Top 10 Most Militarily Powerful Countries

Having spent 26 years in the Air Force and still working for the Air Force as a civilian, I can tell you that the United States is the world leader in logistics. Most wars are lost due to poor logistics. If you can't maintain a long supply line and get your troops where they need to be, your war effort will lose steam and you'll eventually lose. This happened to Napoleon, Santa Ana, Hitler and even Japan. The Romans even had to avoid over extending themselves. During the second Gulf War the US military had to halt it's move into Iraq to allow the supply line to catch up. Army's with poor logistics have to win wars quickly, or they risk losing. The United States knows this and fights long, extended wars to wear out the opponent. Unless, of course, we hit with a knock out punch during a police action. The point is, if your have poor logistics, everything else is academic.

The US should be the strongest country but the US cannot be called a "Liberator" (at least for now). They were once a liberator in World War 2 where they helped Europe even though Germany didn't even try to invade the US when the war started. They sacrificed many lives to save others. After leadership became bad and US citizens lost the spirit they once had, the US became what many call a "bully". Yet if there is a major conflict and a strong leader rises, than the US can be extremely powerful. So to all the people who say the US isn't that brave, you are wrong. The US will become brave when other countries are in need of it. India wouldn't have the bravery to attack a country like Nazi Germany while Europe is dying. They would just say "We would only defend our homeland". Overall the US was once a Liberator but is not a Liberator, for now...

India is not the most powerful nation militarily by any means. Such an assertion is ridiculous. The United States military is greater than those of all other nations on earth combined. It spends more on its military than all other nations combined. There is the unique factor that we have bases in over 130 countries, gained by centuries of war and diplomacy. The United States has the greatest technology when it comes to military matters. While the list of things America exports grows smaller and smaller, it is a fact that it is the greatest exporter of military technology. The US is the only country with the B2 stealth bomber. The B2 stealth bomber is not simply another weapon in their arsenal. It is a game changer that provides an enormous competitive advantage in that it allows undetectable entry into foreign airspace with the capability of destroying the enemy via nuclear weapons. Of course even thinking of the use of nuclear weapons is horrible, but this is only in the interest of ...more

India may have an undefeated record. But the US has truly proven that they are a military superpower ever since the 20th century.
Firstly the Americans are the forefront of military innovation. They have mastered all branches of military warfare, drone technology and precision is now saving countless lives.
Secondly, has it ever occurred to anyone why America always been entrusted with the post war diplomacy with other nations. And are the ones called in too liberate innocent countries from tyranny, genocide, and terrorism? I don't see India doing the job any time soon.

I do agree that the US does waste their time in some wars over the past 20th century, but this proves evermore the strength and dynamics of the American military. Throughout many generations which have, and are to come.
The US may be vulnerable to terrorism, but India can't even feed it's 1.2 billion poverty filled populace!

This shows that it's more about the resume than the record.

US has the tech but is too scared to actually use it and they have unnecessary, meaningless, pointless and completely wasteful wars. They think they are the liberators but they aren't.

India on the other hand is in the UN's list of militaries to help out at crisis. America is selling us the military tech too so it is pointless arguing.

I have read almost all the comments of all the 10 countries and found that the people of USA are overconfident and this will surely take them down one day. It's not that Osama Bin Laden was genius but it's overconfidence of the Americans in believing that no1 can strike them deep inside their country. They rebuked us (Indians) on their comments but they forgot it's them to be rebuked of.. They forgot that war is not won by weapons, but by the courage, valour, self sacrifice... In their country everybody becomes a soldier, he should only have to qualify the physical criteria.. On the other hand, here in India, only the Jewels have been selected for the divine service to the motherland which these Americans won't be able to feel the emotions of an Indian soldier. Indian defense service personnel don't work for their salary, they sacrifice their life for MOTHER India. All that I came to know is that the Americans really don't know what we Indians and Russians are... They think they are ...more

TRUE! India is the most powerful country today, why? It's the fact that India has NEVER attacked any other country ever, and always defended against others. When China attacked India, Indian soldiers had no boots, and hardly any ammo. They had to walk in the snow and still fought off the Chinese. When England ruled over India, the act of non-violence by Mahatma Gandhi scared the British and sent them back to their own country. India is powerful, hosting the most powerful armies in the world.

But what does USA do? The USA are super cunning. For example (this has happened before) They sell arms to Afghan and Iraq and brainwash both counties to fight against eachother, and this is how US think.

India has a humungous army... An exceptionally strong military and navy too but still it believes in peace and non violence and follows the path of the father of the nation... "mahatma gandhi". More than destruction Indians think about the people around the world collectively. For them its not about exhibiting their strength and scaring other nations... Its about thinking of each human being regardless of his/her nation, caste, race, religion so on and so forth, as a creation of god whom all should respect.

