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:
11. Italy Population: 62,137,802 Reaching military age annually: 570,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 247,500/20,000 Aircraft strength: 828 Combat tanks: 200 Naval assets: 143
12. Egypt Population: 97,041,072 Reaching military age annually: 1,535,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 454,250/875,000 Aircraft strength: 1,132 Combat tanks: 4,946 Naval assets: 319
13. Iran Population: 82,021,564 Reaching military age annually: 1,400,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 534,000/400,000 Aircraft strength: 505 Combat tanks: 1,650 Naval assets: 398
14. Brazil Population: 207,353,391 Reaching military age annually: 3,410,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 334,500/1,652,500 Aircraft strength: 723 Combat tanks: 469 Naval assets: 110
15. Indonesia Population: 260,580,739 Reaching military age annually: 4,500,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 435,750/540,000 Aircraft strength: 478 Combat tanks: 418 Naval assets: 221
16. Israel Population: 8,299,706 Reaching military age annually: 122,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 170,000/445,000 Aircraft strength: 596 Combat tanks: 2,760 Naval assets: 65
17. Pakistan Population: 204,924,861 Reaching military age annually: 4,345,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 637,000/282,000 Aircraft strength: 1,281 Combat tanks: 2,182 Naval assets: 197
