Who Has The Biggest Military In The World? The size and budget of a country’s military play an vital role in determining its global influence and strategic capabilities. The top 10 largest militaries worldwide are China, Russia, North Korea, Pakistan, South Korea, Iran, Turkey and Egypt; each possessing an established military presence as well as strategic alliances that shape their capabilities and reach around the world. Here is our list with their size and nuclear capabilities.
China
China boasts the world’s largest military force, consisting of 2.19 million active-duty personnel, 510,000 reserve personnel and 1.5 million paramilitary forces. Estimates place their annual military budget at $252 billion – second only to the United States in terms of defense spending.
China boasts the world’s largest navy, consisting of over 350 ships and submarines. Its air force also has around 3,000 combat aircraft. Estimates place China’s nuclear arsenal at approximately 350 nuclear warheads – though exact figures remain uncertain. Furthermore, China has strategic alliances with several countries such as Russia, Pakistan, and North Korea.
United States
The United States boasts the second-largest military in the world, with approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel, 800,000 reserve personnel and 812,000 paramilitary forces. Furthermore, its defence budget is the highest in the world at $778 billion.
The US Navy is the most powerful navy in the world, boasting nearly 300 ships and submarines as well as 13,000 combat aircraft. Estimates place their nuclear arsenal at 5,550 warheads – larger than any other nation’s total arsenal combined. Furthermore, they have alliances with multiple countries such as NATO members, Japan, and South Korea.
India
India boasts the third-largest military force in the world, consisting of approximately 1.4 million active-duty personnel, 2.1 million reserve personnel and 1.3 million paramilitary forces. Estimates place their estimated military budget at $72 billion.
India’s navy consists of around 285 ships and submarines, while its air force boasts around 2,000 combat aircraft. Estimates place India’s nuclear arsenal at 150 warheads. India maintains alliances with several countries such as Russia, Japan, and the United States.
Russia
Russia boasts the fourth-largest military force in the world, consisting of approximately 1.4 million active-duty personnel, 2.5 million reserve personnel and 300,000 paramilitary forces. It is estimated that their defense budget totals $61 billion.
Russia’s navy consists of 350 vessels and submarines, while its air force boasts around 4,000 combat aircraft. Estimates place Russia’s nuclear arsenal at 6,255 warheads – the highest total in any country worldwide. Furthermore, Russia maintains alliances with several countries such as China, India, and Iran.
North Korea
North Korea boasts the fifth-largest military force in the world, consisting of around 1.3 million active-duty personnel, 6 million reserve personnel and 189,000 paramilitary forces. Estimates place their estimated military budget at $10 billion.
North Korea’s navy consists of 967 ships and submarines, while its air force boasts 944 combat aircraft. Estimates place North Korea’s nuclear arsenal between 30-40 nuclear warheads. Furthermore, North Korea maintains alliances with several countries such as China and Russia.
Pakistan
Pakistan boasts the sixth-largest military force in the world, consisting of 653,800 active-duty personnel, 500,000 reserve personnel and 482,000 paramilitary forces. Estimates place their annual defence budget at $7.6 billion.
Pakistan’s navy comprises around 197 ships and submarines, while its air force boasts 800 combat aircraft. Pakistan is believed to possess 160 nuclear warheads. Furthermore, Pakistan maintains alliances with several countries such as China and Turkey.
South Korea
South Korea boasts the seventh-largest military force in the world, consisting of 599,900 active-duty personnel, 2.9 million reserve personnel and 30,000 paramilitary forces. The annual budget for their defence spending amounts to an estimated $44 billion.
South Korea’s navy consists of approximately 190 ships and submarines, while its air force boasts 700 combat aircraft. Notably, South Korea does not possess nuclear weapons. Furthermore, South Korea maintains alliances with several countries such as the United States, Japan, and Australia.
Iran
Iran boasts the eighth-largest military force in the world, consisting of 534,000 active-duty personnel, 350,000 reserve personnel and 150,000 paramilitary forces. Estimates place their estimated military budget at approximately $13.2 billion.
Iran’s navy comprises 398 ships and submarines, while its air force boasts 600 combat aircraft. Although Iran does not possess nuclear weapons, it has formed alliances with several countries including Russia and China.
Turkey
Turkey boasts the ninth-largest military force in the world, consisting of 510,000 active-duty personnel, 378,700 reserve personnel and 150,000 paramilitary forces. Estimates place their annual military budget at about $18.2 billion.
Turkey’s navy consists of 194 vessels and submarines, while its air force boasts over 1,000 combat aircraft. While Turkey does not possess nuclear weapons, it maintains alliances with several countries such as NATO members and Azerbaijan.
Egypt
Egypt boasts the tenth-largest military in the world, consisting of 468,500 active-duty personnel, 800,000 reserve personnel and 400,000 paramilitary forces. Estimates place their estimated military budget at around $13 billion.
Egypt’s navy consists of around 316 ships and submarines, while its air force boasts 1,100 combat aircraft. Though Egypt does not possess nuclear weapons, it has alliances with several countries like Russia and China.
