In this article, we look at the top 25 powerful countries in the world by military strength. You can also check out 20 Most Powerful Countries Ruling the World in 2050.
Figures released last month by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated the global defense expenditure at $2.44 trillion for 2023, a record high, having risen 6.8% year over year. This was the biggest spike in military spending since 2009, and the ninth successive year during which military expenditure had risen.
The United States represented 37.5% of the world’s overall defense expenditure, having spent $916 billion during the year. This figure, which grew 2.3% from 2022, amounted to 68% of all NATO spending in 2023. In Europe, $588 billion were spent on military expenses, which made up around one-fourths (24%) of the global expenditure. This was 16% more than in 2022, and 64% higher than a decade ago in 2014. Both Moscow and Kyiv substantially increased their military expenditure, while several other countries in the continent also bolstered their defenses with war returning to Europe after decades of peace.
Moreover, $560 billion was incurred on military expenditure in Asia, with the figure having risen 40% compared to 2014. The major chunk of this spending came from East Asia and South Asia, while countries in the Middle East also spent hefty amounts on bolstering their national security.
The surge in global military spending since the beginning of the war in Ukraine has meant a boom for major corporations in the defense industry. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which started in October 2023, has also bolstered their finances. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)’s stocks have spiked 29% since Russia invaded Ukraine. In 2023, the company generated $67.6 billion in revenue, which represented a 2.4% increase from 2022. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)’s net earnings for the year were also $1.2 billion higher than the previous year.
RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX)’s numbers are also soaring. The company posted a whopping $68.9 billion in revenue in 2023, nearly 60% of which came from defense-related sales. RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) has received orders worth $3 billion since the Ukraine war started for its AMRAAM rockets alone which have been instrumental for Kyiv in pushing back advancing Russian troops. Last year in March, the company was awarded a $1.2 billion contract from Germany as well to develop Patriot air and missile defense systems for the country. Later in November of the same year, Hungary received the first two units of the NASAMS air defense system it ordered from RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
On the other hand, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) recorded its highest revenue in history in 2023, totaling $42.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7.3%. The company’s artillery production went up last year from 14,000 rounds per month to 20,000. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)’s 155-millimeter artillery replacements have played a vital role in leading Ukraine’s fightback against Russia. These have been regularly provided by the Americans to Kyiv as part of Washington’s military assistance. Nearly three-fourths of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)’s overall revenue came from defense-related sales in 2023.
A towering military warship off the shore, its hull representing the companies commitment to the defense sector.
Methodology
We have considered thirteen weighted metrics to rank the top 25 powerful countries in the world by military strength. These include GDP and defense spending (25%); strength of ground forces (25%) which comprised manpower, tanks, artillery, and nuclear weapons; fleet of military aircraft including fighter jets (20%); naval assets including aircraft carriers and submarines (10%); military technological advancement (10%); military satellites in orbit (5%); overseas military bases (3%); and cyber-capabilities (2%).
It was observed where each country ranked on a given metric, and then we assigned them weighted ranking scores. Finally, weighted scores for each metric were summed to get an overall score. Additional 5%, or 0.05 points, were added to the tally of countries that had battle-hardened troops. The most powerful countries in the world by military strength are ranked in ascending order of their overall scores.
Data related to GDP figures for countries in 2023 was sourced from the IMF, while SIPRI was consulted for figures related to defense expenditure during the year. For other metrics, we considered Insider Monkey’s recent articles: 20 Largest Air Forces in the World Heading into 2024, 15 Countries with the Most Battle Tanks in the World, Artillery Strength by Country: Top 20 Militaries, 15 Navies with the Most Submarines in the World, 12 Countries With Most Aircraft Carriers, 13 Countries With The Most Overseas Military Bases, 15 Countries with the Highest Number of Military Satellites in Orbit, and 12 Most Advanced Countries in Cybersecurity. Moreover, for manpower, we referred to the Global Firepower Index 2024, whereas Power Atlas was considered for information related to nuclear weapons. Lastly, the Global Innovation Index 2023 was referenced for technological capabilities.
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Let’s now head over to the list of the most powerful countries in the world by military strength.
