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Global military spending reached a record US$2.718 trillion in 2024, marking a 9.4% increase from the previous year, the steepest rise since the end of the Cold War. The increase was widespread across all regions, with Europe and the Middle East seeing particularly rapid growth.
The United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India led the way, accounting for 60% of global military spending, totaling US$1.635 trillion, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
This marks the 10th consecutive year of rising global military investment. In the case of Europe, military spending, including Russia, spiked by 17% to US$693 billion, making it the largest contributor to the global increase in 2024.
The world's top military powers are defined by their strategic capabilities, technological advancements, and global influence. These nations maintain robust defense systems, including advanced air and naval forces, and powerful nuclear arsenals. Their strength is demonstrated through involvement in current global conflicts, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. As a key military alliance, NATO plays a crucial role in coordinating defense efforts and countering global threats.
Click on to explore the leading military powers in the world.
Greece's military is robust, with a strong naval and air force, focusing on defending its borders and territorial waters. It's an active NATO member and plays a key role in regional security.
Singapore's military is well-equipped, particularly in air and naval forces. Its strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a key regional player with strong defense alliances.
Canada's military is well-equipped and plays an active role in NATO and UN peacekeeping missions. It has strong air, land, and naval capabilities, focusing on global security and regional defense in North America.
Sweden has a modern, well-trained military with strong air and naval forces. After joining NATO in 2024, Sweden enhanced its defense collaboration, maintaining high capabilities in European security.
Algeria's military is one of the strongest in Africa, focusing on both land and air defense. The country is a key player in North African security and has a significant regional influence.
Thailand's military is well-equipped, with a strong land and air force. It's actively involved in regional security in Southeast Asia and plays a strategic role in the region.
Saudi Arabia's military is among the most advanced in the Middle East, with significant investments in air and missile defense systems. It plays a key role in regional security and is a major US ally.
Vietnam has a well-trained military focused on regional defense, with strong naval and air capabilities enhancing its strength.
Taiwan's military is well-equipped, with advanced air and naval defense systems, primarily focused on deterring potential threats from China.
Poland's military boasts over 150,000 active personnel, with modern air defense and ground forces. As a NATO member, it plays a key role in European defense, focusing on Eastern European security.
Since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, Ukraine has rapidly modernized its military, focusing on air defense, missile systems, and enhanced training to improve readiness and counter ongoing security threats.
Egypt has the largest military in Africa, with a strong emphasis on air and land capabilities. It plays a strategic role in the Middle East, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula.
Australia's military is modern and well-equipped, focusing on naval and air power. With around 58,000 active-duty personnel, it plays a crucial role in Pacific security as a member of the ANZUS pact with the US and New Zealand.
Spain maintains a highly capable military, with over 120,000 active-duty personnel and a strong naval presence, particularly in the Mediterranean. As an active NATO member, it contributes to global peacekeeping and defense missions.
Iran's military emphasizes asymmetric warfare, using proxy forces, missile capabilities, and a large standing army. Its nuclear ambitions and influence in the Middle East make it a key regional player.
Israel, with one of the world's most advanced militaries, is known for its innovation in defense technology, particularly missile defense systems, and is involved in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Germany’s military is highly professional and technologically advanced, with over 180,000 active-duty personnel, particularly in air and land capabilities. As a key NATO member, it focuses on European security and peacekeeping missions.
Indonesia has the largest military in Southeast Asia, with significant naval and air capabilities. The country focuses on regional defense and counter-terrorism efforts, maintaining a strong presence in the Pacific.
Pakistan's military is well-equipped with nuclear weapons and a significant standing army. Its primary focus is on defense against India, with advanced air defense and missile systems.
Brazil has the largest military in South America, with a focus on regional stability. Its military is highly capable in land operations, and the country has modern air and naval assets.
Italy's military is well-equipped, with around 165,000 active-duty personnel, and plays a key role in NATO. It has strong air and naval forces, focusing on peacekeeping operations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Turkey's military is well-equipped, with over 400,000 active-duty personnel, modern technology, and significant regional influence. As a NATO member, it plays a crucial role in Middle Eastern security.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are highly advanced, particularly in naval and air defense. While the country's pacifist constitution limits military actions, Japan's technological prowess keeps its forces highly capable.
France possesses a highly capable military, with around 205,000 active-duty personnel, including a nuclear arsenal and advanced air and naval forces. It actively participates in NATO and global peacekeeping missions and is influential in Africa.
The UK maintains a well-trained military with around 150,000 active-duty personnel, strong naval forces, and advanced technology. Its global influence is enhanced by a robust nuclear arsenal and participation in NATO missions.
South Korea has one of the most technologically advanced militaries in Asia, with a focus on defense against North Korea. It has strong air, naval, and missile defense capabilities.
India's military is one of the largest globally, with over 1.4 million active-duty personnel. It focuses on nuclear deterrence and has a rapidly modernizing air and naval force, playing a key role in regional security.
With the largest standing army in the world, comprising over 2 million active-duty personnel, China is rapidly modernizing its military forces, focusing on naval power, missile technology, and cyber warfare to enhance its global influence.
Russia boasts a powerful military with extensive nuclear capabilities. It has a large standing army, advanced air defense systems, and nuclear weapons, making it a top military power.
The US has the world’s most powerful military, with a vast active-duty force, cutting-edge technology, a substantial nuclear arsenal, and advanced air and naval capabilities. It's also supported by numerous military bases around the world.
Sources: (Global Fire Power) (Forbes)
See also: Countries that still have mandatory military service
US$2.7 trillion: World's military spending sees sharpest increase since Cold War
The United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India led the chart
LIFESTYLE Defense
Global military spending reached a record US$2.718 trillion in 2024, marking a 9.4% increase from the previous year, the steepest rise since the end of the Cold War. The increase was widespread across all regions, with Europe and the Middle East seeing particularly rapid growth.
The United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India led the way, accounting for 60% of global military spending, totaling US$1.635 trillion, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
This marks the 10th consecutive year of rising global military investment. In the case of Europe, military spending, including Russia, spiked by 17% to US$693 billion, making it the largest contributor to the global increase in 2024.
The world's top military powers are defined by their strategic capabilities, technological advancements, and global influence. These nations maintain robust defense systems, including advanced air and naval forces, and powerful nuclear arsenals. Their strength is demonstrated through involvement in current global conflicts, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. As a key military alliance, NATO plays a crucial role in coordinating defense efforts and countering global threats.
Click on to explore the leading military powers in the world.