Using over 55 factors to determine a country’s PowerIndex score, the Global Firepower 2018 list ranks the most powerful military nations in the world. Of the 136 advanced and lesser developed nations included, the parameters include their geographical location, natural resource reliance, manpower and current economic health. It must be noted that nuclear capability and current political/military leadership is not taken into account. Also, land-locked nations are not penalized for not having a standing navy. Here's a look at the 50 most powerful military nations, according to the list, as of April 14, 2018.
Among the findings: -The United States has the best-equipped military on the planet.
-Both Russia & China have been modernizing their armed forces, and while their equipment still lags behind top-end American technology, experts say the gap is closing.
-The French military is larger and arguably more capable than its traditional British rival.
-Italy is stronger than Germany in every area, from aircraft and land forces to seapower.
The most powerful militaries in the world, updated April 21, 2018:
1.United States Population: 326,625,791 Reaching military age annually: 4,220,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 1,281,900/801,200 Aircraft strength: 13,362 Combat tanks: 5,884 Naval assets: 415 2. Russia Russia comes in at second mostly because they possess the most number of tanks as well as nuclear warheads in the world. Population: 142,257,519 Reaching military age annually: 1,355,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 1,013,628/2,572,500 Aircraft strength: 3,914 Combat tanks: 20,300 Naval assets: 352
3. China The Chinese economy is second only to the United States, and their military capabilities are growing at a shocking speed. Population: 1,379,302,771 Reaching military age annually: 19,550,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 2,183,000/510,000 Aircraft strength: 3,035 Combat tanks: 7,716 Naval assets: 714
4. India India has successfully emerged as a major military power in the last two decades and has recently overtaken China as the fastest growing major economy in the world. Population: 1,281,935,911 Reaching military age annually: 22,900,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 1,362,500/2,844,750 Aircraft strength: 2,185 Combat tanks: 4,426 Naval assets: 295
5. France The French have always been told by the British that they are weak but the reality is the modern French military is larger and more capable than Britain. In addition to being highly trained, the French have power projection capabilities second only to the United States thanks to multiple bases around the globe. Population: 67,106,161 Reaching military age annually: 775,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 205,000/183,635 Aircraft strength: 1,262 Combat tanks: 406 Naval assets: 118
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