6. France
Points – 15
The French army is not only massive but also well equipped. There are over 200,000 people acting as active frontline personnel and another 195,000 in reserve. They have over 400 tanks, 1,200 aircraft and 110 ships. The country’s defense budget sits at $40 billion, although it might increase soon given its desire to get even more involved in the fight against terrorism.
France has nuclear submarines at its disposal, as well as various combat robots and unmanned combat aerial vehicles, such as the EADS Harfang, SAGEM Sperwer and the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper “F”, plus a few others under development. The country also has a missile defense system in place, the Aster 30 being able to defend France against ballistic missiles. Another version is already under development, so there is no surprise seeing France in the 6th spot among most technologically advanced militaries in the world.
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