In this article, we look at the 15 most powerful militaries in Asia. You can read about nuclear flashpoints in Asia that have triggered an arms race in the continent by heading over to our article, 15 Most Powerful Militaries in Asia.
5. Turkey
GDP (2022): $905 billion
Defense spending (2022): $14.5 billion
Manpower: 425,000
Tanks: 2,229
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 112,476
Nuclear warheads: 0
Aircrafts including fighter jets: 1,057
Naval assets: 154
Technological Advancement: 37/132
Turkey has one of the most powerful militaries in Asia. Ankara has been successful with its efforts in recent decades to reduce external dependency for arms and military equipment. It has to a great deal attained self-sufficiency in terms of defense procurement. There were more than 700 defense-related projects ongoing in the country’s defense industry worth over $70 billion, as of October 2022.
4. Japan
GDP (2022): $5,181 billion
Defense spending (2022): $55 billion
Manpower: 240,000
Tanks: 1,004
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 111,180
Nuclear warheads: 0
Aircrafts including fighter jets: 1,449
Naval assets: 155
Technological Advancement: 13/132
Despite being an island nation, Japan is recognized for being one of the largest economies and most advanced countries in the world. It also boasts the eighth most powerful military in the world, which ranks 4th in Asia. The Japanese military is equipped with a sizable fleet of tanks and military aircrafts, including fighter jets. The country is also home to several local armament manufacturers, which regularly receive defense-related orders to bolster national defense. Earlier this year in April, the government placed a $2.8 billion order with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop long-range missiles amid the growing threat of China.
3. South Korea
GDP (2022): $1,800 billion
Defense spending (2022): $42.1 billion
Manpower: 555,000
Tanks: 2,331
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 133,738
Nuclear warheads: 0
Aircrafts including fighter jets: 1,595
Naval assets: 157
Technological Advancement: 6/132
Given its tensions with North Korea, it is no surprise that South Korea has raised a strong military, which is the eighth largest in terms of manpower. Seoul also possesses a huge fleet of military aircrafts, fighter jets, and combat helicopters, which would give South Korea an edge if an armed conflict were to break out with Pyongyang.
South Korea has developed its own fourth-generation fighter jet called KF-21 Boramae which is equipped with radar evading capabilities commonly found in fifth-generation fighter jets.
2. India
GDP (2022): $3,386 billion
Defense spending (2022): $54.2 billion
Manpower: 1,450,000
Tanks: 4,614
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 100,882
Nuclear warheads: 156
Aircrafts including fighter jets: 2,182
Naval assets: 295
Technological Advancement: 40/132
India is the second most powerful military in Asia, with an active manpower of nearly 1.5 million troops. The country boasts a sizable fleet of tanks and armored fighting vehicles. Moreover, its military is well equipped with a strong nuclear arsenal and modern fighter jets, including Rafale and Su-30. India also has a powerful navy which is famed for building its own warships, including its two aircraft carriers – INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
1. China
GDP (2022): $18,100 billion
Defense spending (2022): $225 billion
Manpower: 2,035,000
Tanks: 4,950
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 174,300
Nuclear warheads: 350
Aircrafts including fighter jets: 3,285
Naval assets: 730
Technological Advancement: 11/132
Cyber Security: 34/50
China has the largest standing military in the world in terms of manpower. The country has emerged as a global power owing to its staggering economic rise since the turn of the 21st century. The country leveraged its distinct economic strength to upgrade its army, armed forces and navy. As a result, China has the most powerful military in Asia, that is not just large in size but is also equipped with advanced, modern weapons and defense systems. Moreover, Beijing’s strong naval fleet of 730 assets includes 78 submarines and 50 destroyers. The Chinese are also fast catching up on the United States when it comes to airpower with the development of its stealth fighter jet J-20A.
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