History

Top Ten Armies in the World (2021)

There’s been much discussion and debate about our original article about the Top 10 Armies in the World. First written in 2010, we’ve been updating it ever since. 

Nearly every country in the world has its own army to protect its interests against internal and external enemies. Most countries like to boast of their military prowess, often claiming to be one of the strongest in the world. Not all can actually back that claim with data and numbers

In an effort to quantify the rankings of the top military forces in the world, we analyzed data on over sixty countries. We based this on the most recent data available at GlobalFirepower. This includes the size of defense budget, number of active military members, tanks and armored vehicles, aircraft and helicopters, and number of naval craft. 

Additionally, we considered nuclear capability and recent operations, the latter meaning that the army actually has live combat experience.

We then assigned a weight to each of these components, and finally calculated an overall score for each country. In most places, this differs from the country’s GlobalFirepower rank.

After the calculations were completed, the top ten armies in the world became easily visible as the most powerful militaries in the world.

Most of these armies were involved in the major conflicts of the modern  world. Notably, these include World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Additionally, many were involved in conflicts fighting for their own country’s independence.

#10: Turkey

The Turkish Army dates back more than 2,000 years, though the modern day military branches were founded in 1920. With a force of over 730 and a budget of close to $19 billion, it is solidly in the top ten military powers in the world. 

It ranks fourth on the list for tanks and armored vehicles, estimated at just over 11,000. Ground forces are additionally supported by an outsize artillery. Out of the nations on this list, Turkey is currently the only without nuclear capability.

With very few exceptions, military service is required of all male citizens after the age of twenty, contributing to the large force and reserve size. After the U.S. and ahead of France, it is the second largest ground force in NATO.

The Turkish Army was involved in the Korean War, recurrent internal Kurdish conflicts, the division of Cyprus, and recently Syria. Its largest conflict to date, however, was the Turkish Independence War. In this confrontation, it fought Russia, Britain, Greece, France and Italy along its borders. It was one of the few larger powers to remain neutral until almost the end of World War II.

#9: United Kingdom

The British Armed Forces were organized in 1661 and have been involved in various conflicts including the Napoleonic Wars, Revolutionary War and both world wars. In fact, only 22 countries in the world were never invaded by British forces.

The British Army has had a significant presence in Northern Ireland and the Balkans. It stood beside the United States in the Gulf War in the 1990s. The army is a powerful force in the ongoing Global War on Terrorism after the attacks of September 11, 2001. 

The active duty force of the British military is over 190,000 strong, making it the second largest army in the European Union behind France. The U.K. has a defense budget of over $51 billion annually. Of the top ten military powers, it has the smallest number of active duty members but the fourth-largest budget, behind only the U.S., China, and India.

There are three branches of service. These are the Royal Navy, the British Army proper and the Royal Air Force, also known as RAF.  

With nearly 750 aircraft and helicopters and around 5,500 tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, it is a viable force and an unwavering ally of the United States.

#8: Pakistan

The Pakistan Armed Forces were founded in 1947, and comprises three service branches. It succeeded the former British Indian Army after the country gained independence the same year.

Pakistan’s military history includes recurrent conflicts with its bordering neighbors of Afghanistan and India, the Gulf War and Mogadishu, Somalia in the early 90s. 

The country is part of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). As such, it has been active against ISIL and other terrorist groups. Pakistan has also served as an ally to the United States in the Global War on Terrorism. It assisted in the fight against both Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and along its borders.

At the same time, the army maintains close ties with the Chinese military.

This volunteer army consists of an active duty force of over 650,000 personnel. Additional reserve forces are another 550,000 strong. Together, they make the Pakistan Armed Forces into one of the largest armies in the world.

Pakistan’s defense budget is around $11.5 billion. This may be the smallest budget of the top ten military powers, but still far exceeds the defense budget of most other countries around the world. 

While on par with U.K. for naval craft, Pakistan boasts several hundred more aircraft and helicopters, over 9,000 tanks and armored vehicles, and a much larger amount of artillery pieces.

