Comparing the military power of different states is a difficult but interesting problem.. Despite all the difficulties associated with assessing the power of the armed forces of a state, attempts are constantly being made to rank the most militarily strong states. Due to the constant tensions or open clashes that are constantly observed in different parts of the world, such ratings are in demand and attract the attention of the general public.
On July 10, the American edition of Business Insider published a material called The 35 Most Powerful Militaries In The World (“35 of the most powerful armies in the world”). As is clear from the title, the authors of the article tried to compare the armed forces of the leading countries and find out which state has the most powerful army. For convenience, the list was limited to only 35 positions, which is why the vast majority of countries in the world could not get into it.
According to Business Insider, the top ten most militarily powerful states are as follows: USA, Russia, China, India, UK, France, Germany, Turkey, South Korea and Japan. Keeping in mind recent events, it is necessary to note the position in the ranking of several other states. So, Israel could not enter the top ten and stopped at 11th place, Ukraine took 21st place, and immediately behind it in the ranking is Iran. The Syrian armed forces secured their country the 26th place in the world ranking. The last line in the list from Business Insider is occupied by the DPRK.
GFP rating
It should be noted that the authors of The 35 Most Powerful Militaries In The World did not independently conduct research on the armed forces of the world, but used the existing database. They took the well-known Global Firepower Index (GFP) as the basis for their work. This rating is considered one of the most famous and authoritative in the world.
The purpose of the GFP database is to collect information about the armed forces of the world, its analysis and summing up. The latest rating of the armies of the world at the moment was published in April this year and contains information on the armed forces of 106 states. In the future, the number of countries included in the ranking will increase.
To compare the military power of states, the authors of the Global Firepower Index use a complex assessment methodology that takes into account over 50 different factors. According to the results of the calculations, the army receives an estimate (Power index or PwrIndex), roughly reflecting its capabilities. At the same time, for greater objectivity of assessments, a system of bonus and penalty points is used. Besides, objectivity are designed to provide several additional conditions:
- the assessment does not take into account nuclear weapons;
- the assessment takes into account the geographical features of the state;
- the assessment takes into account not only the number of weapons and equipment;
- the assessment takes into account the production and consumption of certain resources;
- landlocked states do not receive penalty points for not having a navy;
- a fine is imposed for the limited capabilities of the navy;
- the assessment does not take into account the peculiarities of the political and military leadership of the country.
The result of the calculation is a decimal fraction with four decimal places. Ideally, the state index should be equal to 0.0000, however, achieving such high rates in reality is impossible. For example, the leader of the last rating, the USA, has an estimate of 0.2208, while Japan closes the top ten with PwrIndex 0.5586. Starting from the 25th place (Saudi Arabia), the scores of the states exceed one. Moreover, Tanzania, which is at the last 106th place in the rating, has a score of 4.3423.
Of course, the GFP rating has certain problems, but still allows you to build a relatively objective picture that takes into account many different factors. Let's turn to the Global Firepower Index database and look at what allowed countries to take the first 5 places in the ranking.
1. USA
The authors of the rating note that in recent years the United States has found itself in a difficult position. Two costly wars and difficulties with new projects, as well as cuts in the military budget, have left the Pentagon facing numerous difficulties. However, even in such conditions, the US military retained its first place in the GFP rating, with a score of 0.2208.
The total population of the USA is 316.668 million people. The total number of human resources available for service is 142.2 million. 120 million people aged 17-45 years, if necessary, can be drafted into the army. Every year, the number of potential recruits is replenished by 4.2 million people. Currently, 1.43 million people serve in the US armed forces, and the reserve is 850 thousand people.
Ground units of the armed forces have a large number of equipment of various classes and types. In total, the US uses 8,325 tanks, 25,782 armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, etc., 1,934 self-propelled artillery mounts, 1,791 towed guns, and 1,330 multiple launch rocket systems.
The total number of aircraft in the Air Force, Naval Aviation and the Marine Corps is 13,683. These are 2,271 fighters, 2,601 attack aircraft, 5,222 military transport aircraft, 2,745 training aircraft, as well as 6,012 multipurpose and 914 attack helicopters.
The US Navy and other agencies currently operate more than 470 ships, submarines, boats and support vessels. 10 aircraft carriers, 15 frigates, 62 destroyers, 72 submarines, 13 coast guard ships and 13 minesweepers.
