vehicles. With tanks, armored combat vehicles and more and more self-propelled artillery and towed artillery, the country’s ground support has become stronger. The country also has more grenade launchers than some military forces above the Myanmar military. 7 Myanmar’s military spending amounts to $ 7.07 billion annually.
Ukraine
Ukraine has a population of 44.2 million and its military strength is impressive.
The country has 1.2 million military personnel, of which only 182,000 are active. The country has a million reserves. Ukraine has an active air force, which includes 188 fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, transport and training vehicles. The country’s ground support is more important, focusing on 3,784 tanks and armored combat vehicles, as well as towed and self-propelled artillery. The Ukrainian Navy is almost non-existent, with only a small number of frigates, patrol boats and mining warships and a warship frigate. Its military budget is $ 2.07 billion.
Sweden
With the support of allies around the world, the country has not put the emphasis on its army, which has only 43,875 members, of which 21,875 are active in the armed forces. The Swedish army relies primarily on air forces, with 138 fighter planes and attack helicopters, which are supported by a small number of air transport vehicles. The country also has a small group of 160 tanks and armored combat vehicles, but it is not supported by any artillery. The Swedish navy does not include aircraft carriers, but the country operates a division of 5 submarines. The Swedish navy also has nine corvettes. The budget of the Swedish armed forces is 6.7 billion dollars.
Greece
Greece has fewer than 11 million inhabitants and a large army of 413,750, of which 161,500 are in service.
Greece has 308 combat and attack aircraft, and the country uses 29 attack helicopters and some transport and training aircraft. Ground support is one of the priority tasks of the Greek army, which has 1,244 tanks and a large number of armored vehicles, as well as artillery launchers, self-propelled artillery and towed grenades. Although it can go overboard, the country does not have an aircraft carrier, but there are 11 submarines that can help protect the area. The country’s budget is $ 10.39 billion annually.
Spain
Spain has around 49 million inhabitants, but the country’s military strength has not matched the military strength of some sparsely populated countries.
There are only 170,000 military personnel, of which 124,000 are permanent positions. Spain has a small air force, including 151 combat and attack aircraft, 6 attack helicopters and transport aircraft. The country also has 552 tanks, armored combat vehicles, self-propelled artillery and towed artillery. Although Spain is relatively small, it still operates an aircraft carrier, four submarines and a patrol plane. Its navy also includes mining warships and frigates. Spain spends $ 25.5 billion on military annually.
Canada
For example, while Canada’s land area is much larger than the United States, Canada is no more than 36 million people, only 79,000 military.
Despite these figures, Canada is one of the most powerful armed forces in the world. In addition to a total of 111,000 military personnel, it also has 426 aircraft, 181 tanks and 4 submarines. Despite having powerful tools and technologies, Canada has adopted the doctrine of pacifism. Indeed, the country won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988 for years of efforts to restore peace to war-torn countries. Canada’s annual military budget is $ 21 billion.
Algeria
The population of Algeria is just over 40 million and the army is less than 800,000.
The country’s active army has 420,000 members, and the remaining military contingents serve as reserves. Algeria has fighter planes and 134 attack helicopters. The country focuses most of its energies on ground support, including 1,105 combat tanks, provided by armored combat vehicles for ground-to-ground and ground-to-air support. The Algerian Navy does not have an aircraft carrier and focuses on its four submarines and eight frigate-type warships. The country’s military budget is $ 4.99 billion annually.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a population of only 28 million and its military strength is relatively small, with 256,000 people, including 231,000 soldiers on duty.
To maintain its presence in the Middle East, the country operates 287 fighter jets, most of which are purchased by the US military. Attack helicopters and fighter jets are part of the country’s armed forces. 15.55 Tanks and other armored vehicles are the main vehicles of the ground forces, although they also use towed and self-propelled artillery. There are almost no Saudi naval forces, few patrol ships and four frigates. Saudi Arabia spends US $ 39.2 billion annually on national defense.
North Korea
North Korea has a military power of 6.4 million people, an incredible size for a country with 25 million inhabitants.
Currently, there are 945,000 active military personnel working for the North Korean government. With the recent realization that North Korea has developed nuclear capabilities, North Korea’s capabilities continue to grow. The country has 661 fighter jets, a small number of attack helicopters and other aerial equipment. The country also operates 3,500 tanks, mainly using artillery launchers and self-propelled grenades. North Korea has a growing navy, but lacks aircraft carrier technology, even though it has 13 frigates and 70 submarines. The country’s annual budget is unknown, but it is estimated to represent 22% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Australia
Australia and the United States are similar in size, but the Australian military is relatively small.
