A powerful and combat-ready army is the key to a country’s significant weight in the international arena. Moreover, in connection with the well-known events in Syria and Ukraine, military power is increasingly being used different countries the utmost attention is paid. Many people ask the question: “Who will win the world war?”

Today we present an annually updated, official ranking of the world's armies, a list that includes the most strong armies world in 2017.

When compiling the rating, the following are compared:
- the number of armies of the world (regular number of troops, reservists)
- weapons (airplanes, helicopters, tanks, navy, artillery, other equipment)
- military budget, resource availability, geographical position, logistics.

Nuclear potential is not taken into account by experts, but recognized nuclear powers receive an advantage in ranking.

By the way, San Marino has the weakest army in the world in 2017 – only 80 people.

10 South Korea

9 Germany

8 Türkiye

7 Japan

6 UK

5 France

4 India

3 China

2 Russia

1 USA

Since ancient times, the armed forces have been the main and fundamental guarantor of the independence of any country and the security of its citizens. Diplomacy and interstate treaties are also important factors of international stability, but as practice shows, when it comes to military conflict, they often do not work. Events in Ukraine are obvious proof of this. Indeed, who wants to shed the blood of their soldiers for the interests of others? Today we will try to answer the question - whose army is the strongest in the world, whose military power is unrivaled?

As the Russian Emperor once said Alexander III: “Russia has only two reliable allies - its army and navy.” And he is one hundred percent right. Naturally, this statement is true not only for Russia, but also for any other state.

Today in the world there are more than 160 armies of varying sizes, weapons and military doctrines.

One of greatest commanders In history, the French Emperor Napoleon I believed that “the big battalions are always right,” but in our time the situation has changed somewhat.

It should be understood that the strength of a modern army is determined not only by its numbers; it largely depends on the effectiveness of its weapons, the training of its fighters, and their motivation. The time of mass conscription armies is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Modern armed forces are a very expensive pleasure. The cost of the latest tank or fighter is tens of millions of dollars, and only very rich countries can afford a large and strong army.

There is another factor that arose after the end of World War II - nuclear weapons. Its power is so terrifying that it still keeps the world from starting another global conflict. Today, two states have the largest nuclear arsenals - Russia and the United States. A conflict between them is guaranteed to lead to the end of our civilization.

Disputes often flare up on the Internet about which is the strongest army in the world. This question is somewhat incorrect, since only a full-scale war can compare armies. There are too many factors that determine the strength or weakness of certain armed forces. When compiling our rating, we took into account the size of the armed forces, their technical equipment, the development of the military-industrial complex, army traditions, as well as the level of funding.

When compiling the top 10 most powerful armies in the world, the factor of the existence of nuclear weapons was not taken into account.

So, meet the strongest armies in the world.

10. Germany. Our ranking of the top 10 most powerful armies on the planet opens with the Bundeswehr – the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. It consists of the ground forces, navy, aviation, medical service and logistics service.

The armed forces of the Bundeswehr number 186 thousand people, the German army is completely professional. The country's military budget is $45 billion. Despite its rather modest size (compared to other participants in our rating), the German army is very highly trained, equipped with the latest types of weapons, and Germany’s military traditions can only be envied. It should be noted the highest level of development of the country's military-industrial complex - German tanks, aircraft, and small arms are deservedly considered among the best in the world.

Germany could count on a higher place in the top 10, however foreign policy This country is peaceful. Apparently, the Germans have fought enough in the last century, so they are no longer drawn to military adventures. In addition, Germany has been a member of NATO for many years, so in the event of any military threats, it can count on the help of the United States and other allies.

9. France. In ninth place in our ranking is France, a country with rich military traditions, a very advanced military-industrial complex and significant armed forces. Their number is 222 thousand people. The country's military budget is $43 billion. France's military-industrial complex allows it to provide its army with almost all the necessary weapons - from small arms to tanks, aircraft and reconnaissance satellites.

However, it should be noted that the French, like the Germans, do not seek to resolve foreign policy issues by military means. France has no disputed territories with its neighbors, nor any frozen conflicts.