Despite the emergence of the latest weapons and equipment, the US military still needs oil and petroleum products. The United States oil industry currently produces 8.5 million barrels per day. Daily consumption is 19 million. Proven reserves in the US are 20.6 billion barrels.
The GFP ranking also takes into account the production and logistics capabilities of countries. The total US workforce is 155 million people. The country has 393 merchant ships (flying the American flag) that can use 24 major ports. The total length of roads is 6.58 million miles, railways - 227.8 thousand miles. 13.5 thousand airports and airfields are operated.
An important element of the rating is the financial component of the armed forces. US military budget - 612.5 billion dollars. At the same time, the country's external debt is equal to 15.9 trillion dollars. Gold and foreign exchange reserves of the country - 150.2 billion dollars, purchasing power parity - 15.9 trillion.
To predict the capabilities of a country in a defensive war, the Global Firepower Index takes into account the geographical features of countries. The total area of the USA is 9.8 million square meters. km. The coastline is 19.9 thousand km, the borders with neighboring states are 12 thousand km. Waterways - 41 thousand km.
2. Russia
The total population of Russia is 145.5 million people, 69.1 million of whom can serve. Every year the draft age reaches 1.35 million people. Currently, 766 thousand people are serving in the military, and the reserve of the armed forces is 2.48 million.
Russia has one of the largest fleets of armored vehicles. Its armed forces have 15,500 tanks, 27,607 armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and similar vehicles, 5,990 self-propelled guns, 4,625 towed guns and 3,871 MLRS.
The total number of aircraft in the armed forces is 3082 units. Of these, 736 fighters, 1289 attack aircraft, 730 military transport, 303 training aircraft, as well as 973 multipurpose and 114 attack helicopters.
More than 350 ships, boats and auxiliary vessels are used in the Navy and the border service. This is one aircraft carrier, four frigates, 13 destroyers, 74 corvettes, 63 submarines and 65 coast guard ships. Mine-sweeping forces are represented by 34 ships.
The "working hands" of Russia are estimated at 75.68 million people. There are 1143 sea and river merchant ships. The main logistical load falls on seven major ports and terminals. The country has 982 thousand km of roads and 87.1 thousand km of railways. Air transport can use 1218 airfields.
The Russian military budget is $76.6 billion. The external debt of the country is 631.8 billion dollars. Gold and foreign exchange reserves are estimated at $537.6 billion. Purchasing power parity - 2.486 trillion. dollars.
Russia is the largest state in the world and has an area of more than 17 million square meters. km. The coastline of the country has a length of 37653 km, land borders - 20241 km. The total length of waterways reaches 102 thousand km.
3. China
China closes the top three in the April Global Firepower Index rating, with a score of 0.2594. This country is increasing defense spending, which allows it to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as move up in the GFP rankings.
The PRC is the world's largest country in terms of population, with 1.35 billion people living in this country. If necessary, 749.6 million people can be called up to the ranks of the armed forces. Every year, 19.5 million people reach military age. At the moment, 2.28 million people serve in the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), and 2.3 million are reservists.
The PLA has 9,150 tanks of various classes and types, 4,788 armored vehicles for infantry, 1,710 self-propelled and 6,246 towed guns. In addition, the ground forces have 1,770 multiple launch rocket systems.
The total number of aircraft in the Air Force and Naval Aviation is 2788. Of these, 1170 are fighters, 885 are strike aircraft. Transport tasks are performed by 762 aircraft, 380 aircraft are used for pilot training. In addition, the PLA has 865 multi-purpose helicopters and 122 attack helicopters.
The Chinese Navy has 520 ships, boats and vessels. This number includes one aircraft carrier, 45 frigates, 24 destroyers, 9 corvettes, 69 submarines, 353 Coast Guard ships and boats, and 119 minesweeping ships.
Every day China produces 4.075 million barrels of oil, which is less than half of its own consumption (9.5 million barrels per day). Proved oil reserves - 25.58 billion barrels.
China's labor force is estimated at 798.5 million. The country operates 2030 merchant ships. 15 ports and terminals are of strategic importance. The total length of roads exceeds 3.86 million km, and there are also 86 thousand km of railways. Aviation can use 507 airfields.