#7: Israel

Israel maintains a conscript army. It is the only country in the world that requires military service from both male and female citizens with few exceptions.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were founded in 1948, but trace their roots to several paramilitary organizations active against the British while they held Palestine. Today, the IDF maintains an active duty force of over 170,000. In comparison, its reserves are enormous, evaluated at around 450,000. 

Its fleet is fairly small, but the IDF can field considerable airpower and over 13,000 tanks and armored vehicles. 

The Israeli military history includes the Arab-Israel War, the Six-Day War and numerous conflicts with Lebanon, the annexed Palestine, and frequent operations against Iran. As a whole, it is one of the most battle-tested armies of the world.

The United States remains one of Israel’s largest and closest allies, giving the IDF preferential access to new military technology. Israel’s defense budget clocks in at fully $20 billion.

#6: France

Since its struggles during the World Wars, France does no longer enjoy the reputation of a military superpower. These perceptions aside, the numbers tell a different story.

France has a military of over 360,000 strong across the army, navy, air and space force and paramilitary branches. This makes it the largest army in the European Union by numbers. It is unique in letting foreign nationals serve in its forces – in the notorious and elite Foreign Legion. Unusually, the country’s police also form part of the French Armed Forces.

Compared to its one-time hereditary rival, the British Armed Forces, it commands more craft across almost all categories. The exception are some naval classes and artillery pieces. Its budget, however, is smaller than the U.K.’s, at $41 billion.

#5 North Korea

The North Korean People’s Army was established in 1939 and has an impressive size of more than 1,250,000 soldiers. When reserve unit numbers are added to this, estimates are more than seven million soldiers could be activated if needed. This makes the North Korean forces potentially the largest in the world.

Major conflicts in North Korea’s history are the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Tensions between North and South Korea still exist today. Technically, the conflict is a frozen one – it never officially ended between the two.

Its defense budget, at $1.6 billion, is nominally small. Much of its economy, however, is prepared for military use along a total war doctrine. Additionally, North Korea is a relatively close, though erratic, ally of China.

North Korea has confirmed its nuclear and chemical weapons capability in recent years with threats against various countries. This especially includes the United States, mainly for its alliance with South Korea. Over the last decade, it has also emerged as a cyber-war force to be reckoned with.

#4: India

The Indian Army’s roots go back, with only minor interruptions, to the Stone Age. Today, it is the largest all-volunteer ground force in the world with nearly 1.5 million active duty soldiers. Reserves make up a force an additional 2 million strong.

India has never had to institute a draft to staff its ground force. The Indian Army – overlapping with the British Indian Army – was active in both world wars. Subsequently, the Indian Armed Forces fought in conflicts for the country’s own independence. Border skirmishes with Pakistan are common in its history.

The Indian military consists of three branches as well as several paramilitary units, and operates on a budget of more than $61 billion. While its aircraft and helicopter as well as tank and armored vehicle numbers rank it solidly in the middle of the list, it has a relatively small naval fleet. India also has more than eighty nuclear warheads in its possession.

#3: Russia

Russia has undergone numerous changes throughout its military history. This history dates back all the way to 863. The modern day army – the Russian Ground Force – arose in 1992, following on the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Previous Russian military organizations, including the Red Army, saw combat in regional conflicts, both World Wars and numerous Cold War operations. Before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, it was one of two superpowers in the world. By this point, it had surpassed the United States both in terms of the number of soldiers and nuclear weapons.

The Russian Ground Force draws its soldiers through a military draft. In principle, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 33 serve for a period of 12 months. There are, however, many reasons for exception and deferral, and bribery is common.

Russia currently has over 1.2 million active duty military members and 2 million in reserves. It operates under a comparatively slim budget of more than $48 billion dollars. In terms of finances, only India, China and the U.S. are bigger spenders. Though its air force and ground capabilities are larger than China’s, the latter has been gaining rapidly, and China possesses a larger navy.

Russia also has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world – nearly 8,000. This stock, though, is aging, and not all of it is combat-ready.

