The world’s ten most powerful military nations in 2024 have been named, showcasing remarkable numbers and capabilities. The rankings, based on the Global Firepower (GFP) index, consider a diverse range of factors, providing a comprehensive perspective on global military strength.
145 countries in total were evaluated and a perfect score is denoted by 0.00. The evaluation incorporates over 60 distinct factors, encompassing troop numbers, military equipment, financial stability, geographic positioning and the availability of resources.
Italy earned tenth place, with a military spending of over £25.6 billion and a “power index” of 0.19. Its military distinguishes itself in several key areas, including its exceptional aerial tanker aircraft fleet, substantial helicopter strength and impressive attack aircraft capabilities.
Italy’s fleet boasts a total of 404 helicopters, among which 58 are designed as formidable attack helicopters. It also has an estimated 289,000 military personnel, the lowest of the top ten but still an impressive figure.
Pakistan earned ninth place, with a power index of 0.17 and an estimated 1.7 million military personnel. With a military spending of well over £7.8 billion, Pakistan showcases notable strengths in key areas including manpower, airpower, land capabilities and naval strength.
The nation’s strategic positioning combined with its heightened emphasis on harnessing natural resources including natural gas and coal secures its standing as one of the most powerful militaries in the world. It is a committed member of entities including the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and the International Monetary Fund.
Turkey came in eighth with 883,900 estimated military personnel and a power index of 0.17. According to the GFP index, Turkiye has a military spending of £8.1 billion. The Turkish Armed Forces, founded in 1920, consist of the Land, Naval and Air Forces like most militaries.
Turkiye is one of five NATO member states which are part of the nuclear sharing policy of the alliance, along with Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. The Grand National Assembly (GNA) government’s army won the Turkish War of Independence in 1922. The Turkish Navy, meanwhile, maintains several marines and Special Operations units.
In seventh place was Japan, with a power index of 0.16 and 328,150 military personnel. As one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, Japan has a military spending of an impressive £35.1 billion. Its maritime prowess is underscored by its major ports. It also holds the second position in helicopter carriers, boasting a fleet of four vessels. The fleet is equipped with cutting-edge on board technology, tailored for specialised roles. It also maintains a well-rounded and capable military force, featuring 50,000 Air Force, 150,000 Army and 51,000 Navy personnel.
The UK took sixth place with a power index of 0.14 and 1.1 million military personnel. The UK’s military spending comes to around £52.4 billion and draws its strength from factors including its formidable manpower and substantial financial resources.
The British Armed Forces also have great airpower capabilities and logistical efficiency. A key advantage lies in the nation’s robust aerial tanker aircraft fleet and well-equipped ports, including Portsmouth. The blue-water navy consists of a fleet of 66 commissioned ships. The British Army’s new Apache AH-64E attack helicopter is spearheading the deployment of helicopters on NATO’s largest exercise since the Cold War. The Head of the Armed Forces is King Charles III.
In fifth place was South Korea, also with a power index of 0.14, but with a staggering 3.8 million total military personnel, helped along by the fact that the country still has compulsory military service for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35. Men can also voluntarily join the military. Its commitment to security resonates deeply, driven by enduring tensions with North Korea.
South Korea currently has a military spending of just under £35.5 billion and its military strength is underscored by the potency of its aircraft fleet, armoured fighting vehicles and helicopter assets. It boasts an impressive inventory of over 133,000 vehicles and 739 helicopters including 112 attack helicopters.
India took fourth place, with a whopping 5.1 million total military personnel, the highest figure in the list. It has a power index of 0.10. Its standing among the top five military forces is attributed to factors including its substantial population and the efficacy of its domestic military-industrial complex. Its arsenal includes 2,210 aircraft, 4,614 tanks and a naval force of 295 assets. It has a military spending of £62.1 billion. India has one of the longest military histories, dating back several millennia. Indian maritime history dates back 5,000 years.
Rounding out the top three is China, with a power index of 0.07 and an estimated 3.2 million military personnel. It has a military spending of a staggering £223.3 billion, unsurprising given its emergence as the second-largest economy in the world. Thanks to that figure, China leverages a considerable economic advantage, coupled with a substantial pool of manpower. It boasts 3,166 aircraft and 4,950 tanks in its arsenal.
In second place was Russia, with 3.6 million total military personnel and a power index of 0.07, just ahead of China by 0.0004. Upholding an active military force of nearly 900,000, it has a military spending of just under £66 billion. It is fueled by advanced technology, a strategic global influence and a formidable and adept military.
However, the current Russian-Ukrainian War has brought to the fore certain deficiencies in leadership, preparedness and supply chain management within the Russian military. That being said, the Russian Armed Forces maintain the world’s largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, the second-largest fleet of ballistic missile submarines and are one of only three national militaries (the other two being the US and China) that operate strategic bombers.
In first place, the most powerful military in the world was the United States, with a power index of 0.07. It also has an impressive 2.1 million total military personnel and a military spending of an eye-watering £669.8 billion. It dominates through its unparalleled influence in critical material, financial and resource domains.
Its global supremacy extends into technological frontiers, with outstanding achievements in the medical, aerospace and computer or telecommunications sectors. Boasting an extensive fleet, the nation commands 13,300 aircraft including 983 attack helicopters. It also consistently assumes leadership roles in influential international bodies including the United Nations and NATO.