China's defense budget reached $126 billion last year, according to GFP. At the same time, the country's external debt approached $729 billion. The country's gold and foreign exchange reserves reach 3.34 trillion. dollars. Purchasing power parity - 12.26 trillion. dollars.
The area of China is just under 9.6 million square meters. kilometers. The coastline has a length of 14.5 thousand km, the land border is 22,117 km. There are waterways with a total length of 110 thousand km.
4. India
India received a score of 0.3872 and with its help occupies the fourth place in the GFP rankings. This state has already become the largest importer of arms and military equipment, and, apparently, will continue military-technical cooperation with foreign partners in the future.
As the world's second largest state in terms of population (1.22 billion people), India, if necessary, can call up to 615.2 million people into the army. Every year, the available human resources are replenished by 22.9 million people reaching military age. At the moment, 1.325 million people serve in the Indian armed forces, another 2.143 million are in reserve.
The Indian ground forces have 3,569 tanks, 5,085 armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, 290 self-propelled guns and 6,445 towed artillery pieces. Rocket artillery is represented by 292 multiple rocket launchers.
The Indian air fleet has 1,785 aircraft of all classes and types. The aircraft fleet has the following structure: 535 fighters, 468 attack aircraft, 706 military transport and 237 training aircraft. Transport and support tasks are performed by 504 multipurpose helicopters. The destruction of enemy equipment and forces is assigned to 20 attack helicopters.
The Indian navy is comparatively small, with only 184 ships. This number includes 2 aircraft carriers, 15 frigates, 11 destroyers, 24 corvettes, 17 submarines, 32 Coast Guard ships and boats, and 7 minesweepers.
India has relatively small oil fields, but the country remains dependent on foreign supplies. Proven reserves - 5.476 billion barrels. Every day the Indian industry produces 897.5 thousand barrels of oil, and daily consumption reaches 3.2 million barrels.
The Indian labor force is estimated at 482.3 million. There are 340 merchant ships flying the Indian flag. The country has 7 major ports. The total length of roads exceeds 3.32 million km. For railways, this parameter does not exceed 64 thousand km. 346 airfields are operated.
This year, India has allocated $46 billion for defense needs. The external debt of the state is approaching 379 billion. The country's gold and foreign exchange reserves are estimated at $297.8 billion, and the purchasing power parity is $4.71 trillion.
The territory of India is 3.287 million square meters. km. The country has land borders with a total length of 14,103 km and a coastline with a length of 7,000 km. The length of the country's waterways is 14.5 thousand km.
5. UK
The top five in the GFP ranking, compiled in April this year, is closed by the United Kingdom, which received a score of 0.3923. This country intends to pay special attention to its armed forces in the near future and, in this regard, is implementing several new projects.
Of the 63.4 million British citizens, only 29.1 million people can get into the army. The number of potential military personnel is annually replenished by 749 thousand people. Currently, 205.3 thousand people are serving in the armed forces. Reserve - 182 thousand.
The British Army has 407 tanks, 6245 armored vehicles for infantry transportation, 89 self-propelled artillery mounts, 138 towed guns and 56 MLRS.
The Royal Air Force has 908 aircraft. These are mainly aircraft: 84 fighters, 178 attack aircraft, 338 military transport aircraft and 312 training aircraft. In addition, the troops have 362 multipurpose and 66 attack helicopters.
The UK once had one of the most powerful navies in the world, but in recent decades it has lost its maritime power. At the moment, the British Naval Service has only 66 ships and vessels. These are 1 aircraft carrier, 13 frigates, 6 destroyers, 11 submarines, 24 coast guard ships and 15 minesweepers.
With the help of platforms in the North Sea, the UK produces 1.1 million barrels of oil daily. However, production does not cover the country's own consumption, which reaches 1.7 million barrels per day. The proven reserves of the country are at the level of 3.12 billion barrels.
About 32 million people are employed in the UK industry and economy. The country's merchant fleet uses 504 ships and 14 major ports. On the territory of the state there are 394.4 thousand km of roads and 16.45 thousand km of railways. There are 460 airfields and airports in operation.
The size of the UK military budget reaches 56.6 billion dollars, external debt - 10.09 trillion dollars. Gold and foreign exchange reserves are estimated at 105.1 billion dollars. Purchasing power parity - 2.313 trillion. dollars.