8. Great Britain. In eighth place in our ranking is Great Britain, a country that managed to create a world empire on which the sun never set. But that's in the past. Today the number of British armed forces is 188 thousand people. The country's military budget is $53 billion. The British have a very decent military-industrial complex, which is able to produce tanks, airplanes, warships, small arms and other types of weapons.

England has the second largest navy (after the USA) in terms of tonnage. It includes nuclear submarines, and two light aircraft carriers are being built for the country's Navy.

British special operations forces are considered one of the best in the world.

Great Britain participates in almost all military conflicts where the United States is present (the first and second conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan). So the experience of the British army is not lacking.

7. Türkiye. The army of this country is considered the strongest among the Muslim armies of the Middle East. The descendants of the warlike Janissaries managed to create very combat-ready armed forces, which in the region are second in power only to the Israeli army. That is why Türkiye is in seventh place in our ranking.

6. Japan. In sixth place in our top 10 ranking is Japan, which formally does not have an army at all; its functions are performed by the so-called “self-defense forces.” However, don’t let this name fool you: the country’s armed forces number 247 thousand people and are the fourth largest in the Pacific region.

The main rivals that the Japanese fear are China and North Korea. In addition, the Japanese still have not concluded a peace treaty with Russia.

Japan has a significant air force, ground forces and an impressive navy, which is considered one of the strongest in the world. Japan has more than 1,600 combat aircraft, 678 tanks, 16 submarines, and 4 helicopter carriers.

This country has the third largest economy in the world, so it is not difficult for Japan to allocate serious money for the maintenance and development of its army. Japan's military budget is $47 billion, which is quite good for a military of its size.

Separately, it should be noted the high level of development of the country's military-industrial complex - in terms of its technical equipment, the Japanese armed forces are considered one of the best in the world. Today in Japan they are creating a fifth-generation fighter, and it will probably be ready in the coming years.

In addition, Japan is one of the United States' closest allies in the region. There are American bases on the territory of the country, the United States supplies Japan newest types weapons. However, despite this, Japan plans to further increase its defense spending. Well, the descendants of samurai are not short of experience and fighting spirit.

5. South Korea. Fifth place in our top 10 ranking is occupied by another Southeast Asian state – South Korea. This country has an impressive armed forces with a total strength of 630 thousand people. It is in third place in the region, second only to China and the DPRK. South Korea has been at war for more than sixty years—peace has never been concluded between Pyongyang and Seoul. The armed forces of the DPRK number almost 1.2 million people; the North Koreans consider their southern neighbors to be their main enemy and constantly threaten them with war.

It is clear that in such a situation, South Korea has to pay a lot of attention to the development of its own army. $33.7 billion is allocated annually for defense needs. The South Korean army is considered one of the best equipped not only in its region, but also in the world. South Korea is one of the closest and most loyal allies of the United States in the region, so the Americans supply Seoul with the latest weapons; there are US bases in the country. Therefore, if a conflict between the DPRK and South Korea does begin, it is not a fact that the northerners (despite their numerical superiority) will emerge victorious.

4. India. In fourth place in our top 10 ranking are the Indian Armed Forces. This huge, populous country with a booming economy has a military of 1.325 million and spends approximately $50 billion on defense.

In addition to the fact that India is the owner of nuclear weapons, its armed forces are the third largest in the world. And there is a simple explanation for this: the country is in a state of permanent conflict with its neighbors: China and Pakistan. IN modern history India had three bloody wars with Pakistan and a huge number of border incidents. There are also unresolved territorial disputes with a strong China.

India has a serious navy, which includes three aircraft carriers and two nuclear submarines.

Every year the Indian government spends significant sums on the purchase of new weapons. And if earlier Indians mainly purchased weapons made in the USSR or Russia, now they increasingly prefer higher-quality Western models.

In addition, recently the country's leadership has been paying a lot of attention to the development of its own military-industrial complex. A few years ago, a new strategy for the development of the defense industry was adopted, which goes under the motto “Make in India”. Now, when purchasing weapons, Indians give preference to those suppliers who are ready to open production facilities in the country and share the latest technologies.

