When it comes to the world’s military might, size does matter. The number of active personnel directly correlates with a nation’s ability to project power and defend its interests. But which countries have the biggest militaries? In this article we will be looking at the top 10 largest militaries based on active personnel around the world, with rankings according to the latest data from 2019. Find out who is at the top of the list and how their size shapes global security.
United States
The United States has the largest military in the world, with over 2.1 million active personnel. The US military is also the most expensive, with a budget of over $700 billion. The US Army is the largest branch, with over 1.3 million soldiers. The US Navy is the second largest, with over 335,000 sailors. The US Marine Corps is the third largest, with over 182,000 Marines. The US Air Force is the fourth largest, with over 317,000 airmen.
China
As the world’s most populous country, it’s no surprise that China also has the largest standing army in the world. With over 2 million active personnel, the People’s Liberation Army is a formidable force.
China has a long history of military power, dating back to ancient times. In more recent years, the country has modernized its armed forces and has been increasingly involved in international peacekeeping efforts.
Despite its large size, the Chinese military faces some challenges. For example, there is a shortage of experienced officers and non-commissioned officers 1630 military time. Additionally, the quality of equipment lags behind that of other militaries. However, China continues to invest in its military and is working to improve these deficiencies.
India
The Indian armed forces are the military forces of the Republic of India. It consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Armed Forces are under the management of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Government of India. With over 1.4 million active personnel, it is the world’s second-largest military force and has the world’s largest volunteer army. It is also one of the largest militaries in terms of equipment.
The Indian Army is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The President serves as Supreme Commander of the Army, and it is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star general. Two officers have been conferred with the rank of field marshal, a five-star rank, which is a ceremonial position of great honour. The Indian Army originated from the armies of East India Company, which eventually became British India’s national army after independence from British Crown rule in 1947. Currently, it has over 1 million active personnel and operates 740 tanks, 6500 armoured fighting vehicles, 3000 artillery guns, 160 fighter aircrafts, 140 attack helicopters and 250 transport aircrafts.
The Indian Navy is a well-balanced three dimensional force capable of operating above, on and under surface of water and in air. It protects our national interests from sea borne threats through deterrence and if required can aggressively employ
Russia
1. Russia: The Russian Federation has the largest military in the world based on active personnel, with over 1 million soldiers. The Russian army is also one of the most formidable and well-equipped in the world, with a wide range of tanks, artillery, and other weapons.
2. China: The People’s Liberation Army of China is the second-largest military in the world by active personnel, with over 2 million soldiers. The Chinese army is also one of the most technologically advanced, with a strong focus on cyber warfare and artificial intelligence.
3. United States: The US Armed Forces are the third-largest in the world by active personnel, with over 1 million soldiers. The US military is highly technologically advanced and has a vast array of weapon systems, making it one of the most powerful militaries in the world.
4. India: The Indian Armed Forces are the fourth-largest in the world by active personnel, with over 1 million soldiers. India has a large and modern military, which includes some of the most advanced fighter jets and missile systems in the world.
5. North Korea: The Korean People’s Army is the fifth-largest military in the world by active personnel, with over 1 million soldiers. North Korea has a large and well-trained army, but it is hampered by outdated equipment and limited resources.
North Korea
1. North Korea
With an active personnel of 1,190,000, North Korea takes the top spot as the country with the largest military in the world. This is despite the fact that the country has one of the smallest populations, with just 25 million people. The large size of North Korea’s military is due to the country’s focus on ensuring its military readiness. In addition, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for 10 years.
Pakistan
The Pakistan Armed Forces are the seventh-largest in the world in terms of active personnel, with 1,362,500 soldiers. The Pakistani military has an array of equipment at its disposal, including 477 main battle tanks and over 2,000 armoured fighting vehicles.
Pakistan also has a strong air force, with 890 aircraft and over 140 helicopters. The country’s navy is relatively small but includes submarines and frigates. Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is estimated to include around 120 warheads.
Brazil
Brazil has the largest military in Latin America and is one of the top 10 largest militaries in the world. The Brazilian Army is the largest branch of the military, with over 340,000 active personnel. The Navy is the second-largest branch, with over 220,000 active personnel. The Air Force is the third-largest branch, with over 160,000 active personnel. Brazil also has a large reserve force, with over 1.6 million reservists.
The Brazilian military is a professional and well-trained force. It is equipped with modern weapons and vehicles, and has a strong air force and navy. The Brazilian Army has participated in many international peacekeeping missions, including in Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
Indonesia
Indonesia has the largest military in Southeast Asia and is the second-largest standing military force in the world after China. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) consists of the Army (TNI-AD), Navy (TNI-AL), and Air Force (TNI-AU). As of 2020, it has a total active personnel of 1,137,500. The TNI is backed up by reservists totaling 4.5 million people.
The Indonesian military has been involved in various conflicts such as the Indonesian–Malaysian confrontation and the East Timor conflict. It has also been an active participant in UN peacekeeping missions such as in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Somalia.
The TNI’s budget for 2020 is $7.9 billion, making it one of the 15 largest militaries in terms of spending. Indonesia plans to increase its defense budget to $10 billion by 2024.
Turkey
Turkey has the second-largest military in NATO and the 12th largest in the world. Turkey has an active personnel of 739,450. In terms of land forces, Turkey has 486,000 soldiers and is ranked 10th in the world. Turkey also has the second-largest air force in NATO with 3,208 aircraft.
Iran
The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, also known as the Iranian Armed Forces, consists of five branches: the Army, the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Navy, and the Aerospace Force of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution. As of 2019, Iran has a total active personnel strength of 523,000.
The Army is responsible for ground warfare and is by far the largest branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, with 329,000 active personnel. The Army’s equipment includes main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, artillery, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-tank guided missiles.
The Revolutionary Guard Corps is a paramilitary force that answers to the Supreme Leader of Iran and is responsible for maintaining domestic order and protecting sensitive government facilities. The IRGC has 175,000 active personnel and is equipped with tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, surface-to-air missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and artillery.
The Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran is tasked with maintaining law and order within Iran’s borders. The LEF has 90,000 active personnel and is equipped with patrol cars, motorcycles, watercrafts, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft.
The Navy is responsible for defending Iran’s coastline and maintaining its maritime sovereignty. The Navy has 20 ships including frigates and corvettes as well as a submarine fleet. In