Military sizes are only part of the equation when we look at the very nature of warfare. Size is one determining factor in the success of operations, but that pales compared to logistics, fire superiority, and other mitigating factors. Today, we’re looking at who has the world’s largest military.
Are Large Militaries Needed?
That’s entirely dependent on the size and economy of a nation. Obviously, a larger, well-equipped military is going to be a better bet than a smaller one. However, that isn’t always going to be the case for some countries.
Does Size Matter for a Military?
Size is only one part of the equation when looking at a modern military. The United States doesn’t have the largest military, for example, but makes up for this by having some of the most cutting-edge equipment on the battlefield. Size is one thing, but having better weapons platforms can overcome size.
22. Australia
- Armed forces personnel: 58,600
- Active military aircraft: 353
- Defense expenditure: $32.3 billion
21. Poland
- Armed forces personnel: 114,500
- Active military aircraft: 459
- Defense expenditure: $31.6 billion
20. Italy
- Armed forces personnel: 165,500
- Active military aircraft: 850
- Defense expenditure: $35.5 billion
19. Israel
- Armed forces personnel: 169,500
- Active military aircraft: 601
- Defense expenditure: $27.5 billion
18. United Kingdom
- Armed forces personnel: 196,453
- Active military aircraft: 663
- Defense expenditure: $74.9 billion
17. France
- Armed forces personnel: 208,750
- Active military aircraft: 1,004
- Defense expenditure: $61.3 billion
16. Mexico
- Armed forces personnel: 216,000
- Active military aircraft: 468
- Defense expenditure: $11.8 billion
15. Japan
- Armed forces personnel: 247,000
- Active military aircraft: 1,451
- Defense expenditure: $50.2 billion
14. Turkey
- Armed forces personnel: 355,200
- Active military aircraft: 1,065
- Defense expenditure: $15.8 billion
13. Brazil
- Armed forces personnel: 366,500
- Active military aircraft: 665
- Defense expenditure: $22.9 billion
12. Indonesia
- Armed forces personnel: 404,500
- Active military aircraft: 466
- Defense expenditure: $9.5 billion
11. Egypt
- Armed forces personnel: 438,500
- Active military aircraft: 1,069
- Defense expenditure: $4.4 billion
10. Vietnam
- Armed forces personnel: 450,000
- Active military aircraft: 223
- Defense expenditure: N/A
9. South Korea
- Armed forces personnel: 500,000
- Active military aircraft: 1,602
- Defense expenditure: $47.9 billion
8. Iran
- Armed forces personnel: 610,000
- Active military aircraft: 541
- Defense expenditure: $10.3 billion
7. Pakistan
- Armed forces personnel: 660,000 million
- Active military aircraft: 1,413
- Defense expenditure: $8.5 billion
6. Russia
- Armed forces personnel: 1.1 million
- Active military aircraft: 4,182
- Defense expenditure: $109 billion
5. Ukraine
- Armed forces personnel: 1.25
- Active military aircraft: 312
- Defense expenditure: $64.8 billion
4. North Korea
- Armed forces personnel: 1.28 million
- Active military aircraft: 570
- Defense expenditure: N/A
3. United States
- Armed forces personnel: 1.32 million
- Active military aircraft: 13,300
- Defense expenditure: $916 billion
2. India
- Armed forces personnel: 1.47 million
- Active military aircraft: 2,210
- Defense expenditure: $83.6 billion
1. China
- Armed forces personnel: 2.035 million
- Active military aircraft: 3,166
- Defense expenditure: $296.0 billion
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