In fact, the country has only 58,000 active members and 44,240 reserve personnel, as well as 408 aircraft, 59 tanks, and 52 war-ready ships. In many ways, the Australian military is much weaker than other countries, but due to the influence of attack helicopters and submarines, the Australian military is the most important. It is one of the most powerful armies in the world. The Australian military spends A $ 26.9 billion annually.
Iran
About 83 million people live in Iran. The country’s huge army has 934,000, of which 534,000 are military active in the country.
Over the past few decades, Iran has developed a fairly powerful army, including 407 fighter jets, 100 attack helicopters, and training aircraft. The country also has 2,895 tanks, armored combat vehicles, and towed artillery. Although Iran has an active navy, the country does not have an aircraft carrier and relies mainly on 28 submarines, landmine warships, patrol vehicles, and two frigate warships. World leaders regularly discuss concerns about the growth of the Iranian military. Iran spends US $ 10 billion on military power annually.
Thailand
Thailand is located in the center of the Indochina peninsula, which is divided into several small islands and many provinces. The Thai military has 400,000 full-time employees and thousands of other reserve personnel, as well as 772 tanks, 551 planes and 81 ships. In recent years, the Thai army has participated in a number of international peacekeeping missions, such as in Iraq and West Timor. The country also plans to send about 1,000 troops to help the citizens of Darfur and Sudan. Thailand’s annual military spending is $ 5.2 billion.
Poland
Poland was the first country that Germany invaded during World War II.
Since then, Poland has decided not to let history repeat itself. From a military point of view, Poland is one of the most powerful countries in the world. The country’s armed forces have 120,000 active members and approximately 515,000 reserve personnel. Poland also has 1,009 tanks, 461 planes and 83 warships. The Polish Army is made up of four departments: Navy, Special Forces, Ground Forces and Air Force. The country’s annual military budget is $ 12 billion.
Brazil
Brazil has nearly 206 million inhabitants and a reserve army of 1.6 million.
The country’s armed forces have only 335,000 active members, a relatively small number compared to the population. Despite the small size of its army, Brazil still has 224 fighters, which are also used with 13 attack helicopters and numerous ordinary transport ships. Military personnel are also responsible for maintaining a fleet of 581 tanks, armored combat vehicles and grenade launchers. Brazil has an aircraft carrier, seven submarines and five warships. The country has a population of 110 million and can quickly deploy its capabilities during the war. Each year, US $ 27 billion is dedicated to Brazil’s military needs.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a large country with a population of 95.2 million.
The number of active military personnel reached 55,000, of which nearly 500,000 men and women were active in various military branches of the country. This force has around 189 fighters and a small number of attack helicopters. Vietnam also has 1829 tanks and armored combat vehicles. The country’s navy consists of eight submarines, mining warships and five frigate warships. The active population of around 55 million people and the country’s wartime deployment capabilities are impressive. Vietnam’s military budget is $ 6.2 billion.
Israel
After 2,600 years, Israel became a nation on May 14, 1948.
Since then, tensions between the small country and rival neighboring countries have increased. As a result, Israel has strengthened its army and now has one of the most powerful armies on the planet. Although the army is small, it is powerful. They have 160,000 active members and 630,000 reserve personnel, as well as 691 aircraft, 4,170 tanks and 66 ships. The IDF requires every 18-year-old man and woman to serve and protect the country’s borders and citizens. Israel spends $ 16 billion annually on its defense budget.
Indonesia
Indonesia is an island country located between the Pacific and the Indian and is known as the largest island state in the world, with over 17,000 islands.
The country has more than 258 million people and its army has around 476,000 active soldiers and 400,000 reserve troops. Professional military personnel are engaged in the fight against terrorism, in protecting the country’s borders and helping to maintain world peace. Despite being surrounded by water, Indonesia has only two submarines, as well as 420 aircraft, 171 ships and 468 tanks. The country’s military budget is $ 8.01 billion.
Pakistan
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has one of the largest military forces in the region.
Its army has 620,000 active soldiers and 515,000 reserve personnel, as well as various equipment and technologies, including 923 aircraft, 74 ships and 2,924 tanks. There are many reasons why the Pakistani military is different. It is completely independent of the government, its leaders and citizens. Pakistan is also the only country in the Islamic world where women are the main generals. Pakistan spends $ 7.8 billion on its military annually.
South Korea
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has one of the largest military forces in the region.
Its army has 620,000 active soldiers and 515,000 reserve personnel, as well as various equipment and technologies, including 923 aircraft, 74 ships and 2,924 tanks. There are many reasons why the Pakistani military is different. It is completely independent of the government, its leaders and citizens. Pakistan is also the only country in the Islamic world where women are the main generals. Pakistan spends $ 7.8 billion on its military annually.