What is all of this crap about putting down the USA during WWII, Russia? Listen, I'm willing to admit that Russia was indeed a world power during that desperate day and age but seriously... while American soldiers were battering down the walls of Germany and Italy, while they were helping all of allied Europe get back on its feet, Russia was getting smashed to pieces. Then, after having destroyed so much of the Russian forces who were still riding horses against tanks at times, Germany had to withdraw from the north due to both the cold of winter as well as advancing allied forces reinforced by America.

Seriously, I hold no hard feelings towards the people of the world. I in fact respect how there are so many growing super powers out there today. You guys are indeed strong and awesome. When the Reapers from Mass Effect come to earth, they're going to find that you're indeed stronger than strong in body, mind, soul. Still, don't put down America's decisions of WWII. Not when you ...more

Why the hell are the states in second place? Do you know how many times their military has FAILED?! Countless times in World War 2! They sent up waves and waves of men who just kept failing. They send up a small group of Canadians and they succeed with their goals. Why do you think most European countries hate the states? This is fact, not just some hate rant. Anwyay back to Russia. Russia should be number 2. They have the most nuclear weapons, a good air force, and a great Navy. Their nuclear power could kill us all! Plus they get tough training. The US military just has pointless ridiculous wars. Its like they enjoy fighting and do it cause they got nothing better to do. Russia for the win

Russia is a world power. Even the Bible repeatedly mentions the Kingdom of the North, a great rival of the South (the USA). Russia has the second most technologically advanced military in the world (including they have more tanks than USA-China put together). Half of all nuclear arsonel belongs to Russia, and this powerful country supplies millions of weapons, bombs, missiles, to other countries which means Russia is actually creating militaries abroad. They have had a powerful political influence to this day, even after the cold war (which back then Russia was known as the most powerful country the world has ever seen.

There is too much evidence that Russia is not just a superpower faction, but is actually a "world power". If you understand Russia you will believe, as long as you are not influenced by the deception of western media.

Russia has a large population and the most advanced tanks and aircraft in the world. In addition, according to a military expert, such a large land area makes it impossible to conquer, and the troops can always retreat further into Russia. It also has the most fire power in the world, with the largest and most developed nukes, and other bombs. In my opinion, Russia should be second after the USA (which there's not much point in voting for; it's already at the top), and placing it below India is stupid.

We will become a very strong military, we will be as strong as Russia or the USA. We defeated armies running toward us while they had guns, and we had so few. Now we also have bombs and guns so we will become more and more powerful. If we could stop others from invading us when we were weak, we can. Prevent others from invading us when we are stronger than ever.

China is nothing like what they were 100 years ago. China learned from it's mistakes and it's military strength. The only reason the Japanese beat them was because China was fighting a civil war, therefore China was not unified. If China was a single nation then the war would be easier for China.

WW2 Era: China fought Japan for 8 years during WWII. Japan was much more advanced militarily than China at the time and deploy 5 million troops into China. In the end the Japanese still lost to China.

Fast forward to 2013, China has nukes, ballistic missiles, nuclear subs and 5th generation stealth fighters. Japan is no match for the Chinese this time around.

Don't forget, Chinese were the ones who made gunpowder in the first place. Other nations should be thankful that China let others have the military they have now. Every soldier should have a gun, and China INVENTED GUNS.

Before you think "China is weak" of other BS, think about if China never exported it's gunpowder. Only China's army would have guns then. Everyone else would have bows and arrows and swords, while we would be shooting the crap out of you.

China does NOT have a paper army and their weapons do NOT fall apart. Those who claim they do are ignorant a-holes. China is the greatest Asian power, and will become a global military superpower among Russia and USA. They are way ahead of Japan economically now, and on the brink of surpassing USA as the economic superpower.

Definitely a strong military today. Their soldiers are trained to jump through fire and have soldier spirit to fight. Hell, they could even beat the US if things went wrong. China's ground force gives it a significant advantage when they are on their own soil. Which is why an invasion of China is nearly impossible. If USA tries to land their soldiers on China via landing craft, well, the Americans won't get much troops onto China, if any. If Japan tried to invade China now, they would have to go through Korea or simply attempt to land soldiers on the Chinese coast. They won't get a single Japanese foot on Chinese soil this time. China is the only one with the ASBM, or carrier killer. Japan's navy uses everything they have against the Chinese missiles, but there will be just too many of them.

China is the most powerful military. Period.

