US, Russia, China continue to top 2023 military power rankings

11/24/2023 08:39

On November 23, according to the ranking of the world's top 10 militaries in 2023 announced by the defense analysis organization Global Firepower, India continued to rank 4th after the US, Russia, and China.

US continues to top military power rankings in 2023

Global Firepower's 2023 military power rankings assess 145 countries, looking at more than 60 individual factors such as troop numbers, military equipment, financial stability, geography, and available resources. These factors contribute to a PowerIndex score, with lower scores indicating stronger military capabilities.

Find out why these countries rank so highly on the military power rankings. And how much they spend on their military, according to data provided by the World Bank:

The United States tops the list with a military spending of $877 billion and a PowerIndex score of 0.0712. To maintain its dominance, the United States must excel in key material, financial, and resource categories. The United States also leads the world in technological advancement, excelling in healthcare , aerospace, and computers/telecommunications. The country operates 13,300 aircraft, of which 983 are attack helicopters, and has a current military strength of 1,832,000.

Russia ranks second on the list, with a military expenditure of $864 billion and a PowerIndex score of 0.0714. Russia was founded after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and currently maintains a powerful military force with a total strength of 1,330,900. Russia has advanced technology, a significant and well-trained military force, and global strategic influence.

China ranks third with a military expenditure of $292 billion and a PowerIndex score of 0.0722. China boasts the world’s second largest economy, behind only the United States, and has a significant human resource base of approximately 3,135,000. China has been focusing its efforts on enhancing its naval, air, and land capabilities, primarily through domestic resources. China has 3,166 aircraft and 4,950 tanks among its significant resources.

Chinese army tanks

In fourth place is India - the world's most populous country, meaning the largest army with 5,132,000 people - with a military expenditure of $81.4 billion and a PowerIndex score of 0.1025. In recent years, India has focused on digitization and modernization, and its efficient domestic military-industrial complex has made it one of the world's five most powerful militaries. India has a total of 2,210 aircraft, 4,614 tanks and 295 naval assets.

Ranked 5th in the ranking is the United Kingdom with a military expenditure of 68.5 billion USD, a PowerIndex score of 0.1435, and a total military strength of 231,000. The European country achieved this position thanks to its strength in manpower, air force, logistics efficiency, and financial resources. In addition, a powerful tanker fleet and available ports are also significant advantages for the United Kingdom to be ranked in this position in the ranking.

South Korea ranks sixth with a military expenditure of $46.4 billion, a PowerIndex score of 0.1505, and a total military strength of 1,130,000. South Korea boasts a formidable fleet of aircraft, armored fighting vehicles, and helicopters. With over 133,000 vehicles and 739 helicopters, including a formidable fleet of 112 attack helicopters, South Korea's military strength is a testament to its continued commitment to security, fueled by decades of tensions with North Korea.

Ranked 7th on the Global Firepower list is Pakistan with a military expenditure of $17.9 billion and a PowerIndex score of 0.1694. Pakistan has one of the largest militaries in the world with a total strength of 1,704,000 and impressive strengths in manpower, air force, army and navy. The country's emphasis on exploiting natural resources such as natural gas and coal as well as its strategic location along the common borders have further enhanced Pakistan's position on the world stage.

Japan ranks 8th with a military expenditure of $46 billion and a PowerIndex score of 0.1711. Japan dominates the top 10 military powers with major ports, demonstrating its strategic advantage at sea. With four helicopter carriers, Japan secures second place in this category, behind only the United States. This fleet is equipped with advanced technology for specialized roles on the battlefield. Japan maintains a capable and comprehensive military force of 309,000 personnel.

France ranks ninth with a military expenditure of $53.6 billion, a PowerIndex score of 0.1848, and a total military strength of approximately 415,000. France has advantages in manpower, air power, naval capabilities, logistics efficiency, and financial resources. France demonstrates its capability and flexibility in modern warfare with a fleet of 438 helicopters, including 69 attack helicopters.

Italy ranks 10th in the list of the world's top 10 militaries with a military expenditure of 33.5 billion USD, a PowerIndex score of 0.1973, and a total military strength of about 297,000 people. Italy is notable for its impressive air tanker fleet, helicopter fleet, attack aircraft fleet, and aircraft carriers.

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