#2: China

The People’s Liberation Army of China is the largest military in the world in absolute numbers. It numbers nearly 2.2 million soldiers, with a reserve over 500,000 strong. After significant cuts in forces a decade ago, numbers are again increasing.

The Chinese Army arose in 1927. It was active in the Sino-Japanese conflict, World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

While technically service is a necessity for all men over the age of 18, China has never had to draft soldiers. There have always been more than enough Chinese men who have volunteered for military service to their country.

It has the second largest defense budget, at nearly $240 billion – a full $100 billion more than a decade ago. This corresponds roughly to the combined budget of all previous countries on this list. It also houses nuclear weapons, with estimates putting the number at around 350.

#1: United States

The United States military’s history dates back to 1775, where it arose out of rebel forces fighting the Revolutionary War. With over 1.4 million on active duty, it now has the third largest active duty force ranking behind China and India. 

However, the defense budget is what really sets the U.S. apart from all other countries on the list. With a budget of over $750 billion, it exceeds all other military budgets on this list combined by nearly $250 billion, and China’s by over $500 billion.

The U.S. Army and its special forces have participated in every major world war, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf Wars, and leads the Global War on Terrorism.

The modern day Army is an all-volunteer force, though drafts have been used for long periods. It maintains numerous permanent posts throughout the United States as well as Germany, Italy, Kosovo, Japan, Korea, and other countries.

Ranking only behind Russia in the total number of warheads, the U.S. has the largest number of active warheads in the world. 

The U.S. also has the largest number of aircraft and helicopters by far with just under 14,000. It’s still comfortably ahead of China in the number of tanks and armored vehicles. Its air dominance also shows in its fleet, which is smaller than China’s, but features numerous aircraft carriers and supporting craft.

Read Also: 5 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About War During the Last 100 Years

Stacey

Stacey Abler is a professional business writer who holds an MBA with a focus on marketing and entrepreneurship. She specializes in articles about marketing, human resources and finance. As an Army wife, she has a special interest in military subjects.

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  • Memories being what they are, I am unsurprised that the French army is bashed around (that and it Is fun), however, we would probably not exist had not the French come to the aid of a certain General Washington, et al during our - ahem - War of Independence...
    Read a Book.
    As for the rest, subjective and slightly factual... ;)

  • I love the image used for the British Army. I'm proud of our lads, and the guy in the front of the image is not someone i'd like to mess with! lol Although the guy behind him looks a bit like Liam Neesen a few years into the future. But I love Liam too, so all is well!

  • And i'm really enjoying the French Army comments. Where are they? They are at the boulangerie, ready and primed for the order to come in. That order.... run.

  • @Özgür

    All the Turkish miltiary does is massacre minorities and occupy the Kurdish homeland which the Kurds inhabited thousands of years before the Turks showed up. Oh, and you still haven't beaten them either.

    • I think they beat them, everytime.... Probably the reason why they (the Kurds) are still not independent.

      Plus, Turkey under Mustafa Kamal Ata Turk did manage to fight back and take all of its mainland territories, even after loosing World War I. And Turks never cry about atrocitties committed on them by Greeks and Allies during and after World War I, unlike almost everyone else these days!

    • Get some information before writing;
      i.e. if you lose 13 soldiers to get one guerilla fighter (Kurds), in general that counts as success... though not for the Turkish army. They are one of the best trained forces for anti-terror operations.

      And your argument 'taking away the Kurds homeland' is invalid. What about the Native Americans in the USA? Or the former inhabitants in Israel?

      You really should be ashamed for what you spread.

  • Hey, if it wasn't for the French the US wouldnt exist, and arent you forgetting Napoleon?
    Plus, the US saved Europe's butt from the Germans... Twice. Sure they lost the Vietnam war, but look at the casulties: North Vietnamese Casulties: 1.1 Million, US: 58 Thousand. Thats almost 20 Vietnamese killed for every US soldier. Although, in whole, I dont agree with this list, it should be: US, China, Germany, India, France, Russia, UK, Italy, Israel, and Pakistan.

