In a recent revelation by Global Firepower, the United States has retained its status as the possessor of the world’s most powerful military. The rankings, based on a comprehensive assessment of over 60 factors, showcase the military capabilities of 145 countries worldwide.
Global Firepower’s 2024 Military Strength Rankings take into consideration crucial elements such as the number of troops, military equipment, financial stability, national budgets, geographical location, and available resources. A combined PowerIndex score is generated, where a lower score indicates stronger military capabilities.
The top 10 most powerful militaries in the world, as per the 2024 rankings, are as follows:
- United States
- The United States leads the pack, boasting a commanding presence in material, financial, and resource categories.
- Russia
- Securing the second position, Russia stands out with advanced technology, a well-trained military force, and strategic global influence.
- China
- China occupies the third spot, leveraging economic advantage and significant manpower.
- India
- India stands tall at the fourth position, showcasing its domestic military-industrial complex as one of the top 5 strongest armies globally.
- South Korea
- With a strong aircraft fleet and armored vehicles, South Korea claims the fifth position.
- United Kingdom
- The United Kingdom, situated in northwestern Europe, stands sixth with formidable manpower, airpower, and financial resources.
- Japan
- Japan holds the seventh position with a capable and well-rounded military force.
- Turkiye
- Climbing three spots from the previous year, Turkiye secures the eighth position with its robust military, recognized as the second strongest in NATO.
- Pakistan
- Placed at the ninth position, Pakistan exhibits impressive strengths in manpower, airpower, and land and naval capabilities.
- Italy
- Rounding off the top 10, Italy excels in areas such as aerial tanker aircraft fleet, helicopter strength, impressive attack aircraft capabilities, and possession of multiple aircraft carrier warships.
Additionally, Global Firepower provided a list of 10 countries with the least powerful militaries, emphasizing its unique formula that allows smaller, technologically advanced nations to compete with larger, lesser-developed powers. The rankings are compiled annually with special modifiers, including bonuses and penalties.
List of 10 countries with the least powerful militaries:
- Bhutan
- Moldova
- Suriname
- Somalia
- Benin
- Liberia
- Belize
- Sierra Leone
- Central African Republic
- Iceland