3. China. In third place in our ranking of the top 10 strongest armies is the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). This is the largest armed force on the planet - its number is 2.333 million people. China's military budget is the second largest in the world, second only to the United States. It amounts to $126 billion.

China is striving to become the second superpower after the United States, and it is impossible to do this without powerful armed forces; it certainly cannot do without the largest army in the world.

Today the Chinese are armed with 9,150 tanks, 2,860 aircraft, 67 submarines, a large number of combat aircraft and multiple launch rocket systems. There has been debate for quite some time about how many warheads the PRC has in stock: the official figure is several hundred, but some experts believe that the Chinese have an order of magnitude larger number.

The Chinese army is constantly improving its technical level. If ten to fifteen years ago most species military equipment, which were in service with the PLA, were outdated copies of Soviet models, today the situation has changed dramatically.

Currently, the PRC is working on the creation of a fifth-generation fighter; its latest developments in the field of tank building and missile weapons are not much inferior to models made in Russia or the West. Much attention is devoted to the development of naval forces: recently the first aircraft carrier (the former Varyag, purchased from Ukraine) appeared in the Chinese Navy.

Considering the enormous resources (financial, human, technological) that China has, the armed forces of this country will become a formidable rival in the coming years for the countries that occupy the first positions in our ranking.

2. Russia. In second place in our top 10 ranking are the Russian armed forces, which in many respects remain the strongest on the planet.

In terms of the number of personnel, the Russian army ranks only fifth, behind the United States, China, India and the DPRK. Its population is 798 thousand people. The budget of the Russian defense department is $76 billion. However, at the same time, it has one of the most powerful ground forces in the world: more than fifteen thousand tanks, a huge number of armored vehicles and combat helicopters.

1. USA. The United States of America is in first place in the top 10. In terms of the number of personnel, the US Army is second only to China (albeit significantly), its strength is 1.381 million people. At the same time, the US military department has a budget that generals of other armies can only dream of - $612 billion, which allows it to be the most powerful country in the world.

The strength of modern armed forces depends largely on their funding. Therefore, the huge American defense budget is one of the main components of its success. It allows Americans to develop and purchase the most modern (and most expensive) weapons systems, supply their army at the highest level, and simultaneously conduct several military campaigns in different corners peace.

Today, the US Army has 8,848 tanks, a huge number of armored vehicles and other military equipment, and 3,892 military aircraft. If in years Cold War While Soviet strategists focused on tanks, the Americans actively developed combat aviation. Currently, the US Air Force is rightfully considered the strongest in the world.

The United States has the most powerful navy, which includes ten aircraft carrier groups, more than seventy submarines, a large number of aircraft and auxiliary ships.

The Americans are leaders in the development of the latest military technologies, and their range is very wide: from the creation of lasers and robotic combat systems to prosthetics.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

With the advent of the first state, the army became one of the main components of its independence and the security of citizens. The diplomatic part, as well as the allies on the map, are also important, but if you look at the history textbook, you will see that they are of little help in military conflicts. And as Alexander III said: “We have only two faithful allies - the Russian army and navy.” This statement, naturally, is true not only for our country, but also for other powers. Today's political map of the world includes more than 160 military state formations, differing from each other in numbers, weapons, some doctrines and their history.

The famous commander Napoleon often said that a large army is always right, but today's realities dictate their own rules. So, these days there are slightly different concepts of strength and superiority over the enemy. Here, not only the number of troops is taken into account, but also the efficiency of equipment with the level of training of personnel, as well as their motivation.

The most powerful armies in the world

A modern army is far from a cheap pleasure, and mass conscription alone is not enough. One tank or helicopter costs tens and sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars, and only wealthy powers can fork out for such expensive equipment.

Very often in the media, and in any other discussion fields, you can hear arguments about whose army is the strongest. This formulation of the question is not entirely correct, because to verify someone’s assertion, a full-scale war would be needed. And in theory, we have a large number of factors that show the advantage or weakness of a particular army.

