Using over 55 factors to determine a country’s PowerIndex score, the Global Firepower 2019 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 June 25, 2019.
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 June 25, 2019:
6. Japan Population: 126,168,156 Available manpower: 53,873,803 Reaching military age annually: 11,782,201 Active personnel: 247,157 Reserve personnel: 56,000 Aircraft strength: 1,572 Combat tanks: 1,004 Naval assets: 131
7. South Korea Population: 51,418,097 Available manpower: 25,709,049 Reaching military age annually: 632,443 Active personnel: 625,000 Reserve personnel: 5,202,250 Aircraft strength: 1,614 Combat tanks: 2,654 Naval assets: 166
8. 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: 65,105,246 Available manpower: 29,948,413 Reaching military age annually: 745,117 Active personnel: 150,000 Reserve personnel: 83,000 Aircraft strength: 811 Combat tanks: 331 Naval assets: 76
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: 81,257,239 Available manpower: 41,847,478 Reaching military age annually: 1,406,075 Active personnel: 355,000 Reserve personnel: 380,000 Aircraft strength: 1,067 Combat tanks: 3,200 Naval assets: 194
