Every year, the Global Firepower organization releases a ranking of the military power of countries in the world based on the PowerIndex (PwrIndx) which is calculated from more than 60 variables, ranging from the number of active personnel, combat equipment, logistics, to financial capacity and military technology. Military power is one of the main indicators in assessing a country's influence in the global arena. According to Global Firepower, which was reported on Friday, April 25, 2025, here is a list of 7 countries with the strongest military power in the world in 2025.
The United States remains in the top spot with a PowerIndex of 0.0744. The country has the largest defense budget in the world, reaching USD 895 billion in 2025. The US military has 11 active aircraft carriers, B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, and intercontinental ballistic missile systems.
Russia is in second place with a PowerIndex of 0.0788. It has the largest nuclear arsenal in the world and the largest fleet of tanks globally. Russia is known for its development of hypersonic missiles such as Avangard and Kinzhal as well as the S-400 and S-500 air defense systems. Russia also has advanced nuclear submarines and continues to develop combat drones for hybrid operations.
China matches Russia with a PowerIndex of 0.0788. Having the most active personnel in the world, China is accelerating its naval expansion, including building new generation aircraft carriers such as the Fujian. The development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (DF-41), military space programs, and artificial intelligence for defense show Beijing's ambitions as a futuristic military power.
India takes the fourth spot with a PowerIndex of 0.1184. India has a nuclear force, two active aircraft carriers (INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant), and launches military satellites through ISRO. India continues to develop the indigenous HAL Tejas fighter jet and strengthens its ground forces with Agni-V missiles. Strategic coalitions with Quad countries expand its defense influence.
South Korea records a PowerIndex of 0.1656. Despite its small territory, South Korea has a KAMD missile system, domestic KF-21 Boramae fighter jets and a strong conventional submarine fleet. The country is also investing in advanced defense technologies such as AI and autonomous combat systems, and is in close coordination with the US Indo-Pacific Command.
The UK is in sixth place with a PowerIndex of 0.1785. The UK has two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and F-35B fighter jets. The Royal Navy also operates Trident nuclear submarines that carry strategic nuclear weapons. In addition, the UK leads the way in cyber defense and electronic warfare systems and plays an active role in NATO and AUKUS.
France records a PowerIndex of 0.1878. The country has the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and the M51 ballistic nuclear missile program. France is the only European country that is self-sufficient in the entire spectrum of strategic weapon systems. The French military is also experienced in overseas operations, notably in West Africa (Operation Barkhane) and the Middle East.
Indonesia ranks 13th in the world in global military strength with a PowerIndex of 0.2557, just below Brazil and Pakistan. Indonesia is the largest military force in Southeast Asia, with large numbers of active and reserve personnel. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is ranked 4th globally in naval power according to the World Directory of Modern Military Warships (WDMMW) 2023 with a TvR score of 137.3.
Source: metrotvnews.com
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