Let's try to make a rating of the most powerful armies in the world, which would include countries that are superior to their opponents in numbers, equipment and funding. We will also take into account the development of the military-industrial complex (military-industrial complex) and remarkable army traditions. When considering each participant in the ranking of the strongest armies in the world, the nuclear factor was not taken into account, so we will determine strength according to the old Slavic principle - “wall to wall.” By the way, the presence of weapons of mass destruction still keeps most large states from military conflicts, because war can lead not just to losses, but to the destruction of our planet.

1. Russia.
2. China.
3. India.
4. South Korea.
5. Japan.
6. Türkiye.
7. Great Britain.
8. France.
9. Germany.

Let's take a closer look at the participants.

Germany

The Bundeswehr comes last in the ranking of the world's armies in terms of combat effectiveness. Germany has ground, air and medical forces. The number of troops fluctuates around 190 thousand fighters, and the entire German army consists of professional mercenaries, and the state budget includes a significant expenditure item of $45 billion.

Despite such a seemingly modest number of troops compared to other participants in the rating best armies world, the German military forces are provided with the latest weapons, have excellent combat training and unshakable military traditions that can only be envied. The Germans might be higher on the list, but the country's foreign policy is relatively peaceful. Here, apparently, a significant role was played by the fact that they already fought quite a lot in the last century. In the ranking of the world's armies from Global Firepower, Germany shares its place with France and Great Britain from year to year.

France

Despite its “romanticism,” the republic can stand up for itself if something happens. France found itself in ninth position in the ranking of the world's armies thanks to its rich military traditions, impressive military-industrial complex and considerable number of troops - about 230 thousand soldiers.

To maintain the army, the country's budget includes a line item of $44 billion. The French military-industrial complex is able to provide its troops with everything they need - from pistols to tanks and orbital satellites. The country of romantics, like Germany, does not seek to solve external problems with the help of the army. In addition, it does not have any significant conflicts, as well as disputed territories.

Great Britain

Great Britain is in eighth position in the ranking of world armies. This country, with the help of smart politicians and generals, was a world military power that everyone took into account. But that was a long time ago, and current realities have not turned out in the best way for her.

The number of British troops fluctuates around 190 thousand fighters, and the state budget includes expenditure items of more than $50 billion. The British have a completely decent military-industrial complex, which gives the army everything it needs: pistols, machine guns, tanks, helicopters, planes, satellites and a fleet. By the way, the latter is not much inferior to the United States in terms of tonnage and equipment.

The UK is involved in most of the conflicts where the Americans conduct operations (the Middle East), so the soldiers have plenty of experience to gain from.

Türkiye

Turkey, which is ambiguous in this regard, is in seventh position in the ranking of world armies. Its military formations are considered the strongest in the Middle East. It is not surprising: the descendants of the Janissaries, who were always looking for war, created a powerful military machine with a high-quality component that could well compete with the Israeli army.

The number of troops fluctuates around 510 thousand fighters, but, unlike other countries, the state has budgeted a modest $20 billion for the military-industrial complex. The Turkish army distinguished itself by having a large number ground equipment- about 3,400 units of armored vehicles, and operational combat aircraft - about 1,000 pairs of wings. In addition, Türkiye has a fairly impressive fleet on the Black Sea.

Japan

Japan is in sixth position in the ranking of world armies. In general, Country rising sun It seems like it doesn’t have its own army at all. This function is performed by regular self-defense forces. Despite such a seemingly modest name, this military formation has more than 250 thousand fighters.

The Japanese have a solid air force, ground forces and an excellent navy. The latter is considered one of the best in the whole world. Available Japanese army about 1,600 aircraft, 700 tanks, more than a dozen submarines and steam large aircraft carriers. The budget includes about $47 billion for military needs, which is quite enough and comparable to the size of the Armed Forces.

South Korea

The fifth position in the ranking of world armies is occupied by the Republic of Korea. The number of regular state troops fluctuates around 630 thousand fighters. The country has been at war with Pyongyang for several decades now, and some peace agreements and treaties cannot stop the military clashes between the parties.

In such a situation, the South Korean army must always be in full combat readiness, so training, discipline and the quality of conscription in the country are given Special attention. The state spends more than $34 billion on military needs. The Republic of Korea is largely devoted to and reveres the United States, so it does not experience any particular problems with either additional funding or providing the army with military equipment and small arms.

