10 Most Powerful Militaries in the World in 2023

3. China

GDP: $18,100 billion

Defense spending: $225 billion

Manpower: 2,035,000

Tanks: 4,950

Nuclear warheads: 350

Aircrafts including fighter jets: 3,285

Naval vessels: 730

China is the world’s largest military force in terms of manpower with over 2 million active personnel. With a GDP of $18.1 trillion in 2022, the country has a distinct economic advantage and leverages that to spend on upgrading its army, air force, and navy. China is fast catching up on the U.S. in airpower, with its stealth fighter jet J-20A set to eclipse the American in F-22 in inventory. Its naval vessels count stands at 730, which includes 50 destroyers and 78 submarines. Beijing’s muscle flexing in the South China Sea and along the disputed border with India is indication of its ambitions to take center stage internationally. It is also competing with the U.S. on military technology in outer space, with at least 125 military satellites. On cyber security though, China ranks low with a score of 51.95 out of 100 in the 2022 index.