Top 10 Countries with Most Powerful Military Strength 2024

Find out the top 10 powerful countries by military strength rankings in 2024 and why they rank at the top.

When examining military strength rankings, the top 10 powerful countries stand out with their impressive military capabilities. These nations have a strong military tradition and are constantly improving their military strength, making them strong contenders for the title of the most powerful army in the world.

Global Firepower’s Military Strength Rankings for 2024 assess 145 countries, considering over 60 factors such as troop numbers, military equipment, financial stability, geographic location, and resources. These factors contribute to a PowerIndex score, where lower scores indicate stronger military capabilities.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 most powerful militaries in the world for 2024.

Top 10 powerful countries in 2024

The top 10 powerful countries in the world by military strength rankings, according to GFP, are:

It’s time to take a closer look at the top 10 military powers in the world and understand why they rank so highly. We will also examine how much they spend on military expenses, according to the World Bank.

United States:

• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Military spending: $831 billion

The United States is ranked first among the top 10 militaries in the world. This leading position is due to its strong presence in essential material, financial, and resource categories. The U.S. is also a global leader in technological advancements, particularly in the medical, aerospace, and computer/telecom sectors. It has 13,300 aircraft, including 983 attack helicopters.

Key U.S. exports include computers, electrical machinery, vehicles, chemicals, food, live animals, and military equipment. The country often takes on leadership roles in international organizations and played a crucial role in founding entities like the United Nations, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and the World Bank.

Russia:

• Capital: Moscow
• Military spending: $109.0 billion

With a history of over a thousand years, Russia was established after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and currently maintains nearly 900,000 active military personnel. The country has advanced technology, a significant and well-trained military force, and considerable global influence. However, the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War has exposed issues with leadership, readiness, and supply chain management within the Russian military. Despite these challenges, Russia remains in second place among the top 10 armies in the world.

China:

• Capital: Beijing
• Military spending: $227 billion

China, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has been under communist rule since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. It has the world’s second-largest economy, behind only the United States.

Ranked third among the most powerful militaries globally, China benefits from its economic strength and large manpower. The country has invested heavily in enhancing its naval, air, and land warfare capabilities, mostly using domestic resources. China possesses 3,166 aircraft and 4,950 tanks among its considerable military assets.

India:

• Capital: New Delhi
• Military spending: $74.0 billion

India, located in South Asia on a peninsula between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, has faced invasions from various groups throughout its history, including Turks, Arabs, Persians, and the British. After gaining independence from British rule in 1947, India became a republic in 1950.

With its large population, increasing focus on digitization and modernization, and a strong domestic military-industrial complex, India is among the top 5 strongest armies in the world. The country has 2,210 aircraft, 4,614 tanks, and 295 naval assets.

South Korea:

• Capital: Seoul
• Military spending: $44.7 billion

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is an East Asian country located in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Its capital, Seoul, was strategically chosen during the Joseon dynasty for its favorable feng shui, which emphasizes harmony and well-being through careful placement.

South Korea’s military strength lies in its aircraft fleet, armored fighting vehicles, and helicopter assets. With over 133,000 vehicles and 739 helicopters, including a strong fleet of 112 attack helicopters, South Korea’s military capabilities reflect its ongoing commitment to security, driven by long-standing tensions with North Korea.

United Kingdom:

• Capital: London
• Military spending: $62.8 billion

The United Kingdom is located in the northwestern part of Europe and includes the island of Great Britain, which comprises England. Its capital, London, is a major global financial hub and is also one of the world’s most visited cities, serving Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The UK ranks among the top 10 militaries in the world due to its manpower, airpower, logistical efficiency, and financial resources. The country benefits from a robust fleet of aerial tanker aircraft and strategically advantageous ports.

Japan:

• Capital: Tokyo
• Military spending: $53 billion

Japan is one of the world’s most literate and technologically advanced nations, despite its mountainous and forested terrain. The country blends ancient traditions with Western influences, creating a unique cultural mix while embracing an urban lifestyle shaped by neighboring cultures.

Japan stands out among the top 10 powerful countries due to its major ports and strategic maritime advantages. It ranks second in the world for helicopter carriers, just behind the United States. Japan’s fleet includes advanced technology for specialized battlefield roles. The country maintains a well-rounded military force with 50,000 Air Force personnel, 150,000 Army personnel, and 51,000 Navy personnel.

Turkiye:

• Capital: Ankara
• Military spending: $40.0 billion

Turkey’s geographical position as the gateway between Europe and Asia gives it significant strategic power. As a NATO member since 1952, Turkey boasts the second-largest military within the alliance, with 355,000 active armed personnel.

Historically, the United States and other NATO countries have been Turkey’s main arms suppliers. However, Turkey is now expanding its imports and has established Russia as a key arms trade partner. Additionally, Turkey is heavily investing in its own defense industry and is pursuing over 700 indigenous defense projects.

Pakistan:

• Capital: Islamabad
• Military spending: $6.3 billion

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was established in 1947 when Muslims in British India sought a separate homeland from the Hindu majority. Today, Pakistan is an active member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund.

Pakistan has one of the world’s most powerful militaries, with significant strengths in manpower, airpower, land power, and naval capabilities. Its focus on utilizing natural resources like natural gas and coal, combined with its strategic location along shared borders, has further enhanced Pakistan’s position on the global stage.

Italy:

• Capital: Rome
• Military spending: $31.6 billion

Italy, officially known as the Italian Republic, is a Southern European country and a member of the European Union. It is famous for its diverse cuisine, including pasta, pizza, and wine, with many regional variations. Historically, Italy was made up of smaller kingdoms and city-states until it was unified in 1861.

Ranked last in Global Firepower’s list of the top 10 powerful countries, Italy stands out for its aerial tanker aircraft fleet, significant helicopter strength, strong attack aircraft capabilities, and several aircraft carrier warships. Italy’s fleet includes 404 helicopters, with 58 of them being attack helicopters.

Published: 25th July 2025

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