India

The country of elephants and tea - India - is in fourth position in the ranking of world armies. This is a state with a high population density and a fairly rapidly developing economy, as well as a military-industrial complex. More than $50 billion is spent from the budget to provide an army of 1.3 million soldiers.

India has many territorial disputes with its neighbors Beijing and Islamabad, so the armed forces have to always be on alert. During the Soviet era, Indians purchased weapons from us, but after all the coups and economic torment, the government decided to give preference to Western models. In addition, the Indian government has outlined large-scale reforms, which also imply the development of its military-industrial complex, so preference is given to suppliers who are ready to open their production on their territory.

China

In third place in the ranking of the world's armies is the PLA from the Middle Kingdom (People's Liberation Army of China). Here the fighters, as they say, press with numbers. According to the most rough estimates, the size of the Chinese army ranges from 2 to 2.5 million people, and this is the largest military formation on the planet.

In order to feed such a horde, the country’s budget includes items worth more than $120 billion. China strives to top this rating, but, alas, it cannot be taken by numbers alone. A good half of all the equipment that is in service is already old and is breaking down. The purchase of a new one requires significant financial expenditure, as well as the opening and development of your own production capacity. Therefore, the Chinese government is very close “friends” with Russia and receives a good discount on weapons.

Russia

Despite the “silver” rating, the domestic Armed Forces are superior in many respects not only to the named participants in the rating, but also to its leader. As for numbers, here we are only in fifth place with 800 thousand personnel. More than $75 billion is spent annually on the Russian army.

The Russian Armed Forces boast the most powerful ground forces in the world. More than 15 thousand tanks, a huge number of operational armored vehicles and helicopters different classes- from medical rescue to military tactical models.

The Russian Air Force has almost 4 thousand aircraft in service various types and appointments. Our strategic bombers pose a particular danger to other states. They are capable of delivering any targeted strikes, including nuclear ones, at a distance of thousands of kilometers from their home base.

In addition, Russia has distinguished itself with a powerful navy, where only submarines with an impeccably trained crew instill fear in the ships of potential enemies and allies. Despite the venerable age of the surface forces and combat units outdated since the times of the USSR, the government has budgeted large sums for updating equipment, and in the near future the situation will change for the better for us. It should also be noted that the country’s military-industrial complex does not depend on third-party developers and manufacturers - war machine Russia is completely autonomous.

USA

The United States of America is in first place in our ranking. In terms of troop numbers, America is second only to China - 1.3 million personnel. One of the most significant factors that any general in another country would envy is the budget of the US Army - $612 billion!

This funding made it possible to equip American army the most advanced technologies: the latest weapons, equipping fighters with modern gadgets for high-quality combat in any conditions, as well as an enviable salary and pension for contract soldiers. Such an attitude towards the army and its needs contributes to the introduction of its troops almost anywhere on the planet and conducting several military campaigns there at once.

The United States also has one of the most powerful fleets in the world: about 10 aircraft carrier groups, about 80 submarines, as well as a large number of aircraft and auxiliary vessels attached to them. American defense enterprises attract the best specialists to work. They are developing not only the latest laser and robotic equipment for the army - there are breakthroughs in the medical military environment: prosthetics, “smart” suits that can significantly increase the army potential of a soldier, and other technological areas.

Simply because many of the most powerful armed forces on the world stage have nuclear weapons, and the third World War, if it happens, as we know, it will be nuclear. Unless, of course, we can call global strikes that will automatically occur within an hour war, if suddenly someone presses the red button first.

However, experts assess the power of the armies of different countries using the so-called global fire potential index, which includes more than 50 different factors. The most significant of them are the number of soldiers, equipment and military budget, as well as geographical location. After all, not all countries have access to the sea, which means they do not have a navy.

OKHRANA.RU, based on data from open sources, has prepared the top 5 most powerful armies in the world. Who is the strongest in the world?

