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
25. Canada Population: 35,623,680 Reaching military age annually: 425,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 64,000/24,000 Aircraft strength: 413 Combat tanks: 80 Naval assets: 63
26. Saudi Arabia Population: 28,571,770 Reaching military age annually: 510,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 231,000/25,000 Aircraft strength: 844 Combat tanks: 1,142 Naval assets: 55
27. Thailand Population: 68,414,135 Reaching military age annually: 1,045,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 335,425/292,000 Aircraft strength: 565 Combat tanks: 737 Naval assets: 81
28. Greece Population: 10,768,477 Reaching military age annually: 105,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 161,500/252,250 Aircraft strength: 567 Combat tanks: 1,345 Naval assets: 115
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39. Uzbekistan Population: 29,748,859 Reaching military age annually: 602,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 56,500/20,000 Aircraft strength: 179 Combat tanks: 420 Naval assets: 0
40. Romania Population: 21,529,967 Reaching military age annually: 230,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 72,750/105,000 Aircraft strength: 135 Combat tanks: 827 Naval assets: 48
41. Belarus Population: 9,549,747 Reaching military age annually: 100,620 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 56,500/344,750 Aircraft strength: 202 Combat tanks: 515 Naval assets: 0
42. Peru Population: 31,036,656 Reaching military age annually: 605,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 100,830/268,500 Aircraft strength: 275 Combat tanks: 85 Naval assets: 60
43. Nigeria Population: 190,632,261 Reaching military age annually: 3,456,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 124,000/57,000 Aircraft strength: 124 Combat tanks: 148 Naval assets: 75
44. Malaysia Population: 31,381,992 Reaching military age annually: 520,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 110,000/310,000 Aircraft strength: 182 Combat tanks: 74 Naval assets: 61
45. Colombia Population: 47,698,524 Reaching military age annually: 845,000 Active personnel/Reserve personnel: 369,100/142,450 Aircraft strength: 489 Combat tanks: 0 Naval assets: 234