    • America Didn't lose in Vietnam we just simply left and it technically wasn't our war it was a war between North and South Vietnam we just helped South Vietnam because we had a reason to go there anyway so why not go then.

  • The US Military is the finest, most formidable fighting force in the history of this planet.
    Their primary purpose has been to extend freedom to foreign countries. A very large part of what they do is strictly humanitarian. I shudder to think what this world would be like were it not for the US Military. Men with evil purposes think twice before doing something that will draw the attention of the US military.
    You are welcome.

    As for the French, their soldiers are among the toughest allies in the war against Islamist terror. US soldiers who have fought alongside French soldiers have a great deal of respect for them. They got a bad rap in WW2, when their population of military-age young men had been decimated by WW1. They did not have enough young men to field an army against the likes of Germany. Instead they relied on the technology at the Maginot Line, which failed. This is the same country that
    dominated Europe under Napoleon. Dismiss them at your peril.

  • The French defeated the British when fighitng along the revolutionaires of what would become the US. The British never surrendered to the colonists. They surrendered to the French. So stop saying the French don't fight. The US only "saved" Europe's butt to prevent the comunists of taking over like they did in Russia wich according to the book "Wall Street and the Rise of Bolsheviks" wasn't such an adorable thing that the US would like... (although i'm in Europe and my country was neutral therefor they didn't save my butt).

    :P

  • Israel has no ARMY - only a BIG quantity of thieves, pirates and terrorists in uniforms.

    • @ THE MONKEY

      So is Indian Army - Biggest quantity of thieves, pirates and terrorists. They would kill and rape their own. (Atleast Israel would do that in Palestinian territory)

      • listen nabel how dare you say that the indian have terrists thives pirets robbers criminials you all will kill your own people

      • 1. Pakistan is the best place to live and all countries gives green signal to their citizens to travel pakistan and enjoy their holiday.
        2. Pakistan is the peace loving nation and hence ISI supports Al Qaeda, Taliban and all jihadis.
        3. Pakistan respect all religions and hence the hindus in pakistan asks for asylum in india.
        4. Pakistan is the country where women were given equal rights.
        5. Pakistan is friendly nation and hence their neighbours (India and Afganistan) asks them to stop their jihadi social workers crossing the border.
        6. All pakistanis are gentlemen and hence they are the epicenter of rich culture.
        7. Pakistan is the worlds largest democracy.
        8. Pakistan is the peace loving nation and hence the ISI asks their jihadis to give flowers and pigeons to their neighbours.
        9. Pakistan soldiers never involved in the kargil conflict but they will include 453 soldiers name who were killed in the war in their official web site and gives Nishan-i-Haider award.
        10. Most of the western and well developed states used to outsource jobs. But the great Pakistan is bit different and hence used to outsource terrorist.

        @Naseem : I believe you must be mentally retarded and sincerely advice you to consult a psychiatrist (come to india and we will pay for ur treatment. i promise u). Proud to be pakistani when u r in Pakistan. Never discuss ur thoughts outside pakistan. ...

        • 6) Ofcourse, we have a rich and diverse culture. Ask some western tourists who have been to the place … you dumb ***
          India on the other hand is rich in filth. Not long ago, you could see 5-6 Indian cities in a list of Top 10 Filthiest Cities on Earth. Your slum culture is also world-famous. Watch the movie by British Directors “Slum Dog Millionaire” for more details.