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GREAT BRITAIN

Good old England! Once the strongest empire in the world and the mistress of all seas, today it remains one of the most powerful military powers in the world, although it lost dominance over the water element a long time ago. The considerable budget of 53 billion dollars for the maintenance of the armed forces, the number of personnel of 200 thousand people and the possession of all types of weapons inspires respect even among NATO partners. Today, England is carrying out a large-scale military reform, which is based on the thesis that after the collapse of the USSR, the threat of a new global war does not exist, therefore, since 2010, the optimization that began has been systematically reducing the cost of maintaining the armed forces. Despite this, Britain remains a power focused on participating in local conflicts around the world, which undoubtedly worries other countries.

INDIA

Poor neighborhoods and dirty kids swimming in troubled waters Ganga - a typical picture of modern Delhi can be deeply misleading to those who consider India to be an underdeveloped country militarily. Incredibly, this economically lagging country was able to surpass almost all Western countries in army development. The number of Indian Armed Forces is one million three hundred thousand people! The annual budget for the army is 46 billion! In addition, India has nuclear weapons and a navy, which greatly increases its combat capability. Delhi has been the largest buyer of weapons from Russia for many years, in addition, our countries are conducting a number of joint developments of unique weapons, such as the Brahmos missile or the FGFA fighter. Many Western powers still regard India as a “third world country,” while before everyone’s eyes it is turning into a “superpower” whose main enemy is no longer Pakistan or Bangladesh, but, excuse me, ancient and powerful China.

CHINA

It is known that the worldview of the average average Chinese is fundamentally different from that of Europe. Our eastern partners see life as a thousand-year cycle, and not in the light of our common expression - “there is only one life, we must enjoy it here and now.” Therefore, China is still a mystery to the world - no one knows what to expect from it. In this context, the figures of the military power of the Celestial Empire look especially scary: now there are six million soldiers in the Armed Forces! In case of war, the country is able to mobilize another five percent of the population, and then the Chinese army will grow to 60 million people! At the same time, China is also a nuclear power, which does not prevent it from having the second-largest defense budget in the world - $126 billion, as well as an extensive network of industrial spies that allow Beijing to copy the best military models of other countries, including Russia.

The approximate equality of Russia and the United States and the lag of China (with the obvious numerical superiority of the latter’s army) is explained by the quantity and quality of nuclear deterrent forces. In the event of a direct military clash, only the Russian Federation and the United States have a sufficient number of warheads and their delivery systems for mutually assured destruction. For reference, according to SIPRI, the USA - 7260 warheads, Russia - 7500, China - 260.

RUSSIA

Arguing about whose army is stronger today—Russia or the United States—is a pointless exercise. On the one hand, our country has clearly demonstrated its potential in Syria, which has puzzled NATO generals a lot. Everyone also remembers the stories about the crew of an American destroyer praying to God, over which our fighters playfully flew a little lower than usual. But objectively speaking, America’s military budget and potential are greater today. At the same time, the Russian army is considered the most powerful ground force in the world. We have the largest and strongest navy, and, importantly, 60 modern nuclear submarines. By the way, the Russian Federation surpasses the United States in the numbers of heavy military equipment, for example, tanks. And “Armata” at the Parade on Red Square, I think, is still a dream for “Western partners”.

Now the Russian army consists of about a million people. At the same time, our armed forces have become much more professional - conscripts serve for a year, and the foundation of the army is cemented by contract soldiers. The defense budget is about 80 billion dollars. With all the accusations of militarization of Russia, it is enough to look at the size of the American military budget to understand how much Russia is ahead of the same States in love for peace - at a deep ideological level.

USA

Who is America going to fight with, given the 613 billion budget for the army and the number of personnel of one and a half million people and 700 thousand reservists - a rhetorical question and at the same time an open secret. It seems that the United States today is present in all the conflicts that occur on the planet. Quite officially and tangible, or invisibly, which does not change the essence - the United States in modern world This is the most aggressive state. At the same time, it is clear that, in fact, American territories can only be physically threatened by a nuclear attack.

