10 Most Powerful Militaries in the World in 2023

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5. France

GDP: $2,958 billion

Defense spending: $45.9 billion

Manpower: 205,000

Tanks: 222

Nuclear warheads: 290

Aircrafts including fighter jets: 1,055

Naval vessels: 126

France has the largest military by size in Europe, with a manpower of over 200,000. It has over 1,000 aircrafts, of which 261 are combat-ready, including the 4.5 generation fighter jet Rafale. French naval vessels are 126 in total. This includes 4 nuclear armed submarines, 4 destroyers and 17 frigates. France has a nuclear arsenal of 290 weapons and has sufficient presence in space as well with 10 satellites. Geographically, France has overseas military bases in 10 countries. With the GDP closing in on the $3 trillion mark, France will be looking to further upgrade its military assets in wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The country ranks high on cyber capabilities as well, with a rating score of 84.42 out of 100 in the Cyber Security Index rankings for 2022.

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