Italy
Italy is located at the southern end of the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered to the north by France, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland.
On the other hand there is a country in Italy: Vatican City. The Vatican has its own independent army. Due to its aircraft carrier, the Italian army is considered powerful. It has 320,000 active soldiers and 42,000 reserves. It also has 174 ships, 586 tanks and 785 aircraft. The annual budget of the Italian army is 38.2 billion dollars.
Egypt
The Egyptian army is one of the oldest and largest in the world. Unsurprisingly, it’s also one of the most powerful features.
The Egyptian army has more than 470,000 active soldiers and a reserve of 800,000. The country also has 245 naval vehicles, 4,624 tanks and 1,133 aircraft. All this, combined with financial assistance from the United States, has allowed Egypt to win several wars and protect its borders in recent years. Egypt’s military spending amounts to $ 5 billion annually.
Germany
Germany is still considered one of the most powerful and well-equipped countries in the world.
The country has 60,000 soldiers and 325,000 active personnel, 408 tanks, 676 aircraft and 5 submarines. In recent years, the German military has worked hard to downsize. The country no longer accepts compulsory military service from the age of 18 and has adopted a voluntary system. Germany spends US $ 49 billion on military spending annually.
Turkey
Turkey has participated in battles with the Syrian opposition and Iraq in recent years, and this struggle continues today. Its army includes 410,500 active soldiers and 185,630 reserves. The country has 1,007 aerial equipment, 115 ships and 3778 tanks. Turkey has specific rules for enlisting in the army: all Turkish men between the ages of 20 and 41 are mandatory, except those with physical or mental disabilities. Those who want to go to university can postpone military service, but still have to take military courses after graduation. Turkey’s military spending amounts to $ 25 billion annually.
Japan
Japan is a little known country. The difference lies in having the so called Self Defense Force.
This means that Japan can fight in any country under any circumstances. Tensions around Japan are high and in the midst of the nuclear conflict with North Korea, Japan has always been on the right. Japan has 250,000 active military personnel and 57,900 reserve forces. It also has 131 ships, 1,590 attack aircraft and 678 tanks. Japan spends US $ 51.4 billion on military spending annually.
UK
For decades, the British Army was one of the most powerful in the world.
Queen Elizabeth II is not only the Queen of England but also the commander-in-chief of the country and, with the assistance of the Secretary of Defense, advised the Secretary of Defense. The UK currently has 150,000 active soldiers and 182,000 reserve personnel. They also have 879 aircraft equipment, 407 tanks and 66 warships. The British military budget is $ 62.7 billion.
France
France is present in many theaters. The country has participated in many international conflicts for several years.
It cannot be denied that France is a powerful military power and, as it no longer requires military service, it retains the status of a professional army. France has 66553766 inhabitants. There are 205,000 soldiers on active duty and 195,770 reserve personnel. The army has 1282 aircraft, 113 ships, an aircraft carrier and 423 tanks. France spends $ 62.5 billion on military budgets every year.
India
India is located in South Asia and is the seventh largest country in the world.
As a large country, we might think that India also has an important army. Given its population of 1,251,695,584, this is not surprising. In such a large population, there are 1,325,000 active soldiers and 2,143,000 reserve soldiers. India has 2,086 aircraft, 6,464 tanks and 202 ships. India’s huge military budget amounts to $ 42.84 billion.
China
With 2.3 million businessmen and 1.2 million reserve soldiers, China is the largest army in the world.
China is also one of the countries with the largest military budget, with 2,942 air equipment, 9,150 tanks and 673 navy vehicles. China’s nuclear capabilities are secret, but China is estimated to have 260 nuclear warheads and 50 long-range missiles. China spends $ 166 billion annually.
Russia
The Russian army ranks second among the world powers.
In recent years, Russia has increased its military power, especially in the field of nuclear weapons. Russia is believed to have more than 7,300 nuclear weapons, surpassing the US’s 6,970. The two countries continue to develop their nuclear capabilities. Russia is the largest country in the world and covers 9 time zones. Therefore, it is not surprising that his army has 766,055 active soldiers and 2,485 million in reserve forces. In addition to nuclear weapons, the country’s military has many powerful tools and technologies, including 3547 aviation installations, 15398 tanks and 352 ships. Russia’s military budget costs the country $ 93.76 billion annually.
United States
Unsurprisingly, the United States has the most powerful military in the world.
This is largely due to the fact that the US military budget is higher than the budget of any other country in the world. The current US population is 321,368,864, with 1.4 million active military personnel and 1.1 million reserve forces. The country also has 13,444 aircraft, 8,848 tanks, and 473 ships. The United States ranks first with an annual military expenditure of $ 682 billion.