It is obvious that today, in terms of its unpredictability and visual aggressiveness, the most dangerous army on the planet is the US Armed Forces. Experts suggest that, perhaps, in the coming years, the United States will overtake China in terms of numbers and budget. But socialist China does not need to “bring democratic values ​​to the world.” And this inspires cautious optimism. However, today in Russia, which already has a professional, strong, modern army, there is simply no point in being afraid of anyone.

By the way, "occupied" Russian troops Ukraine occupies only 25th place in the “firepower” ranking; now it is clear why experts laugh out loud when they hear from Ukrainian leaders that Kyiv is at war with Moscow.

The Turkish army, unlike our neighbors, is one of the top 10 armies in the world with 660 thousand personnel and a budget of 25 billion a year, but with actions like the sneaking down of a Russian plane, both the army and the country in general have discredited itself in the eyes of the whole world.

We may be concerned about cunning Japan. Despite the fact that, according to its Constitution, Japan cannot have full-fledged armed forces, they exist, and moreover, in many respects they are ahead in their development of the armies of less peace-loving states.

The most “harmless” army is Germany. According to the main military doctrine of this country, its armed forces are focused on peacekeeping missions and participation in various coalitions. That is, the Germans can only fight with those who are obviously weaker. But no one will ever dare to write Germany off.

It is also worth emphasizing to our readers that although the “firepower” rating is recognized on this moment one of the most truthful, experts say that it is not entirely correct. There is a lot of classified information that he simply cannot take into account, and according to some objective criteria he is not always correct. In particular, the distribution of places in the ranking between Russia and the United States raises many questions. It seems that according to objective figures, the United States is more powerful, but this is not quite enough to indiscriminately assign the United States the unconditional first place in the world in military power.

The army is an integral attribute of any state. Sooner or later, a conflict arises between neighboring countries or regions within a country, which often ends in armed clashes that claim the lives of thousands of people and destroy cities to the ground. Soldiers are called upon to defend the interests of their country, repelling the attacks of the aggressor, or, conversely, to be an aggressor towards another country. In front of you the most powerful armies in the world who, like no one else, know what real war is!

• Total Population: 79.414 million people.
• Active living force: 410.5 thousand soldiers.
• Army Reserve: 185.63 thousand persons liable for military service.
• 13849 units.
• Navy: 194 units of naval vessels.
• Air fleet: 1007 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: 18.185 billion dollars.

Permanent internal and external conflicts forced Turkey to raise its army to a qualitatively new level. There is a constant war going on right near the borders of Turkey, which at any moment can affect its territory. The total number of people who can take up arms in the event of war is more than half a million, which can serve as a fairly weighty argument for the peace of mind of the inhabitants of this country.

• Total Population: 126.92 million people.
• Active living force: 250 thousand military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 57.9 thousand are liable for military service.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 4329 units.
• Navy: 131 units of naval equipment.
• Air fleet: 1,590 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: 40.3 billion US dollars.

After the Second World War, Japan found itself in a very disadvantageous position. Hundreds of inconvenient agreements fell on her head. One such treaty is a small document that prohibits Japan from recruiting more than a certain number of soldiers. But even despite this, Japan confidently became the ninth most powerful army in the world. The thing is that the budget for 250 thousand soldiers is simply colossal - more than 40 billion US dollars. Japan's huge budget and leadership in technology allows it to keep its army at high level, sufficient for it to be considered one of the best.

• Total Population: 80.85 million people.
• Active living force: 180 thousand military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 145 thousand are liable for military service.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 6481 units.
• Navy: 81 units of naval equipment.
• Air fleet: 676 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: US$36.3 billion.

On the 8th line of the ranking of the most powerful armies in the world is Germany. Everyone remembers how strong this country was in the 20th century, and the Second World War clearly showed this. But the German army was defeated and has since lost its position greatly. Nevertheless, today this country plays an important role in global politics and has a well-equipped army.

7.South Korea

• Total Population: 49.12 million people.
• Active living force: 625 thousand military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 2.9 million military personnel.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 12619 units.
• Navy: 166 units of naval equipment.
• Air fleet: 1451 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: US$33.2 billion.

South Korea, of course, will not become the most powerful army in the world, but even such results for a small country are already a huge achievement. So firmly grasp the build-up of military power South Korea forced her by her northern neighbor, who conducted a successful test nuclear bomb And ballistic missile capable of delivering a warhead.

