As of January 2025, the top 10 military powers in the world are:
- United States
- Russia
- China
- India
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
- France
- Japan
- Turkey
- Italy
These rankings are based on assessments from Global Firepower, which evaluates military strength using over 60 individual factors, including manpower, equipment, finances, and geography.
It’s important to note that these rankings can vary depending on the criteria used and the source of the assessment. For instance, some analyses may place China ahead of Russia due to its rapid military modernization and growing defense budget.
Additionally, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that global military expenditure reached $2.443 trillion in 2024, marking the ninth consecutive year of growth.
These figures highlight the dynamic nature of global military power and the ongoing investments nations are making to enhance their defense capabilities.