The area of the island state is 243.6 thousand square meters. km. The length of the coastline is 12429 km. On land, Great Britain borders only on Ireland. The length of this border does not exceed 390 km. The total length of waterways is 3200 km.
Leadership Issues
As you can see, the states that occupy the first lines in the Global Firepower Index rating have several common features. These countries pay great attention to their armed forces, including from a financial point of view. The conclusions of the authors of the GFP rating are confirmed by other sources.
For example, according to the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), over the past few years, India (4th place in the GFP ranking), increasing the cost of buying weapons and military equipment, literally soared up the list of importing countries and took a well-deserved first place. The “silver winner” of the GFP rating, Russia, is currently implementing the State Armaments Program, according to which by 2020 a little less than 20 trillion rubles will be spent on the purchase of weapons and equipment. rubles.
The purchase of equipment and weapons can be considered one of the main factors that allow countries to stay at the top of the ranking in question. However, investments in new equipment alone cannot lift the country to the top of the list. In addition to procurement, competent management, the correct operation of various structures of the armed forces, etc. are required.
When calculating the PwrIndex index, fifty factors are taken into account, each of which can affect the place of a particular country in the list. However, there is some relationship between the quantity and quality of vehicles and the position of the country in the ranking. To see it, you need to turn again to the table compiled by journalists from Business Insider.
The world leader in terms of the size of the military budget is unconditionally the United States with defense spending in the amount of 612.5 billion dollars. The same country owns the championship in the field of aviation (13683 aircraft) and aircraft carrier fleet (10 aircraft carriers). As a result, the United States is in first place in the ranking.
Russia took second place and also leads in some respects. The Russian army has 15,000 tanks, more than anyone else. In addition, Busines Insider journalists took the liberty of supplementing the GFP rating data with information about the countries' nuclear arsenals. According to their calculations, Russia has 8484 nuclear weapons of various classes and types.
The top three is closed by the People's Republic of China, the leader in the field of human resources. Theoretically, 749.6 million people can be drafted into the Chinese army. In addition, it is necessary to note the growing military budget of China, which, according to Business Insider, is second only to the US and has already reached $126 billion.
An interesting fact is that in the table from the article “The 35 most powerful armies in the world”, leadership in one of the points remained with a small and not very powerful country militarily. North Korea ranks 35th in the GFP ranking and its revised version from Business Insider. Despite such a low position, the North Korean Navy is the world leader in the field of submarine fleet: according to available data, they have 78 submarines of various types. However, world leadership in such an area did not help North Korea rise above 35th place.
The Global Firepower Index rating, despite the fact that it was published a few months ago, is still of some interest. Due to the complexity of the methodology for determining the rating, which takes into account a large number of various factors, this rating can be considered fairly objective and shows an approximate picture of the real state of affairs in the military field.
In addition, it should be noted that it can please the Russian reader, since our country took one of the first places in it and bypassed almost all other countries included in the rating. The publication in Business Insider, in turn, recalls the GFP rating and allows you to once again feel proud of the Russian armed forces.
What is the strongest army in the world? This question interests many people.
Of course, the easiest way to bring out the best among the strongest armies in the world is through war.
An extreme measure is absolutely unacceptable, so we will consider the best armies of the Earth in terms of their numbers, weapons and the budget that states spend on them.
In tenth place is Israel. This state is located in a very turbulent place - among not too friendly neighbors, so Israel had, unfortunately, a lot of military practice in the twentieth century. So it is not surprising that the state spends a decent amount of $ 15 billion to maintain the army.
The army is well equipped with a significant amount of modern military equipment; its number is constantly 240,000 soldiers, among whom there are many girls, because the compulsory military service in Israel covers young people of both sexes.
9 Japan
The ninth place of the most powerful armies in the world is occupied by the Land of the Rising Sun.
As you know, after the Second World War, during which Japan was an ally of Nazi Germany, this country was forbidden to keep a large army, as well as to conduct offensive battles.
Japan is located in close proximity to a rather aggressive neighbor - the DPRK. Therefore, not being able to increase the size of the army, the state maximizes its equipment.
The Japanese army is one of the most technically advanced armies in the world, it owns a large amount of modern military equipment: about 5,000 units of aircraft alone. There are about 200,000 soldiers in service. Of course, the Japanese spend a lot of money on armaments - about 50 billion dollars, and according to some reports, even more.