The United Kingdom is still Technically the strongest country in the world. It is the biggest investor in each of the top five economically performing countries in the world (even more so than China), thus making it the second richest country in the world behind the US, is home to the world's financial trading center (London) of which it trades trillions in sterling world wide every day on the London Stock Exchange, and has the best regarded political relations world wide. The UK is also home to BAE Systems; The most advanced global company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of defense, security, and aerospace (Air, Sea, and Land) world wide.

Her troops are volunteers NOT conscripts. They WANT to serve.

Read this nations history.

Read how this tiny fractured nation, after her subjects were taken for slaves- (read about the Barbary Corsairs) refused to bow down again.

She has taken knocks, she has taken falls, she has been knocked out, bombed and battered - but she - and her people, will ALWAYS rise up.

A main nuclear power. Unarguably amongst the very very finest special forces soldiers in the world - SAS, SBS, Pathfinders. Intimate knowledge of every battleground terrain and tactics through hundreds of years of warfare.

The Royal Marines (Formed - 1664) - The longest infantry training through NATO.

A source of pride through every single Briton.

People seem to think cause Britain is a small island it can't be a power, rubbish, being an island is a strength in terms of being much harder to invade. We are part of the eu another powerhouse. We have debaitabley the best army in the world only behind the US who no one could deny have the strongest army it's just obvious. We are also friends with America and probably always will be, although I am from the UK I do get embarrassed about the stupid special relationship people bang on about, I think we should have a so called special relationship with France Germany and in my eyes our best friends Australia first and foremost.

Conquered 1/4 of the world and 1/3 of all the people on the planet. Huge economy ranking 7th in the world and yet is the 22nd largest country by population resulting is fewer people to protect yet maintains a defense budget of 42 billion one of the highest in the world. Most of the countries on this list were ruled by the British and are economy is growing rapidly now and we certainly will not be a weak country ever. Even by 2050 where most of the LEDC countries will have progressed and have populations much bigger than the UK; we are predicted never to leave the top 10 largest economies and our military is only expanding since we have recently bought a new aircraft carrier1

France is the strongest European military power aside maybe Russia because of its high tech weapons (a lot of them are the most advanced in the world in quality and are poduced by France which is an important weapon exporter). I know that some other western European countries such as Great Britain and Germany are too military powers but they are so much less involved than France!
And it's the most involved country in actual conflicts with USA.

Very few countries have the capabilities of, on one hand, nuclear response at any time anywhere in the world and, on the other hand, rapid and massive conventional forces projection anywhere in the world. Plus a main army that is capable of resisting to any attack to the country. All that with top and national technology.

Until today, France is the first world superpower in Africa. The USA believes on France to protect Africa against the terrorism, Africa believes on France to train them, Europe believes on France to protect Europe conjointly with UK. They are also one of the most present on the world with a large number of bases in oceans and Africa.

I think they deserve to be on this list because of what they have done in the past. They nearly destroyed Germany but failed due to a three front war with the Nazis, Spainish and Italians. They also caused huge impact in the European war. And today, they are way better. They have the 4th best navy, have very good tatics and have a lot of really good vechies

I think the German army is understimated. They don't own the highest amount of troops, neither do they have nuclear power. But as I heard they are able to create nuclear weapons within minutes. I mean, they are the country which led to the invention of the atomic bomb. And even if they are selling thir high developed tanks and so on to other states, doesn't mean they have already achieved new weapons, none of their allies knows about. I think the German perfectionism makes them one of most feared enemy you could have. Remember WWII, if the war would have lasted longer without the US signing a war declaration, with it's nearly infinite amount of resources in relativity to Germany, the country could have fought all enemies off, just by more advanced techniques.
Not first place but still to mention.

Germany's biggest strengths are their ability to muster 36! million man and their underestimation by other countries. You wouldn't fear Germany, this sweet apologizing country which publishes it's military ever year, do you? But just compare it's manpower to those of other countries: Poland might have 13-14 mil man able to fight, France might have 30! But none of them could ever match the German superiority of manpower. Standing armies mean technically nothing. Germany could only maintaine an army of 500 man, 2 days after the declaration of war it could have mobilized 80% of it's manpower.

Germany has the third largest economy in the world, they have created some of the greatest weapons in history and of the modern world, like the StG44, which was copied by the Russians to make the AK47, and is the basis by which all assault rifles are created. Check the facts Germany almost always had the latest and greatest weapons of the time, After WW1 Germany was a third world country with only 100,000 soldiers, with in 18 years Germany was a global superpower with the largest military in the world, Germany has the potential to become modern superpower... And they have tanks that can run on cooking oil and biodiesel

I believe personally that Germany is the strongest country. It takes the entire world to defeat it, even when it has horrible leaders, like Hitler. So what, the U. S has some nukes, Germany has the money, and the resourses to make more nukes than any country. And, Germany's debt isn't in the trillions, I think. I know that Germany is WAY underrated, considering what it did in the past. The Americans are just self-proclaimed leaders of the world, and if Germany planned it out right, they would win by a landslide. And even now, Germany is more free. You don't see them banning guns everywhere, do you? Yea. I think I've proven my point. Germany, my friends, hast the greatest army.

