5 Most Powerful Militaries in Latin America

2. Mexico

GDP (2023): $1.8 trillion

Defense Spending (2022): $8.5 billion

Technological Advancement Rank: 58/132

Active Military Personnel: 412,000

Tanks: 0

Armored Fighting Vehicles: 17,601

Military Aircraft: 462

Naval Assets: 194

Overall Score: 6.79

Mexico has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. It is the largest military in terms of manpower in Latin America. The country also boasts a large number of armored fighting vehicles, and has a sizable number of military aircraft as well. The Mexican military is a skilled and battle-hardened force that has been at war against narco-terrorism inside its border for several decades now.