A military is made for defending a nation from intruders and attacks. And it also helps in regulating a country’s social, economic, strategic, external and internal interests. Furthermore, a military is very helpful in a natural disaster like an earthquake or a flood. Every country allows a certain budget for its military. And this budget is spent in purchasing weaponry, recruiting soldiers and ration. With over 200 nations over the world, every country needs a military to ensure the security to its citizens from any foreign power. I have compiled a list of most powerful military forces in the world. Furthermore, I have only considered their raw military power, not their Nuclear arsenals.
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Turkey:
Despite the fall of Ottoman Empire in the First World War. Turkey manages to hold the tenth spot in our list with over 410,000 ready to deploy troops. In addition to that, they have almost 185,630 Turks in reserve. The Turkish government spends over 18.2 million USD on their military budget. Recently, they had an ideological conflict with Syria and Kurdistan. Furthermore, Turkey is a loyal member of NATO, they played a huge role in the Afghanistan war. The USA has also supported Turkey in the recent years.
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Japan:
Japan is often associated with peace. But with its modern technology and massive arsenal, it has managed to reach the 9th spot in our list. You must be aware the Japan faced the catastrophic effects of the Second World War. They really have suffered a lot to recover from the wounds of the past, but it is the soil of rising sun. Today, the country faces threats from its aggressive neighbors like North Korea. Furthermore, the country often becomes the victim of natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Presently, the Japanese government spends about 127.2 billion USD on its military budget. Japan has over 247,000 active personnel in its arsenal with 57,900 reserved Japanese cops. Furthermore, the country ranks 5th in terms of air force strength. They have 1,595 air crafts and 131 naval ships to guard the sea. However, their first policy is to maintain peace over power.
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Germany:
Germany is best known for its mechanical engineering. No wonder how they stood so well in the Second World War against the powerful allies. In fact, you can see their engineering dominance in the automotive industry. Presently, Germany spends over 45 billion dollars on their military budget. And they got over 185,000 active troops ready to deploy at any moment and about 145,000 personnel in reserve. Furthermore, their army is equipped with the best in class weapon technology. Germany has over 663 Jets, 355 Helicopters, and about 5869 advanced tanks to defend their frontiers.
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South Korea:
There’s no doubt in the fact that South Korea is the most progressive and literate country in the world. Unlike their neighbor North Korea, South Korea has defined itself in technological advances. But they are still facing threat from hostile North Korea. Therefore, they need to ensure proper defense measures against the North Korea. South Korea is spending over 34 billion USD on their military and defense budget. As a result, South Korea has over 640,000 active personnel with whooping 2,900,000 in reserve. Furthermore, the country has got over 1,400 aircraft which makes them the World’s sixth largest air force. Presently, USA is their strong strategic partner and helps them with weapon supply.
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France:
France fought quite bravely in the Second World War. But had to surrender against the strong Nazi forces. However, France stands as the fourth Nuclear power of the world, they can independently test their nuclear weapons without any assistance. France has over 202,761 active personnel with over 195,700 in reserve. And for their infantry forces, they have got over 423 tanks, 257 aircraft along with 46 helicopters for war. Finally, France spends over 43 billion USD from its economy over its military forces.
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United Kingdom:
The United Kingdom could have ranked better on our list. As their government had downsized its expense on the military. But the country still gets a good spot in our list with over 146,980 active personnel and over 182,000 in reserve. United Kindom has got some advanced technologies like tanks, artillery, SPG, and MLRS. Furthermore, they have over 936 Aircraft, 89 interceptors, 402 helicopters. Their naval forces are considered to be one of the best in the world. United Kingdom has very good relations with the USA in terms of economy and military forces. United Kindom has shown its power in the Afghanistan War and Iraq war.
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India:
India has a major strategic advantage due to its geographical location. The government is increasing the military budget day by day. Soon, India will also become a super power. Presently, the Indian Government spends about 46 million USD on its military budget. Furthermore, India is the largest importer of infantry in the world. It imports from USA, Russia, Israel etc. Moreover, the country had various conflicts with its neighboring country Pakistan in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999. Moreover, the country faces internal threats in the Kashmir region. India has got over 1,325,000 active military personnel and 2,143,000 in reserve. And the country has over 6,464 tanks and 761 fighter aircraft.
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China:
China is considered as the most populous country in the world. As a result, they have got over 2,333,000 ready to deploy active personnel and over 2,300,000 in reserve. Presently, China has managed to become the largest economy in the world. Over the last years, China has also increased their military budget with 12.2%, now are spending about 126 billion USD on their military. China has tensed relationships with India, Japan, Philippines. As a result, China has over 9150 tanks, 1311 aircraft, and 196 helicopters. It won’t be astonishing that in the future China will become the most powerful force in the world because of its strong economy.
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Russia:
Russia may have lost power after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the 90s. But still, it is a strong nation when it comes to military power that’s why Russia has managed to obtain the second spot in our list. The country has over 2,485,000 troops in reserve and over 766,055 active personnel under its arsenal. Furthermore, Russia is world famous for its tanks, they have over 15,398 tanks. In addition, Russia is very strong in the air with over 1,305 aircraft, 111 helicopters. Presently, the government of Russia is spending over 76.6 billion USD in its military and defense. Russia is also one of the largest weapons manufacturer and exporters like USA and Israel. Furthermore, if we start counting their Nuclear arsenal then surely they will top our list. Russia has constant conflicts with the Islamic nations due to terrorism. President Putin has decided to increase its defense budget over upcoming years.
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United States of America:
America is presently the largest exporter of firearms all over the world. The United States of America has been in various conflicts ranging from the both world wars, Afghan war, Japan war, and Iraq war. They have won almost every single war except the war of Vietnam. As a result, the country spends a whopping amount of 612 billion USD in their military program. They are having over 1,400,000 active troops to defend their frontiers and about 1,100,000 in reserve. Furthermore, USA is backed up with some of the best technologies in the world. As they got over 8,848 tanks, 13,892 aircraft, 6196 helicopters. And their naval strength is unbeatable, with 62 destroyers, 72 submarines, 13 defense crafts and 11 mine warfare arsenals. The USA stands in the second place when it comes to Nuclear arsenal.