The top 10 most powerful military nations in 2024 showcase remarkable capabilities, with the United States leading. India ranks 4th, maintaining a strong position due to its population and modernization efforts. The rankings, based on the Global Firepower index, consider diverse factors, providing a comprehensive perspective on global military strength.
1. United States:
- Capital: Washington, D.C.
- Military spending: $831 billion
Holding the top position, the United States commands the most potent military force globally. According to Global Firepower, with a Power Index of 0.0699, it demonstrates unparalleled capabilities in defence technologies and armed forces. As of April 2024, the United States holds a prominent position worldwide, leading from multiple crucial perspectives.
This includes its estimated air fleet size, the quantity of vessels in its arsenal, and the strength of its transport task force. The nation’s military arsenal comprises 92 warships, 11 aircraft carriers, 13,300 aircraft, and 983 assault helicopters. Additionally, the United States boasts the most significant defence expenditure advantage. With a budget totalling $831 billion, it surpasses China’s defence budget by over threefold, as China operates with a budget of $227 billion.
2. Russia:
- Capital: Moscow
- Military spending: $109.0 billion
Following closely in second place, Russia showcases robust military prowess, securing a Power Index of 0.0714. Its military strength, especially in technology and weaponry, remains a global influence. Russia holds a commendable position in terms of its aircraft and naval strength. Despite facing challenges during the conflict in Ukraine, Russia maintains a robust navy.
The calculated strength score positioning Russia in the global scenario stands at 0.0702. With an impressive number of aircraft, totalling approximately 4,100, Russia remains a significant player in the international military landscape.
3. China:
- Capital: Beijing
- Military spending: $227 billion
Occupying the third spot, China boasts significant military might with a Power Index of 0.0706, signifying its vast defence capabilities and evolving strategic advancements. As of April 2024, global reports suggest that China’s military authority extends to over 761 million individuals, portraying remarkable control.
Additionally, China possesses various military resources, including 50 large warships and 78 submarines. Evaluations by experts assign a strength score of 0.0722 to represent the robustness of China’s military capabilities.
4. India:
- Capital: New Delhi
- Military spending: $74.0 billion
Making an impressive mark in fourth place, India exhibits substantial military strength, attaining a Power Index of 0.1023. India’s armed forces demonstrate exceptional growth and a strong defence infrastructure. India’s influence is established through its substantial population figures. In the assessment conducted by Global, India secured a prominent position due to its available manpower, an active and diverse military workforce, and the quality of paramilitary resources.
As of January 2024, the report indicated that India’s available manpower exceeded 653 million individuals, making up 47% of the nation’s population. Additionally, the report highlighted India’s maintenance of a force comprising approximately 1.5 million active military personnel.
5. South Korea:
- Capital: Seoul
- Military spending: $44.7 billion
Positioned in the fifth spot, South Korea demonstrates robust military prowess, with a Power Index of 0.1416, showcasing its advanced technologies and preparedness. South Korea maintains a robust military presence. In the assessments conducted by Global, South Korea secured a position within the top five in categories such as aircraft fleet strength, armoured combat vehicle fleet strength, and helicopter capabilities.
The nation boasted a substantial arsenal comprising over 133,000 vehicles and 739 helicopters, including 112 assault helicopters. Global Firepower attributed a Power Index score of 0.1505 to South Korea, highlighting the country’s substantial military capabilities.
6. United Kingdom:
- Capital: London
- Military spending: $62.8 billion
Holding the Sixth position, the United Kingdom maintains a notable military force with a Power Index of 0.1443, reflecting its consistent defence investments and strategic capabilities. Currently, the UK possesses two aircraft carriers, which align with those of China, Italy, and India, yet notably fewer than the 11 carriers operated by the US.
In various aspects, including its overall count of accessible ports and the quality of its aerial tanker aircraft fleet, the UK secured a place among the top 10 nations in the assessment conducted by Global. This evaluation resulted in the country attaining a Power Index score of 0.1443.
7. Japan:
- Capital: Tokyo
- Military spending: $53 billion
Japan secured the seventh position with a Power Index of 0.1601, maintaining a well-equipped and technologically advanced military force. As of January 2024, Japan’s military strength was highlighted by a significant arsenal, boasting over 1,400 military aircraft and a vast fleet of more than 111,000 vehicles. This extensive display of power resulted in a noteworthy Power Index score, showcasing Japan’s impressive military prowess, according to assessments by Global.
8. Turkey:
- Capital: Ankara
- Military spending: $40.0 billion
Turkey secured the eighth position with a Power Index of 0.1697, maintaining a robust and strategically positioned military force. As of January 2024, Turkey’s military strength was demonstrated by its considerable personnel and substantial defense budget. With a total of 883,900 military personnel and military spending of $40.0 billion, Turkey’s armed forces are well-equipped and prepared for various defense and operational needs. This solid military capability underscores Turkey’s prominent standing in the global military rankings, as assessed by the Global Firepower organization.
9. Pakistan:
- Capital: Islamabad
- Military spending: $6.3 billion
Surging into the top ten, Pakistan stands at the ninth spot with a Power Index of 0.1711, highlighting its growing military capabilities and influence in the region. By January 2024, Pakistan possessed a substantial arsenal comprising over 3,700 tanks, 1,400 military aircraft, nine operational submarines, and a robust force of 654,000 active military personnel.
However, Pakistan’s ascent in the rankings wasn’t solely attributed to its military strength. This year’s assessment by Global considered a more comprehensive range of factors, notably emphasizing natural resources and geographical proximity. The Global evaluation positioned Pakistan in the top tiers across various metrics. These criteria included aspects like the total eligible population for military service, overall active military manpower, and the overall strength of the aircraft fleet. This achievement culminated in an admirable Power Index score of 0.1711 for Pakistan.
10. Italy:
- Capital: Rome
- Military spending: $31.6 billion
Ranked tenth, Italy showcases its military strength with a Power Index of 0.1863, highlighting its preparedness and defense capabilities among the top global forces, robust fleet of aerial tanker aircraft, helicopter strength, assault plane capability, and the count of operational aircraft carrier warships. Italy maintained a fleet of 404 helicopters, including 58 designated as assault helicopters. Furthermore, the nation operated two aircraft carriers.