          7) No. Pakistan is the world’s 5th largest democracy. Our people have always favoured democratic norms and practices; even during western-favoured intervals of dictatorships. We believe in a right to self-expression (don’t say “how dare you…” at the end and beginning of ever sentence the way Indians do. See the post by mr. sanskar for more details. Don’t worry, this is nothing new for me. Happens every time I try talk sense to an Indian)
          In Pakistan, we believe in and allow freedom of religion, even freedom of forming political parties on religious, ethical and ethnic grounds. In India, your Indian govt. wont even allow creation of a single party that could represent the Muslim (biggest minority group in India), because they fear another “separation”/Independence movement!
          Your democratic system is still immature. Just in the 1990’s India's ‘elected’ govt. was BJP (Bhartiya Junta Party) of Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee. Even under democratic norms, the party came into power on mainly backed by fanatic Hindu religious manifesto, supported by terrorist outfits like Shiv Sina (please don’t check the outfit’s profile on internet or a blog, instead ask a ‘non-Hindu’ Indian or any other South Asian for that matter) This shows, that in India even today, majority is religiously motivated! (This BJP) itself is blamed may times for the Gujarat incident as well as burning down of various churches and mosques during Mr. Behari's rule.
          Since the creation of Pakistan, even after all this that we have gone through, there is not a single incident of religious party coming into power by popular vote!
          Part of the reason is that we accepted democratic norms and practices since 1947 while Indians continued to support and mingle with Communist ideologies till the 1980’s
          8) Why do I get this feeling that you are just another ‘perfect waste of time’!
          9) Ofcourse Pakistani soldiers were involved in Kargil conflict. Who do you think whipped your arses. We have been talking about it for months on this forum. Do scroll for the details before you type… you arse hat! (P.S. you forgot to mention the number of dead Indian army personnel…. What??? Forgot to count AGAIN? :-D )
          10) Check the website for Ovex Technologies, TRG in Google. These are just two of the names I know. There are many local and foreign outsource companies; for telecom, engineering, customer support, construction, programming, web-development….. literally hundreds and hundreds of various big and small outsource groups. The numbers may not be as big as India, nevertheless, they are by no means insignificant. Google for more details.

          • “Slum Dog Millionaire” :- Are you talking about the Movies as eg to believe ? dump Arse!! so go and see latest John trovalto's movie "From paris with love". Says about, filthy pigs as Pakistanis and Chinese. Full of Pakistani terrorism and support of your suk*in dad china. Movie goes like you both dump arses are fried up like porks in the pan...! haha
            5th largest democracy & diversity what a fk? That is y u people keep 2nd place here!wow! Even u pushed back in military rating you acquired 2nd in terrorism under somalia. See this http://insightpakistan.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/pakistan-world-second-terrorism-risk-country/

            Diverse culture about pakistan: See http://in.christiantoday.com/articles/pakistan-may-eliminate-religious-minorities-office/6019.htm . Your diversity that is y your minorities are afraid of being slaughtered by religious insane and felt out as unprotected. Now they are getting hunted by your terrorists, government and even by ur civilians, http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/world/BO113226/
            The only a christian minister had the voice, was Shahbaz Bhatti, who was killed by religious Pigs. Those bast*ds was welcomed with roses by your people http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/pakistani-lawyers-shower-murder-suspect-with-roses/

            Kargil: You were afraid about a big war with India, you dis-owned your 2300 dead soldiers as mujaheddin. What a type of creatures?

            Technologies : haha what a crap ? You are comparing with India haha funny!!!
            :D World famous TCS, Infosys, Wipro and hundreds and bests are Indian Software companies, founded by Indians.
            Please keep your sh*t brain out of here with sub-standard evidences and s*kin pseudo-information. You belong to a filthy pit and enjoy to be there. The World is So big 4 u insane. Keep al this in ur Hate filled,cursing, psychic comments against others and praising ur sh*t pit. ENJOY ;)

          • Ha ha ha ....Worlds largest democracy...my ass....Not sure you have a largest democracy in the world but certainly your country is the largest terrorist producer! Srilankan cricketers knows how democratic your country is....Thousands of shiite muslims in pakistan knows how democratic your country is....You can't protect your own people and your shitty minister advices to India to protect SRK....Beheading soldiers is the bravery in your shitty country....Shame on you people that you are doing all coward acts in the name of religion...World hates you people!!

