World’s Most Powerful Militaries 2025

1. United States (Power Index: 0.0744)

The United States is in the first position as the World’s most powerful military. It has the best Power Index of 0.0744. With a total defense budget of $868 billion, the US spends heavily on cyber warfare, space defense and emerging military technologies.

• The United States is the leading arms exporter to the World’s other most powerful countries.
• The USA is the World’s most potent air force, with 13,043 aircraft.
• USA owns the most powerful combat drone, the MQ-9 Reaper.

2. Russia (Power Index: 0.0788)

The 2nd most powerful military after The United States is Russia. The total defense budget of Russia is $126 billion. The Russian army is enriched with mass destruction weapons like chemical, biological and nuclear.

• Russia owns the superior fighter jet plane -Sukhoi Su-27.
• The Shahed-type drones are popular in the Russian military due to their cheaper and easier production.
• To counter spy satellites and airborne and ground-based radars, Russia has the electronic warfare – Krasukha.

3. China (Power Index: 0.0788)

World’s 3rd most powerful military. China’s total defense budget is $266.85 billion with a fast-growing navy, aircraft carriers, submarines and Artificial Intelligence. Shenyang J-11, Shenyang J-16, Chengdu J-20 aircraft, the intercontinental ballistic missile DF-41, SS-UAV drone etc are the prominent weapons the Chinese military owns.

4. India (Power Index: 0.1184)

India is the 4th most powerful military, with a defense budget of $75 billion. The power index of the Indian army is 0.1184 which highly prioritizes regional safety with advanced technology.

IMI Galil Sniper, a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, plans to purchase 250 BrahMos missiles by 2025; these are one of the mentionable weapons of the Indian military.

5. South Korea (Power Index: 0.1656)

With a $262.8 billion budget South Korea invests soundly in cyber strength, missiles etc. The power index of South Korea is 0.1656 which ranks in 5th position. Despite having intercontinental ballistic missiles, South Korea owns medium- and short-range ones. Though South Korea is not an official NATO member, it’s a partner of NATO under the program – NATO’s Partner across the Globe.

6. United Kingdom (Power Index: 0.1785)

As a leading power of NATO, the UK is the 6th most powerful military with a defense budget of $71.5 billion to invest in a submarine fleet and a sixth-generation fighter jet. Starstreak high-velocity missiles, Trident submarine-launched ballistic missiles, etc are the famous weapons of the British army.

7. France (Power Index: 0.1878)

After the United Kingdom the World’s 7th most powerful military is France with a power index of 0.1878 and a $55 billion budget for defense. France owns a highly advanced military with strong technology. The most iconic modern fighter jet, Rafale M51 SLBM submarine-launched ballistic missile, is a famous weapon the French military owns.

8. Japan (Power Index: 0.1839)

With an 8.5 trillion Yen defense budget the Japanese military is rapidly modernizing to ensure strong security in Asia Pacific. It is the 8th most powerful military Worldwide. Japan is also a global partner of NATO. Japan is planning to deploy missiles in the long range that can hit North Korea and China.  

9. Turkiye (Power Index: 0.1902)

The 9th most powerful military Turkiye has a $40.5 billion defense budget with strong drone technologies and a Power Index of 0.1902. Turkiye has the fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN and the long-range ballistic missile Tayfun. Turkiye is an official NATO member.

10. Italy (Power Index: 0.2164)

To meet NATO commitments Italy is investing more (defense budget $31.6 billion) in military advancement with a Power Index of 0.2164, the 10th most powerful among all militaries. Being an official NATO member, Italy is one of the most significant supersonic F-35 varients users. Italy is currently pursuing the unique Sciamano Drone Carrier project.

11. Brazil (Power Index: 0.2415)

Brazil’s 11th most powerful military has a defense budget of $24.75 billion to empower regional security with modern armed forces.

Brazilian military is renowned for the aircraft Embraer C-390 Millennium. Also Brazil is increasing drone usage for border surveillance. Brazil is recognized as the biggest non-NATO ally in the World.

12. Pakistan (Power Index: 0.2415)

A critical regional position requires powerful defense for Pakistani territory with nuclear capability and a strong military system. Pakistan has a $6.27 billion budget for defense, making Pakistan the 12th most powerful military in the World. The Pakistani military is well-known for its nuclear capability, especially NASR (Hatf IX), the nuclear missile system. The weaponized drone is also widely used to ensure safety in Pakistani territory.

13. Indonesia (Power Index: 0.2557)

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia has one of the most significant defense budgets of $25 billion and is the World’s 13th most powerful military Power Index 0.2557 to increase regional influence. Indonesia enforces drone usage for naval surveillance due to its geological position.

14. Germany (Power Index: 0.2601)

As a leading force in NATO Germany’s $66.5 billion defense budget is to enhance territorial security with the 14th highest Power Index 0.2601. Being a leading NATO member, Germany owns significant military weapons like the Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank, advanced drones and missile development.

15. Israel (Power Index: 0.2661)

The 15th most powerful Israeli military secures an advanced cyber defense system with a budget of $30.5 billion and a power index of 0.2661. Israel is famous for its Iron Dome technology and very advanced military weapons worldwide.

16. Iran (Power Index: 0.3048)

Iran’s military includes advanced missile systems, cyber strength and a defense budget of $25 billion. The Power Index 0.3048 indicates Iran is the 16th most powerful military in the World. Iran’s ballistic and cruise missile program is developing to tackle regional threats. Though not being a NATO member, Iran shows a powerful possession of world military strength.

17. Spain (Power Index: 0.3242)

The 17th most powerful military Spain has a substantial $15.1 billion defense budget to beat cyber attacks, climate change and overall maintenance of a well-equipped army. Spain is a NATO member and owns the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet and several missile programs.

18. Australia (Power Index: 0.3298)

Australia’s $26.3 billion defense budget is focused on regional stability and potential threats. Australian military ranks 18th in power with an index of 0.3298. The Collins-class submarines are vital for Australian naval security. Australia is also advancing its drone and missile capabilities. Australia is a global partner of NATO.

19. Egypt (Power Index: 0.3427)

Egypt’s strategic position is critical in the Middle East leading Egypt to build a strong military with a $9.4 billion budget and 0.3427 power index the 19th most powerful military in the World. Egyptian ground forces are developing modern armored vehicles.

20. Ukraine (Power Index: 0.3755)

The active defense of Ukraine has led it to be the 20th most powerful military in the World, with a 0.3755 power index. The official budget for the Ukrainian army has not been disclosed yet. The Bayraktar TB2 drones and anti-tank missiles, especially, power Ukraine’s defense.

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