TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A nation’s power and influence can be measured through various perspectives, including military strength. As a backbone for defense against external threats, a number of nations have invested significantly in their military capabilities, with some consistently ranking among the strongest militaries in the world.List of the Strongest Military in the WorldAs expected, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) revealed that the United States continues to dominate the ranking of the strongest militaries in the world. Other nations maintaining their positions in the global military force are as follows:1. United StatesThe United States is the strongest military in the world, continuously retaining the top spot with its advanced technologies and impressive defense budget. As the world’s most powerful nation, the U.S. has around 2,127,500 personnel and a total of 13,043 military aircraft—the largest fleet globally. As noted by Jagran Josh, the United States has allocated around US$849 billion for its defense budget in 2025.2. ChinaChina continues to strengthen its military capabilities, driven by rapid modernization and technological advancements. The nation’s military spending stands at around US$266.85 billion, a huge sum complementing the operation of 2,500 aircraft and 7,150 tanks. The armed forces are estimated to consist of approximately 2,2 million active troops who are aiming to establish a “world-class” reputation by 2049.3. RussiaRussia ranks third among the strongest military in the world, famously known for its large size of about a million active-duty soldiers. The Russian Armed Forces feature a significant nuclear arsenal, totaling around 5,977 warheads, along with 3,500 aircraft and 12,950 tanks.4. GermanyWith about 183,000 active troops, the German Armed Forces, also known as the Bundeswehr, outperforms other European countries. The nation has focused on modernizing its forces with a special defense budget set at €100 billion. In terms of defense strategy, Germany is not only committed at the national level but also within the collective framework of NATO.5. United KingdomAccording to gov.uk, the UK Armed Forces have a total of 180,780 highly trained personnel. With a military spending of $71.5 billion, the strong nation has prioritized modernization within its forces, including the introduction of advanced Ajax reconnaissance vehicles. Their assets include 900 aircraft and 220 tanks.6. IndiaAcross the Asia-Pacific region, India holds a strong position due to its substantial active military force of 1.4 million. Continuous modernization efforts are embedded in the force’s strategic development agenda, as evident in its 2,100 advanced aircraft. Though the primary focus remains on defensive strategies, India has also developed cyber warfare capabilities.7. Saudi ArabiaThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has allocated $78 billion for defense spending in 2025, according to Breaking Defense. As the U.S. has long been the provider of the Kingdom’s military equipment, the authority stated its vision of fostering a robust and sustainable defense industry to ensure asset readiness and contribute to long-term economic prosperity.8. FranceWell-known for its role in European security, France maintains its reputation among the strongest militaries in the world. Allocation of around €413 billion to defense reflects the nation’s commitment to the modernization and advancement of its forces, including assets like missile submarines, satellites, and battle tanks.9. JapanJapan’s Self-Defense Forces are among the most technologically advanced in the world, best known for their professionalism and effectiveness. With 240,000 active troops, Japan operates assets including tanks, submarines, and surface ships. Even so, the nation still lacks nuclear weapons as it relies on the U.S.10. South KoreaWith a robust military, South Korea rounds out the top 10. The nation has allocated a military spending of around $50 billion, focusing on modernization and bolstering interoperability with the US forces. As of April 2025, South Korea has about 620,000 active-duty soldiers.Military strength is a vital pillar of national security and international influence. Notably, nine of the ten countries featured in this list also rank among the strongest nations in the world.Editor's Choice: 10 Smallest Countries in Asia by AreaClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News