France is in the eighth month in the ranking of the most powerful armies in the world. Although this country itself is not large and is located in prosperous Europe, it nevertheless considers it necessary to maintain a fairly large army, the number of which is about 230 thousand people.
Any state. And it is in every country. But which armies in the world can rightly be called the best?
Turkey
They are in tenth place. They include land, air, and sea. It is worth noting that the total population of the state is approximately 77-78 million people. And the active manpower is calculated in the amount of ~ 410,500 soldiers. At the same time, approximately 185,000 soldiers are in reserve. And the number of combat ground equipment is about 14,000 units. At the same time, approximately 200 warships. In the air - 1007 attack aircraft, bombers and fighters. And finally, the budget. Defense spends $18,185 billion every year.
It cannot be said that Turkey at all times could boast of a powerful army. But constant conflicts (both external and internal) forced the armed forces of this state to rise to a whole new level.
Japan and Germany
Following Turkey, in ninth place in the ranking, is Japan. The population of this state is estimated at 127 million people. Active manpower is 250,000 military and approximately 58,000 in reserve. Ground equipment is available in the amount of 4329 units, in the navy it is less - only 131 ships. In the air forces - about 1690 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers. $40.3 billion is spent on defense annually.
The Japan Self-Defense Force was founded in 1954. The military policy of this state is very interesting. The main principles are: do not attack, do not use nuclear weapons, control the activities of the armed forces and cooperate with the United States.
The eighth place in the ranking, which lists the strongest armies in the world, is occupied by the Bundeswehr (Germany). On the day it was founded (07/07/1955), the German Ministry of Defense was also opened. Now there are 180,000 military personnel for ~ 80,000,000 of the population (plus 145,000 military in reserve). Ground equipment impresses with its quantity - 6481 units. has at its disposal 81 warships. And they have 676 units of equipment. Approximately $36.3 billion is spent on defense annually.
South Korea, France and England
7th, 6th and 5th places are occupied by the armed forces of South Korea, France and England. They also entered the strongest armies in the world. The population of South Korea is less than 50 million people. And this number accounts for 625,000 military personnel, plus almost 3,000,000 (!) in the reserve. The equipment is also striking in its numbers: 12,619 combat vehicles, 166 ships and 1,451 units in the air fleet.
Speaking about the number of armies in the world, it is worth noting that in France almost 11,300,000 people, or 1/6 of the entire population, are fit for service! This is a lot. Why did France enter the rating called “The strongest armies in the world”? Because her troops are truly unique. The French army has remained one of those that are fully equipped with equipment, all kinds of weapons from their own manufacturer. It is also interesting that there are many women in the ranks of the armed forces of this country, their percentage of the total number of military men is 15!
England also entered the list of "The most powerful armies in the world." And it's no wonder why she's in fifth place. After all, the British army is directly involved in the fighting in many hot spots. But that is not all. In addition, the British military participates in UN operations to maintain global security and tranquility (not many armies of the countries of the world are involved in this).
India
Many are surprised to learn that on the 4th line of the rating called “The most powerful armies of the countries of the world” are the armed forces of this particular state. But it is so. The population is almost 1.3 billion. And about 2,143,000 conscripts! 1,325,000 people serve. The total number of equipment is 23,545. It is not surprising that this state in 2012 ranked first on the entire planet in terms of arms imports. By the way, it is interesting that in India everyone serves under a contract - no one is forced to.
China
Naturally, talking about the most powerful armies in the world, one cannot forget about China. In total, there are 2,335,000 military in the armed forces of this state. The same amount is in reserve. And the defense annually spends an amount of 155.6 billion (!) Dollars. By the way, in terms of the total amount of technology, China is not much ahead of India. This state has at its disposal 27,320 combat vehicles, ships, bombers, etc.
The Chinese army is distinguished by certain features. Or rather, the requirements for military personnel. Men with tattoos cannot serve in the Chinese army. Even with those whose diameter does not exceed two centimeters. And since 2006, military schools have been closed to those who snore. This was explained by the fact that snoring prevents many from falling asleep, and as a result, sleepy soldiers who cannot fully engage. And it was also stated that all the military, who have obesity among their problems, are automatically deprived of the opportunity to grow in their careers.