Top 25 Powerful Countries In The World By Military Strength:
25. Ukraine
GDP (2023): $173 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $64.75 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 900,000
Tanks: 1,777
Artillery: 2,708
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 271
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: None
Military Satellites in Orbit: None
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 11
Technological Capabilities Rank: 73
Overall Score: 0.24
The resilience of the country’s soldiers, coupled with Western assistance, has helped Ukraine become one of the most powerful countries in the world by Military Strength. Kyiv spent $64.75 billion on defense in 2023 to become the eighth-largest defense spender in the world. The Ukrainian military’s manpower has also substantially increased since the beginning of the war against Russia.
24. United Arab Emirates
GDP (2023): $509 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $22.7 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 65,000
Tanks: 354
Artillery: 444
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 335
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: None
Military Satellites in Orbit: 3
Overseas Military Bases: 3
Cyber Capabilities Rank: N/A
Technological Capabilities Rank: 32
Overall Score: 0.25
The United Arab Emirates has one of the strongest militaries in the Middle East, with a sizable fleet of battle tanks and aircraft. The country has been seen playing a more active role in military conflicts in its neighborhood since the last few years. You can read about other powerful militaries in the region by heading over to the 14 Strongest Military Forces In The Middle East.
23. Poland
GDP (2023): $842 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $31.65 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 202,100
Tanks: 612
Artillery: 70
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 275
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 1
Military Satellites in Orbit: None
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: N/A
Technological Capabilities Rank: 46
Overall Score: 0.27
Next on our list is Poland, which spent around 3.9% of its GDP on defense in 2023, which was the highest proportion among all NATO members. The country’s military spending per capita has more than doubled since 2020, from $325 to $657 now. You can read more on this in our article, NATO Spending by Country Per Capita: Top 15 Countries.
22. Iran
GDP (2023): $454 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $10.28 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 610,000
Tanks: 1,996
Artillery: 3,405
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 343
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 19
Military Satellites in Orbit: 1
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 9
Technological Capabilities Rank: 62
Overall Score: 0.29
Despite being under sanctions from much of the world, Iran continues to be a force to reckon with, at least when it comes to security and military. Much of its military strength is derived from its large manpower of over 610,000 troops, a lot of whom are active in various conflicts across the Middle East. The country also ranks ninth in the world for cyber capabilities.
21. Taiwan
GDP (2023): $752 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $16.61 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 215,000
Tanks: 1,010
Artillery: 1,643
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 518
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 4
Military Satellites in Orbit: None
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: N/A
Technological Capabilities: N/A
Overall Score: 0.30
Taiwan spent 2.2% of its GDP on defense expenditure in 2023. The country boasts a sizable number of battle tanks, artillery units, and military aircraft. Right since independence, Taipei has focused on raising a strong military due to the perceived threat of invasion from China.
20. Canada
GDP (2023): $2.12 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $27.22 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 68,000
Tanks: 74
Artillery: None
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 395
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 4
Military Satellites in Orbit: 1
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 12
Technological Capabilities Rank: 15
Overall Score: 0.31
Canada is considered to be among the most advanced countries in technological capabilities and cybersecurity. The country has vowed to increase its defense spending in the next few years, in its bid to meet NATO’s expectation of member states pledging at least 2% of their GDP on defense. As part of that goal, and to enhance Arctic security, Canada announced the procurement of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) last year.
19. Australia
GDP (2023): $1.69 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $32.34 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 57,350
Tanks: 59
Artillery: 48
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 296
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 6
Military Satellites in Orbit: 4
Overseas Military Bases: 2
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 5
Technological Capabilities Rank: 24
Overall Score: 0.32
Australia is among the most powerful countries in the world by military strength, particularly due to its potent fleet of fighter jets, which include 37 F-35s among others. On the naval front too, the country is well-equipped and boasts six submarines. By 2032, it is likely to become the second country in the world to operate the Virginia-class of nuclear submarines, with delivery due from the US under the AUKUS pact.
18. Spain
GDP (2023): $1.58 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $23.69 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 133,282
Tanks: 327
Artillery: 20
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 393
Aircraft Carriers: 1
Submarines: 3
Military Satellites in Orbit: 4
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 14
Technological Capabilities Rank: 29
Overall Score: 0.34
Despite spending a meager 1.26% of its GDP on defense expenditure, Spain finds itself in the list of the most powerful countries in the world by military strength, largely due to its manpower, coupled with aerial and naval prowess. It is among the only 12 countries in the world with aircraft carriers. Spain also has four satellites in orbit that are used for military purposes.
