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:
18. North Korea Population: 25,248,140 Reaching military age annually: 415,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 945,000/5,500,000 Aircraft strength: 944 Combat tanks: 5,243 Naval assets: 967
19. Spain Population: 48,958,159 Reaching military age annually: 423,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 124,100/50,600 Aircraft strength: 524 Combat tanks: 327 Naval assets: 46
18. North Korea Population: 25,248,140 Reaching military age annually: 415,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 945,000/5,500,000 Aircraft strength: 944 Combat tanks: 5,243 Naval assets: 967
19. Spain Population: 48,958,159 Reaching military age annually: 423,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 124,100/50,600 Aircraft strength: 524 Combat tanks: 327 Naval assets: 46
20. Vietnam Population: 96,160,163 Reaching military age annually: 1,640,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 448,500/5,040,000 Aircraft strength: 283 Combat tanks: 1,545 Naval assets: 65
21. Australia Population: 23,232,413 Reaching military age annually: 280,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 60,000/19,700 Aircraft strength: 469 Combat tanks: 59 Naval assets: 47
22. Poland Population: 38,476,269 Reaching military age annually: 435,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 109,650/75,000 Aircraft strength: 466 Combat tanks: 1,065 Naval assets: 83
23. Algeria Population: 40,969,443 Reaching military age annually: 675,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 520,000/272,350 Aircraft strength: 528 Combat tanks: 2,405 Naval assets: 85
24. Taiwan Population: 23,508,428 Reaching military age annually: 325,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 257,500/1,675,000 Aircraft strength: 843 Combat tanks: 2,005 Naval assets: 87