1st and 2nd places
The Russian Federation and the United States are the armies of the world that are rightly considered the best. ~ 143,000,000 people live in our country. And the total number of military personnel (both reserve and active manpower) exceeds 3 million. Russia has a powerful navy and aerospace force, and the total number of equipment is almost 65,000 units.
But the United States still occupies the first rating line. The total population is ~ 321,400,000 people, and for this number - 2.5 million military personnel (both reserve and manpower). The amount of equipment is approximately the same, but there are fewer military ones. It turns out that no other number of armies in the world can be compared with Russia. But why then the US in the first place? Everything is simple. Our Russian army spends a budget of ~ 47 billion dollars. Only. And the US spends 581 (!) Billion on this.
From time immemorial, there have been many states on Earth. Almost every century their number is updated: some countries break up into several, while others, on the contrary, unite. Each state, depending on the goals of its political leaders, has its own army, usually consisting of infantry, military equipment, and so on.
In our time, basically, the armed forces are needed to preserve the sovereignty of a country, that is, to maintain the status of independence. There are countries that are not capable of maintaining a large number of troops. For example, the army of Luxembourg does not exceed 1000 people. But there are several states where the number of manpower serving in the army is very large.
10. Vietnam
The Vietnamese troops are one of the advanced armed forces. The latest NATO developments and developments of other origins, a huge amount of equipment, a large defense budget. According to the latest data, the manpower of the Vietnamese troops has already exceeded 482 thousand people.
According to the leaders of this state, this number will be enough, especially since soon military equipment will be serviced by a much smaller number of soldiers. Moreover, several decades ago, when the troops of the United States of America attacked Vietnam, Vietnam managed to win. There are more than 5 million people in the reserve.
9. Turkey
One of the strongest countries in the North Atlantic alliance. The defense budget is several tens of billions of dollars. Just like many NATO countries, there is a large amount of modern military equipment and weapons. In this arrangement, 511 thousand people there are enough personnel for the Turkish Armed Forces. In general, the military armed forces are well trained and can professionally not only repel an attack inside the country, but also fight extremism outside of it. The Turkish army reserve is about 379 thousand people.
8. Republic of Iran
About 523 thousand people serves in the Iranian army. Of course, most of them are members of the ground forces, since Iran is a state that actively conducts ground operations against ISIS formations (banned in Russia). Basically, the Iranian army uses the development of military equipment and small arms of the Soviet Union and Russia. The reserve of the army is small: 350 thousand people. Most likely, this is due to the activity of the regular Iranian army and it is impossible to keep many people in reserve.
7. Republic of Korea
The South Korean army is just over 630 thousand soldiers. At the moment, South Korea is not a militaristic state, unlike its northern neighbor. But, despite this, a huge reserve was created - about three million.
Perhaps, just in case, if North Korea still decides to make a good fight. At least, it has been threatened for a long time. Therefore, the reserve contains a relatively large number of people.
6. Pakistan
The Republic of Pakistan has a fairly large population. Few people know that India and Pakistan were at war with each other very deeply in history (the western part of India professes Islam, like the whole of Pakistan). Pakistan Army has 644 thousand military personnel and 513 thousand reservists. Basically, they use weapons from the times of the USSR. Sometimes there are developments of the People's Republic of China, as well as many neighboring countries.
5. Russian Federation
831 thousand people serving in the Russian army. Despite the fact that the Russian Federation is the largest state in the world, the army is small in terms of manpower. The Ministry of Defense has previously stated that Russia is actively developing military equipment, which involves reducing the number of military personnel serving it. Also, do not forget that cooks and other people needed for household chores in military units are now civilians, and not military ones, as before. There are more than two million people in the reserve.
4. North Korea
North Korea, or rather its president, said that the army of this country should take first place in terms of the number of military personnel. It is not surprising, because this state is one of the most aggressive towards Japan, the United States and its southern neighbor. 1,200,000 troops. This state gives almost all the money from its budget to the KPA (Korean People's Army).
Despite the impressive number of people serving in the KPA, this state may well lose the war to the same South Korea. This is because the weapons of the KPA have long been outdated. Until now, this country has been supplying military units with developments that were operated back in the Second World War. They are supplemented by units made in the USSR, in Japan and China. The reserve of the Korean People's Army is approximately 4 million people.
