10 Most Powerful Militaries in the World

US ranks first, followed by Russia
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 5, 2018 11:50 AM CST
10 Most Powerful Militaries in the World
U.S. Army M1A2 tanks conduct a joint military exercise between the U.S. and South Korea.   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

The annual Global Firepower Index ranking of the world's militaries is out, with the US coming in as the strongest. It's not just a matter of counting weapons and soldiers; the index uses more than 50 data points in the final score, including geographical factors, alliances, and logistical flexibility. India, for example, has 4.2 million military personnel, the most of any nation, but it ranks No. 4 in strength. (The US has 2.4 million personnel.) Here are the top 10:

  1. US
  2. Russia
  3. China
  4. India
  5. France
  6. United Kingdom
  7. Japan
  8. Turkey
  9. Germany
  10. Egypt
Click for the full rankings and methodology. (More military stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X