Top 20 Most Powerful Countries in the World

Which country has the most powerful military in the world, Here is the list of most powerful military in the world, Top 20 Most Powerful Countries of the 21st Century

The GFP list makes use of over 50 factors (making up our in-house formula) to determine each nation’s Power Index (“PwrIndx”) score. This provides the final ranking and allows smaller, technologically-advanced, nations to compete with larger, lesser-developed ones. Some bonuses (and penalties) are added for refinement. In the end, we hope it presents an unbiased outlook on the potential conventional military strength of a given country if only to stir some healthy debate.

Things to keep in mind:

• Nuclear capability is NOT taken into account
• Geographical factors influence every final GFP ranking
• Ranking does not solely rely on total number of weapons available
• Natural resource reliance (use/production) is taken into account
• Land-locked nations are NOT penalized for lack of a standing navy
• Naval powers ARE penalized for limited naval capabilities
• Current economic health for each country is taken into account
• Current political/military leadership is NOT taken into account

As of 11/13/2015 there are a total of (126) countries included in the GFP database. Here we are listing Top 20 countries.

#20. Thailand

Military Strength – Score: (0.6837)

To keep pace with regional powers, Thailand keeps a large standing army and funds both a navy and air force service branch.

MANPOWER
Total Population	67,741,401
Available Manpower	35,444,716
Fit for Service	27,490,939

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	722
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	2,614
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	26
Towed-Artillery	695
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	13

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	573
Fighters/Interceptors	76
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	95
Transport Aircraft	272
Trainer Aircraft	146
Helicopters	244
Attack Helicopters	7

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	81
Aircraft Carriers	1
Frigates	12
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	5
Submarines	0
Coastal Defense Craft	27
Mine Warfare	7

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$5,390,000,000
External Debt	$142,600,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$167,200,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$673,000,000,000

#19. Poland

Military Strength – Score: (0.6696)

The unrest in eastern Ukraine has forced the Polish government to beef up its military spending and procurement programs.

MANPOWER
Total Population	38,346,279
Available Manpower	18,830,448
Fit for Service	15,583,917

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	1,009
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	2,608
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	443
Towed-Artillery	72
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	240

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	467
Fighters/Interceptors	99
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	99
Transport Aircraft	263
Trainer Aircraft	76
Helicopters	255
Attack Helicopters	29

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	83
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	2
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	1
Submarines	5
Coastal Defense Craft	3
Mine Warfare	24

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$9,360,000,000
External Debt	$365,200,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$107,800,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$814,000,000,000

#18. Egypt

Military Strength – Score: (0.6214)

Internal instability continues to plague Egypt while it remains committed to fighting extremism within its borders.

MANPOWER
Total Population	86,895,099
Available Manpower	41,157,220
Fit for Service	35,305,381

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	4,624
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	13,949
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	889
Towed-Artillery	2,360
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	1,481

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	1,107
Fighters/Interceptors	398
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	413
Transport Aircraft	257
Trainer Aircraft	388
Helicopters	245
Attack Helicopters	36

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	245
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	9
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	6
Submarines	4
Coastal Defense Craft	124
Mine Warfare	19

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$4,400,000,000
External Debt	$48,760,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$17,030,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$551,400,000,000

#17. Pakistan.

Military Strength – Score: (0.6131)

Pakistan Armed Forces have been put to the test by internal unrest, UN peacekeeping initiatives, and disaster relief operations.

MANPOWER
Total Population	196,174,380
Available Manpower	93,351,401
Fit for Service	75,326,989

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	2,924
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	2,828
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	465
Towed-Artillery	3,278
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	134

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	914
Fighters/Interceptors	387
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	387
Transport Aircraft	278
Trainer Aircraft	170
Helicopters	313
Attack Helicopters	48

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	74
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	10
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	0
Submarines	8
Coastal Defense Craft	12
Mine Warfare	3

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$7,000,000,000
External Debt	$52,430,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$11,180,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$574,100,000,000

#16. Italy.

Military Strength – Score: (0.5744)

The modern Italian military has been a consistent player for decades under the flag of the United Nations.