        • @ Zen:
          (Most of the things you write about have already been answered if only you could use your "bobble head" and scroll down the screen. Now that you are left with nothing to write about, all you'll do is resort to lame remarks that have nothing to do with Top 10 Armies and do your best to infuriate us!)
          Replies:
          1) Depending on different immigration policies of different countries; yes all countries do give residence permits, nationalities and passports to Pakistanis. On occasions, even countries like U.A.E other nations (that have very rigid immigration policies do not allot passports to foreigners) entertain Pakistanis. In many Middle Eastern nations, Pakistanis demand and EARN higher wages than their Indian counterparts for the same job!
          2) ISI "HAD" supported Taliban, Al-Qaeda and other Jihadist groups earlier, just like CIA, NSA and other Western Intelligence Agencies to fight Soviets. Non do anymore. That’s why NATO and U.S troops take ISI help every now and then. It’s not at all like RAW (Indian Intelligence Agency) and Indian Army that conduct regular covert operations killing their own citizens in various provinces.
          3) I am sure the one who took asylum had their monetary/family reasons. We have hundreds of thousands of Hindus living in interior Sindh and parts of Punjab. (Even Sikhs travel here every year for pilgrimages. Ask a Sikh from your country if your don’t believe me) They live in peace and let us live in peace. Their communities are strong, have enormous influence in local govt., lives and properties are secure. Their temples DON’T come burning down. Wish I could say the same for Indian Christians and Muslims.

        • 5) Pakistan is a friendly nation. The only problem we have with is Indians. We have no other enemy and we are friends with all our neighbours…. China, Iran, even Arab nations and Afghanistan. Before the war on terror, the only skirmishes and wars we had were with you Indians
          What about INDIA? India has fought wars with China, Pakistan, even on Bangladeshi Soil. (Besides attacking and occupying half a dozen independent princely states including Kashmir, Hyderabad Deccan, Junagadh, Manavadar, Sikkim etc);INDIA had skirmishes with Nepal; India suppressed Bhuttan; promoted Tamil terrorists in Sri Lanka; favoured U.S.S.R against U.S.A, NATO and Allies. You want to talk ‘peaceful’. Please do check your profile!
          P.S. Most jihadists are Afghanis, either trained or brought up in Afghanistan. Many jihadists found living in Pakistan were Afghani/Central Asian/Arab immigrants

        • 4) Pakistan is a country where various govt. and non-govt. organisations are trying to give women equal rights.

          In INDIA, the women just give up (sexual harassment at work places, women being beaten up at homes even in more educated urban areas households, at schools, hospitals and even public transport). In public places, this horrid nightmare is a common phenomenon that casually goes by the name of “eve-teasing”.

          Sometimes, average Indian women feel so degraded and helpless that they look towards immigration, even finding a marriage prospect across the border in Pakistan. I know your sh**ty media campaigns and blogs tell you otherwise; but I know people personally as a matter of fact. There are tons of similar examples and incidents.

        • 8) Actually, thats exactly what U.S agencies (CIA, NSA) were doing, just 2 decades back! Now, Pakistanis are siding with the U.S though. However, there remain some rogue elemets/ traitors/ double agents in ISI (just like anyother intelligence organisation) who are being 'taken care of' by the agency one by one!

          • You created and now u suffer at the extreme. Don't worry, roll on idiot till your arses got bombed and fried up by them, its not far away.

        • P.S i dont know about Indian Psyhiatrist. (They maybe cheap but given the conditions in India, may require psychiatric help themselves!) :-D

          But i won't go for any sort of treatment to India anyways.

          First of all, your slums and filth is world famous. Chances are i might be catching new diseases, rather than getting treatment for any other problem.

          Moreover, your surgeons steal organs of their own patients all the time! Yup, here are the links:

          http://www.naturalnews.com/024288_kidneys_doctor_raid.html

          http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/doctor-sent-to-judicial-custody-for-removing-womans-kidneys_100316798.html

          China would be a much better option!

          • Pakistan -china's no 1 sl*t: Look @ the above one who tries to hire quotation from every where to hire Guinean pigs for China (for testing). And he is the only one who ever tried to write some thing in a military assessment forum as like in a medical forum. creepy snail brain.