17. North Korea
GDP (2023): $21 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $1.6 billion
Nuclear Weapons: 40
Manpower: 1,320,000
Tanks: 5,845
Artillery: 11,920
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 951
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 35
Military Satellites in Orbit: None
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 13
Technological Capabilities Rank: N/A
Overall Score: 0.37
There is a scarcity of information that comes out of North Korea, but of what we know, one of the key strengths of Pyongyang’s military is that it boasts one of the largest standing militaries in the world with over 1.3 million active personnel. Moreover, the country also has a large fleet of battle tanks, artillery units, and submarines.
16. Egypt
GDP (2023): $398 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $3.16 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 440,000
Tanks: 5,340
Artillery: 4,165
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 1,122
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 8
Military Satellites in Orbit: 1
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 21
Technological Capabilities Rank: 86
Overall Score: 0.39
Next on our list is Egypt, which has the most powerful military in Africa, and outranks all other countries in the continent when it comes to fighter jets, naval assets, battle tanks, and active military personnel. The country’s large fleet of military aircraft includes 168 F-16 fighter jets, which speaks volumes of Egypt’s aerial capabilities.
15. Brazil
GDP (2023): $2.13 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $22.88 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 360,000
Tanks: 469
Artillery: 710
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 527
Aircraft Carriers: 1
Submarines: 4
Military Satellites in Orbit: 1
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 24
Technological Capabilities Rank: 49
Overall Score: 0.41
With the size of the Brazilian economy going past the $2 trillion mark, the country is now actively spending to upgrade its military. As part of the efforts, Brazil in 2014 placed an order for 36 Gripen fighters from Sweden, with the final shipment scheduled for 2027. The induction of these jets is expected to strengthen its already large fleet of military aircraft. The South American state also looks solid on the naval front, with an aircraft carrier and four submarines.
14. Saudi Arabia
GDP (2023): $1.07 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $75.81 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 257,000
Tanks: 1,485
Artillery: 3,743
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 702
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: None
Military Satellites in Orbit: None
Overseas Military Bases: 21
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 19
Technological Capabilities Rank: 48
Overall Score: 0.42
For the second straight year, Saudi Arabia remained the fifth largest defense spender in the world, having incurred over $75 billion in military expenditure in 2023 as well after 2022. Riyadh maintains a large number of artillery units, battle tanks, and military aircraft, which are considered its three main areas of military strength. Moreover, the kingdom also enjoys a geographical edge compared to other countries in the region through its various overseas military bases, which allow Saudi Arabia to target enemy targets in the Middle East at will.
13. Pakistan
GDP (2023): $340 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $8.52 billion
Nuclear Weapons: 165
Manpower: 654,000
Tanks: 3,742
Artillery: 4,592
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 818
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 8
Military Satellites in Orbit: None
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: N/A
Technological Capabilities Rank: 88
Overall Score: 0.45
Despite structural challenges to its economy, Pakistan is among the most powerful countries in the world by military strength, and the country spends heavily on defense due to the perceived threat from arch-rival India on its east, and from terrorist groups that operate along the western border with Afghanistan. According to Power Atlas, Pakistan has leapfrogged ahead of India in the nuclear arms race with an estimated 165 weapons.
12. Israel
GDP (2023): $522 billion
Defense Spending (2023): $27.5 billion
Nuclear Weapons: 90
Manpower: 170,000
Tanks: 1,370
Artillery: 1,100
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 581
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 5
Military Satellites in Orbit: 8
Overseas Military Bases: 1
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 17
Technological Capabilities Rank: 14
Overall Score: 0.44
Israel is among the most powerful countries in the world by military strength. The country is equipped with nuclear weapons, and a large fleet of military aircraft – 40% of which comprise fighter jets. Moreover, it is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the region, and it has leveraged that strength to its advantage in the defense sector, with its Iron Dome being one of the most effective air defense systems going around.
11. Germany
GDP (2023): $4.43 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $66.83 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 181,600
Tanks: 295
Artillery: 167
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 394
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 6
Military Satellites in Orbit: 7
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 10
Technological Capabilities Rank: 8
Overall Score: 0.45
Up next is Germany, the third largest economy in the world, with a nominal GDP of $4.43 trillion in 2023. The country’s defense spending last year grew nearly 20% amid the volatile situation in Europe. Besides its military equipment strength, Germany also maintains a significant presence in space through its military satellites. It ranks 10th in the world when it comes to cybersecurity, and is the eighth most technologically advanced country in the world.