MANPOWER
Total Population	61,680,122
Available Manpower	27,869,443
Fit for Service	22,596,141

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	586
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	6,972
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	164
Towed-Artillery	92
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	21

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	760
Fighters/Interceptors	117
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	153
Transport Aircraft	399
Trainer Aircraft	153
Helicopters	355
Attack Helicopters	59

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	174
Aircraft Carriers	2
Frigates	14
Destroyers	4
Corvettes	5
Submarines	6
Coastal Defense Craft	14
Mine Warfare	10

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$34,000,000,000
External Debt	$2,604,000,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$181,700,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$1,805,000,000,000

#15. Taiwan.

Military Strength – Score: (0.5673)

With an eye on independence still, the island nation of Taiwan must retain a large, modern fighting force and powerful allies for its own security.

MANPOWER
Total Population	23,359,928
Available Manpower	12,190,243
Fit for Service	10,025,261

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	2,005
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	4,350
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	482
Towed-Artillery	1,160
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	72

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	804
Fighters/Interceptors	288
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	288
Transport Aircraft	152
Trainer Aircraft	203
Helicopters	299
Attack Helicopters	91

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	102
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	22
Destroyers	4
Corvettes	0
Submarines	4
Coastal Defense Craft	88
Mine Warfare	4

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$10,725,000,000
External Debt	$146,800,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$414,500,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$926,400,000,000

#14. Canada.

Military Strength – Score: (0.5627)

Canada has ensured that its military remains a modern, capable fighting force by undertaking several major procurement programs.

MANPOWER
Total Population	34,834,841
Available Manpower	15,786,816
Fit for Service	13,023,141

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	181
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	3,004
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	0
Towed-Artillery	161
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	0

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	420
Fighters/Interceptors	64
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	64
Transport Aircraft	186
Trainer Aircraft	140
Helicopters	169
Attack Helicopters	0

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	63
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	12
Destroyers	1
Corvettes	0
Submarines	4
Coastal Defense Craft	12
Mine Warfare	0

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$15,700,000,000
External Debt	$1,326,000,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$68,550,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$1,518,000,000,000

#13. Australia.

Military Strength – Score: (0.5285)

The all-modern Australian military joins others in the Asia-Pacific region in watching the rise of China closely.

MANPOWER
Total Population	22,507,617
Available Manpower	10,500,000
Fit for Service	8,700,000

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	59
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	2,040
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	0
Towed-Artillery	75
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	0

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	408
Fighters/Interceptors	79
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	79
Transport Aircraft	149
Trainer Aircraft	147
Helicopters	156
Attack Helicopters	22

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	52
Aircraft Carriers	1
Frigates	12
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	0
Submarines	6
Coastal Defense Craft	13
Mine Warfare	6

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$26,100,000,000
External Debt	$1,506,000,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$48,800,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$998,300,000,000

#12. Indonesia.

Military Strength – Score: (0.5238)

Like other Pacific military players, Indonesia is seeking a vast modernzation of its fighting capabilities.

MANPOWER
Total Population	253,609,643
Available Manpower	129,075,188
Fit for Service	107,538,660

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	468
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	1,089
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	37
Towed-Artillery	80
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	86

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	405
Fighters/Interceptors	30
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	52
Transport Aircraft	187
Trainer Aircraft	104
Helicopters	148
Attack Helicopters	5

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	171
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	6
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	26
Submarines	2
Coastal Defense Craft	21
Mine Warfare	12

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$6,900,000,000
External Debt	$223,800,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$83,450,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$1,285,000,000,000

#11. Israel.

Military Strength – Score: (0.4976)

The Israeli military is leaps ahead of its regional competition – who also struggle with ongoing internal stability issues.

MANPOWER
Total Population	7,821,850
Available Manpower	3,511,190
Fit for Service	2,963,642

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	4,170
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	10,185
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	650
Towed-Artillery	300
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	48

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	684
Fighters/Interceptors	242
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	242
Transport Aircraft	101
Trainer Aircraft	247
Helicopters	143
Attack Helicopters	48

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	66
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	0
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	3
Submarines	5
Coastal Defense Craft	56
Mine Warfare	0

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$17,000,000,000
External Debt	$96,300,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$80,740,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$273,200,000,000

#10. Turkey.