3. India
A state with a high population density. The Indian Army includes 1,346,000 soldiers who are in military service. Very high number of border troops, especially on the border with Pakistan. The armament is mostly American, although India is quite successful in developing its own small arms and military equipment. The reserve is also large: 1,155,000 people.
2. USA
In second place in the ranking in terms of the number of military personnel. The United States has always tried to constantly increase its influence in foreign policy. She has a lot of both soldiers and military equipment. 1,382,000 people serving in the US military.
Despite the fact that the American military industry is also heading for a reduction in the number of service personnel, the United States is not going to reduce the number of military personnel. That is, he is trying to increase everything: the amount of military equipment, the number of soldiers. The weapons are powerful. The US military reserve is 845 thousand people.
1. China
The first in terms of population, and, of course, in terms of the number of armies around the world. Moreover, both military equipment and manpower are ahead of everyone. 2,183,000 people serves in the armed forces of the People's Republic of China.
The manpower of China's troops is constantly increasing. Small arms and military equipment are produced right in this country. True, either under the license of the country - the inventor, or analogues of existing weapons, but slightly modified in structure and properties. The reserve is small, according to the latest data, it has no more than half a million people.
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Military and economic experts regularly determine the global index of military power - the Global Firepower Index. This is one of the most objective ratings, it takes into account more than 50 different indicators. This year, experts analyzed the armed forces of 127 states.
When compiling the Global Firepower (GFP) Index, not only is a rigorous calculation of tanks, aircraft and warships carried out, but also the number of personnel of the army and its reserve, the level of financing of the military sphere, the country's transport infrastructure, oil production, the size of public debt and even the length of the coastal lines - in a word, all the factors that can affect the combat effectiveness of the national army.
The presence of a nuclear arsenal is not taken into account, but the states that possess nuclear weapons receive a "bonus". The top three - the United States, Russia and China - has remained unchanged for three years. This is what the ranking of the most powerful armies in the world looked like in 2015.
America has long been ahead of everyone at times in military spending. In second place in terms of the military budget, also for many years, China. On the third - Russia. The Chinese army is the largest in the world. Russia is the first in the world in terms of the number of tanks.
1. USA
Photo site army.mil.
Defense budget - $587.8 billion (nearly $588 billion)
5,884 tanks
19 aircraft carriers
13762 aircraft
The total number of ships of the Navy - 415
Army size - 1,400,000
2. Russia
Defense budget — $44.6 billion
20,215 tanks
1 aircraft carrier
3,794 aircraft
Army size - 766,055
3. China
Defense budget - $161.7 billion
6,457 tanks
1 aircraft carrier
2,955 aircraft
Army strength - 2,335,000
4. India
Defense budget - $51 billion
4,426 tanks
3 aircraft carriers
2,102 aircraft
Army strength - 1,325,000
5. France
A photo: page French Armed Forces on Facebook.
Defense budget — $35 billion
406 tanks
4 aircraft carriers
1,305 aircraft
Army strength - 205,000
6. UK
Prince Harry during military service. Instagram photo of the Marine Corps of the Royal Navy.
Defense budget — $45.7 billion
249 tanks
1 helicopter carrier
856 aircraft
Army size - 150,000
7. Japan
Defense budget - $43.8 billion
700 tanks
4 helicopter carriers
1,594 aircraft
Army size - 250,000
8. Turkey
Defense budget — $8.2 billion
2445 tanks
Aircraft carriers - 0
1,018 aircraft
Army size - 410,500
9. Germany
Defense budget — $39.2 billion
543 tanks
Aircraft carriers - 0
698 aircraft
Army size - 180,000
10 Italy
Photo from flickr.com
Defense budget — $34 billion
200 tanks
Aircraft carriers - 2
822 aircraft
Army size - 320,000
11. South Korea
Defense budget — $43.8 billion
2,654 tanks
1 aircraft carrier
1,477 aircraft
Army strength - 625,000
It is worth noting that the most important criterion for evaluating an army is combat operations. And this parameter is not taken into account by the Global Firepower Index. Russia and the United States also have a clear advantage here, for example, over China. Russia was at war with Georgia and, how should I put it, probably with Ukraine. Plus, he is conducting a military operation in Syria. And the United States fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is also involved in operations in Syria.