• Total Population: 66.554 million inhabitants.
• Active living force: 205 thousand military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 195.77 thousand military personnel and more than one hundred thousand police officers.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 7888 cars.
• Navy: 118 units of naval vessels.
• Air fleet: 1282 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: US$35 billion.

The French army is unique in its kind. It remains one of the few armed formations that are fully equipped with weapons, equipment and protective equipment from its own manufacturer. Another unique feature of the army is the huge number of women (compared to other armies). Serves quite a lot in the ranks of the French army big number women, which makes up about 15% of the total number of military personnel!

• Total Population: 64.09 million inhabitants.
• Active living force: 150 thousand military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 182 thousand are liable for military service.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 6624 tanks, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.
• Navy: 76 units of naval equipment.
• Air fleet: 879 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: US$55 billion.

The size of the British Army makes it one of the largest armed forces in the European Union. In fact, the troops of England have always been considered a fairly strong enemy, instilling fear in all enemies of Britain. She has retained this image to this day. Unfortunately, the main pride of England, its fleet, has long ceased to be one of the best in the world, which lowered it to the fifth step in the ranking of the Top 10 most powerful armies in the world.

• Total Population: 1.252 billion people.
• Active living force: 1.325 million military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 2.143 million military personnel.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 21164 units.
• Navy: 295 units of naval equipment.
• Air fleet: 2086 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: 40 billion dollars.

Do not be surprised at such a huge number of manpower in India. In a country where more than a billion people live, we must never let down our guard. Such countries need a strong fist, ready at any moment to repel an external threat or suppress the danger within the country. The main difference between the Indian army and the rest is the form of conscription. No one is forced to serve here; service is carried out exclusively on a paid contract basis by persons who have reached the age of majority.

• Total Population: 1.367 billion people.
• Active living force: 2.335 million military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 2.3 million military personnel.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 23664 units.
• Navy: 714 units of naval vessels.
• Air fleet: 2942 attack aircraft, fighters and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: US$155.6 billion.

Another giant country that simply needs the strongest army in the world. The relatively small cost of such a huge number of military personnel does not in any way affect the quality of their service. Huge air fleet, considered the strongest after the Russian one. Almost 24 thousand units of military equipment and about 2.3 million soldiers are ready at any moment to defend the independence of their country.

• Total Population: 142.424 million people.
• Active living force: 766.06 thousand military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 2.485 million military personnel.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 61086 units.
• Navy: 352 units of naval equipment.
• Air fleet: 3547 attack aircraft, fighters, transports and bombers.
• Annual defense budget: US$46.6 billion.

1.United States of America

Before the collapse of the USSR, the country's army was considered the strongest in the world and was too tough even for the United States. But, alas, after the collapse it lost ground significantly. But even despite this, gigantic reserves, almost ten thousand units of armored vehicles and many other weapons make Russia a terrible enemy that is beyond the capabilities of most countries in the world. To all other Russian Federation has nuclear weapons (their presence is not taken into account in the rating), and in the event of a serious conflict with another state, they will be a very significant addition to military power. And I would also like to say that the main difference between our country’s army and others is, perhaps, the strongest will and spirit of the soldiers. But, since the ranking main role plays by the quantitative and qualitative equipment of the army, the number of military personnel and the costs of the defense industry, then, alas, the second line.

• Total Population: 321.369 million people.
• Active living force: 1.4 million military personnel.
• Army Reserve: 1.1 million military personnel.
• Number of ground combat equipment: 54474 tanks, armored personnel carriers and other equipment.
• Navy: 415 units of naval equipment.
• Air fleet: 13444 combat and transport helicopters and aircraft.
• Annual defense budget: 581 billion dollars.

First of all, the most powerful army in the world in 2016 will amaze you not with the number of soldiers or armored vehicles, but with its budget. If you take the ten best armies in the world, their total budget will hardly reach the American one. A huge number of aircraft, a powerful navy and more than 54 thousand units of ground armored vehicles make the United States the most powerful rival on the world stage.