Military Strength – Score: (0.4339)

Turkey joins China and India in attempting to become a large scale military supplier through several high profile ongoing development programs.

MANPOWER
Total Population	81,619,392
Available Manpower	41,637,773
Fit for Service	35,005,326

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	3,778
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	7,550
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	1,013
Towed-Artillery	697
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	811

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	1,020
Fighters/Interceptors	223
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	223
Transport Aircraft	439
Trainer Aircraft	276
Helicopters	443
Attack Helicopters	59

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	115
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	16
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	8
Submarines	13
Coastal Defense Craft	50
Mine Warfare	32

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$18,185,000,000
External Debt	$359,500,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$117,600,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$1,167,000,000,000

#9. Japan.

Military Strength – Score: (0.3841)

A revised constitution and expanding military could see a more powerful Japan in the Asia-Pacific region by the end of the decade.

MANPOWER
Total Population	127,103,388
Available Manpower	53,608,446
Fit for Service	43,930,753

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	678
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	2,850
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	202
Towed-Artillery	500
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	99

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	1,613
Fighters/Interceptors	289
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	289
Transport Aircraft	529
Trainer Aircraft	432
Helicopters	741
Attack Helicopters	122

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	131
Aircraft Carriers	2
Frigates	0
Destroyers	43
Corvettes	0
Submarines	16
Coastal Defense Craft	6
Mine Warfare	29

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$41,600,000,000
External Debt	$3,017,000,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$1,268,000,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$4,729,000,000,000

#8. Germany.

Military Strength – Score: (0.3507)

Germany has become a leader in European politics while also commanding its strongest economy.

MANPOWER
Total Population	80,996,685
Available Manpower	36,417,842
Fit for Service	29,538,413

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	408
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	5,869
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	154
Towed-Artillery	0
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	50

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	663
Fighters/Interceptors	105
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	192
Transport Aircraft	322
Trainer Aircraft	49
Helicopters	355
Attack Helicopters	34

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	81
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	11
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	5
Submarines	4
Coastal Defense Craft	8
Mine Warfare	15

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$40,200,000,000
External Debt	$5,717,000,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$248,900,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$3,227,000,000,000

#7. South Korea.

Military Strength – Score: (0.3098)

Sharing a border with its unpredictable northern neighbor has forced South Korea to manage a large, modern fighting force as a precaution.

MANPOWER
Total Population	49,039,986
Available Manpower	25,609,290
Fit for Service	21,033,275

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	2,381
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	2,660
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	1,990
Towed-Artillery	5,374
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	214

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	1,412
Fighters/Interceptors	399
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	399
Transport Aircraft	342
Trainer Aircraft	277
Helicopters	668
Attack Helicopters	77

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	166
Aircraft Carriers	0
Frigates	11
Destroyers	12
Corvettes	19
Submarines	13
Coastal Defense Craft	81
Mine Warfare	10

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$33,100,000,000
External Debt	$430,900,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$341,800,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$1,666,000,000,000

#6. France.

Military Strength – Score: (0.3069)

France has been able to put its vast military resources to good use through actions in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, and against ISIS.

MANPOWER
Total Population	66,259,012
Available Manpower	28,802,096
Fit for Service	23,747,168

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	423
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	6,863
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	325
Towed-Artillery	233
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	44

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	1,264
Fighters/Interceptors	283
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	257
Transport Aircraft	689
Trainer Aircraft	264
Helicopters	601
Attack Helicopters	46

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	113
Aircraft Carriers	4
Frigates	21
Destroyers	0
Corvettes	0
Submarines	10
Coastal Defense Craft	22
Mine Warfare	18

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$40,000,000,000
External Debt	$5,371,000,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$198,700,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$2,276,000,000,000

#5. United Kingdom.

Military Strength – Score: (0.2747)

Despite its size, the United Kingdom maintains one of the strongest economies and fighting forces anywhere in the world.