10. Italy
GDP (2023): $2.19 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $35.53 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 165,500
Tanks: 200
Artillery: 193
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 506
Aircraft Carriers: 2
Submarines: 8
Military Satellites in Orbit: 8
Overseas Military Bases: 1
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 23
Technological Capabilities Rank: 26
Overall Score: 0.46
Italy’s armed forces are recognized all over the world for their military expertise and contributions to international peacekeeping missions. It has one of the most powerful navies in the world, which has two aircraft carriers and up to eight submarines. The country also operates an overseas military base and has eight military satellites in orbit.
9. Turkiye
GDP (2023): $1.15 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $15.82 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 355,200
Tanks: 2,231
Artillery: 3,071
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 618
Aircraft Carriers: 1
Submarines: 12
Military Satellites in Orbit: 2
Overseas Military Bases: 3
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 20
Technological Capabilities Rank: 39
Overall Score: 0.48
Turkiye has one of the finest militaries in the world, with an active manpower of over 350,000 active troops, a large fleet of battle tanks and artillery units. When it comes to aerial capabilities, the country’s air force boasts having 157 active F-16 fighter jets, which is a testament to its strength. Ankara also operates three overseas military bases, in Qatar, Northern Cyprus, and Somalia.
8. South Korea
GDP (2023): $1.71 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $47.92 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 600,000
Tanks: 2,501
Artillery: 8,633
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 890
Aircraft Carriers: None
Submarines: 22
Military Satellites in Orbit: 2
Overseas Military Bases: None
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 7
Technological Capabilities Rank: 10
Overall Score: 0.53
Owing to its strained ties with Pyongyang, South Korea has built a powerful military, with more than 600,000 active troops. In addition to its large fleet of battle tanks, artillery units, and military aircraft, the country has a highly competent defense industry that aptly reflects South Korea’s technological capabilities. Seoul’s locally-produced KF-21 Boramae fourth-generation fighter jet has radar-evading capabilities, which defense analysts say are similar to those found in fifth-generation fighters.
7. Japan
GDP (2023): $4.23 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $50.16 billion
Nuclear Weapons: None
Manpower: 247,150
Tanks: 518
Artillery: 707
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 779
Aircraft Carriers: 2
Submarines: 23
Military Satellites in Orbit: 2
Overseas Military Bases: 1
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 15
Technological Capabilities Rank: 13
Overall Score: 0.56
Japan is one of the most powerful countries in the world, with a GDP in excess of $4 trillion in 2023. It also has a highly capable military with more than 247,000 troops, and a sizable number of military aircraft, battle tanks, and artillery units. Japan’s navy also operates two aircraft carriers and 23 submarines. Moreover, the country maintains a military presence in space through two satellites.
6. United Kingdom
GDP (2023): $3.33 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $74.94 billion
Nuclear Weapons: 225
Manpower: 184,860
Tanks: 213
Artillery: 238
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 466
Aircraft Carriers: 2
Submarines: 10
Military Satellites in Orbit: 6
Overseas Military Bases: 60
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 4
Technological Capabilities Rank: 4
Overall Score: 0.58
While the United Kingdom may have long lost its superpower status, it is still a formidable player in today’s multi-polar world. According to a report, the country maintains 60 overseas military bases, while officially the government says it possesses ten bases across Cyprus, Gibraltar, Singapore, the South Atlantic Islands, and the British Indian Ocean Territory. The United Kingdom ranks fourth in the world for both technological and cybersecurity capabilities.
5. France
GDP (2023): $3.05 trillion
Defense Spending (2023): $61.3 billion
Nuclear Weapons: 290
Manpower: 200,000
Tanks: 222
Artillery: 105
Aircraft/Fighter Jets: 658
Aircraft Carriers: 1
Submarines: 9
Military Satellites in Orbit: 10
Overseas Military Bases: 5
Cyber Capabilities Rank: 8
Technological Capabilities Rank: 11
Overall Score: 0.59
France has one of the largest standing militaries in Europe, with an estimated 200,000 active troops. The country’s military is armed with nuclear weapons, several advanced fighter jets, an aircraft carrier, and nine submarines on the naval front. France also maintains five overseas military bases. It is among the most powerful countries in the world by military strength.
