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.
6. United Kingdom The British military remains one of the most well funded and well-trained forces in the world. However this can be disputed concerning funding, many have the opinion; as continue cuts and asset stripping, via new governments continue and with austerity measures, this will reduce the affectiveness of our troops now and in the future. Their manpower might be comparatively low, but the quality is high with equipment at their disposal, begged, borrowed or aquired.... The reason for the decline, is most likely down to the government wanting to remain in the EU and providing delay tactics, as Brexit 'negotiations' continue, to eventually transfer all military responsibility into the new EU Army. This will leave our boarders and specialised units vaulnrable and the British Army will be an Army of little or no worth in a major incident. Many agree with this 'opinion', when asked; especially with continued austerity cuts. Goverment trends continue. Population: 64,769,452 Reaching military age annually: 750,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 197,730/81,500 Aircraft strength: 832 Combat tanks: 227 Naval assets: 76
7.South Korea
8. Japan Even though Japan has officially denounced its right to declare war, it maintains a modern military that is extremely well equipped. Japan could be a top-four military power if their constitution would allow them to also be an offensive force, not only defensive. Population: 126,451,398 Reaching military age annually: 1,215,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 247,157/63,300 Aircraft strength: 1,508 Combat tanks: 679 Naval assets: 131
Population: 51,181,299 Reaching military age annually: 690,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 625,000/5,202,250 Aircraft strength: 1,560 Combat tanks: 2,654 Naval assets: 166
9. Turkey Turkey’s military is mighty in numbers – more than France and the UK combined – but their equipment and training are not as top-notch, but respectable and fully compatible with NATO. In addition, the country can lay claim to an impressively large tank fleet as well as numerous aircraft and attack helicopters. Population: 80,845,215 Reaching military age annually: 1,375,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 350,000/360,565 Aircraft strength: 1,056 Combat tanks: 2,446 Naval assets: 194
10. Germany Germany is one of the strongest economic forces in the world but the army’s condition seems to have deteriorated in the past few years. Germany does not have an aircraft carrier and has relatively few submarines which lowered its ranking. Population: 80,594,017 Reaching military age annually: 791,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 178,641/30,000 Aircraft strength: 714 Combat tanks: 432 Naval assets: 81