MANPOWER
Total Population	63,742,977
Available Manpower	29,164,233
Fit for Service	24,035,131

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	407
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	5,948
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	89
Towed-Artillery	138
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	42

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	936
Fighters/Interceptors	89
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	160
Transport Aircraft	365
Trainer Aircraft	343
Helicopters	402
Attack Helicopters	65

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	66
Aircraft Carriers	1
Frigates	13
Destroyers	6
Corvettes	0
Submarines	10
Coastal Defense Craft	28
Mine Warfare	15

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$51,500,000,000
External Debt	$9,577,000,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$87,480,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$2,387,000,000,000

#4. India.

Military Strength – Score: (0.2698)

India is looking to advance beyond its title of top military importer to that of top military exporter.

MANPOWER
Total Population	1,236,344,631
Available Manpower	615,201,057
Fit for Service	489,571,520

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	6,464
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	6,704
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	290
Towed-Artillery	7,414
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	292

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	1,905
Fighters/Interceptors	629
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	761
Transport Aircraft	667
Trainer Aircraft	263
Helicopters	584
Attack Helicopters	20

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	202
Aircraft Carriers	2
Frigates	15
Destroyers	9
Corvettes	25
Submarines	15
Coastal Defense Craft	46
Mine Warfare	7

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$38,000,000,000
External Debt	$412,200,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$295,000,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$4,990,000,000,000

#3. China.

Military Strength – Score: (0.2318)

The Chinese military-industrial complex continues to promote its technological gains while increasing its military strength through show-of-force initiatives.

MANPOWER
Total Population	1,355,692,576
Available Manpower	749,610,775
Fit for Service	618,588,627

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	9,150
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	4,788
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	1,710
Towed-Artillery	6,246
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	1,770

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	2,860
Fighters/Interceptors	1,066
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	1,311
Transport Aircraft	876
Trainer Aircraft	352
Helicopters	908
Attack Helicopters	196

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	673
Aircraft Carriers	1
Frigates	47
Destroyers	25
Corvettes	23
Submarines	67
Coastal Defense Craft	11
Mine Warfare	6

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$145,000,000,000
External Debt	$863,200,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$3,821,000,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$13,390,000,000,000

#2. Russia.

Military Strength – Score: (0.1865)

A massive modernization and procurement program, as well as military action against neighboring Ukraine, has reinstalled Russian prominence in the region.

MANPOWER
Total Population	142,470,272
Available Manpower	69,117,271
Fit for Service	46,812,553

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	15,398
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	31,298
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	5,972
Towed-Artillery	4,625
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	3,793

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	3,429
Fighters/Interceptors	769
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	1,305
Transport Aircraft	1,083
Trainer Aircraft	346
Helicopters	1,120
Attack Helicopters	462

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	352
Aircraft Carriers	1
Frigates	4
Destroyers	12
Corvettes	74
Submarines	55
Coastal Defense Craft	65
Mine Warfare	34

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$60,400,000,000
External Debt	$714,200,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$515,600,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$2,553,000,000,000

#1. United States of America.

Military Strength – Score: (0.1663)

Desite its drawdowns across Iraq and Afganistan, the United States military continues to see action in the Middle East against ISIS forces.

MANPOWER
Total Population	320,202,220
Available Manpower	145,212,012
Fit for Service	120,022,084

LAND SYSTEMS
Tanks	8,848
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)	41,062
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs)	1,934
Towed-Artillery	1,299
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs)	1,331

AIR POWER
Total Aircraft	13,892
Fighters/Interceptors	2,207
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft	2,797
Transport Aircraft	5,366
Trainer Aircraft	2,809
Helicopters	6,196
Attack Helicopters	920

NAVAL POWER
Total Naval Strength	473
Aircraft Carriers	20
Frigates	10
Destroyers	62
Corvettes	0
Submarines	72
Coastal Defense Craft	13
Mine Warfare	11

FINANCIAL
Defense Budget	$577,100,000,000
External Debt	$15,680,000,000,000
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold	$150,200,000,000
Purchasing Power Parity	$16,720,000,000,000