If you all think about it, almost every war so far that japan has been in so far, they've been behind in technology. Then they go and study their heads off and become insanely strong.
Look at WW2, and if we end up in WW3, Japan will without a doubt be one of the global superpowers when it comes to what technology.

Survived for 22,000 years without being successfully invaded. They did get defeated, by the USA dropping nukes on them, but even the Mongols couldn't conquer them. And the mongols basically did nothing BUT conquer.

Is this a joke? I think Japan is better than Germany because Japan has more powerful navy and air power and technologies

Japan is basically a colony of the US, the military is dominated by US Army Pacific and the Pacific Fleet.

South Korea is strong but still needs many more military areas for improvement. And it has managed to defeat some countries, but still relies on some help. I do agree that North Korea is strong but North Korea is very aggressive, I'm surprised it's in the UN. I think that Korea should improve but still is a respectably strong country. Nobody can ignore that. South Korea should keep growing!

Go! The country of a "peaceful quiet morning."(which makes it Cho Sun).

Actually Korea is a peaceful country. Despite of the loud and noisy neighbors(Japan China), this country was always reluctant to fight, so they have no history of invasion(except for the fights to take back of their lands).

When Korea was in a Cho Sun dynasty they had a history of attacking the Japanese Tsushima island to scold the Japanese pirates and conquered the island, but gave it back to Japan right away.

The ancestors of the Koreans are call sunbi. They wore white clothing and loved reading and walking through the mountains.

So if Japan is a country of samurai, Korea is a country of sunbi, which is totally the opposite character with samurai.

It's a bit sad for me that this country is a strong country these days. Because of the US and the Soviet Union, they've got split into two countries, and these two Korea is a threat to each other now, so South Korea became a strong ...more

Since it is in the constant danger of war, South Korea has a very strict and strong military. Japan cannot be in the list. Why? Because after WW2, Japan vowed he will not make any more aggressive military products. They can make defense strategies, but not a real military. South Korea has a lot of high tech weapons due to its electronical power. K1a1, battle-hardened soldiers with k2 AR, F15 and f35, apache's... an unstoppable power of military

North Korea may have more tanks and soldiers overall, but South Korea will still beat them because they are way more technologically advanced. Always go for quality over quantity!

Turkey has one of the most powerful army in the world and they're continued of Ottoman Empire. As you know, Ottoman Empire was the owner of the world formerly. Because of it, Turkey's soldiers are so experienced and well trained. Also they have special team called Marron Berets. They're best special team (you can Google it) in the world. Also Turkey so well advanced and civilize country. They've own weapons and planes etc.

Ottoman empire, always God on its way is for always your fathers bestowal it in the soil always victory obtained they will. By permission Allah.

The Navy and MB7(Maroon Berets 7) is the number one in Western Europe. Check out the Global Fire Power for more information. The army of Turkey using the most modernized and high tech weaponry of 21st Century. It's an honorable member of both NATO and UN. The MB7 also trains Mossad and U. S ground troops in Incirlik military base. Turkish army kept growing since 80's.

Because we are a strong and civilized country. We are Muslims and we love all the people in the world. Thanks.

Just to wonder why North Korea is not in the list of top 10. North Korea have strong army forces. They have strong discipline of unity in military. North Koreans were brainwashed to serve their leader like a God. Propaganda lead North Koreans to live as a patriotic citizens. North Korean armies were well trained to become an elite due to their mind contains the hatred of Americans. They were born to hate Americans since kindergarten, they don't have feeling in their life. Their senior judge and criticize them are wrong then they have to accept it then self improvement. North Korea is just like a large prison camp that citizens never know about the truth of outside world.
The government in North Korea just concentrate their main development in nuclear weapon. They also purchase a lot of military weapons from China and Russia.

North Korea may not be the strongest current military but I think that if North Korea were to enter a war, they could have no problem drafting every single able bodied citizen into the military. The North Koreans are so brainwashed that they would do ANYTHING for their country, literally. North Korea already abuses human rights to the max, so they wouldn't have any problem forcing all of their people into the military. If they were to draft all of their able bodied people (which is very well possible), it would create a North Korean military of 20,000,000+

The only reason the North Koreans have such a large army is because the government gives the families of all military personnel free food, resulting in a fight or starve system. Most of them are malnourished and untrained at any form of combat. They have a tiny Air Force, no navy worth mentioning and less nuclear missiles than the USA has on one of it's submarines. So, no, they have one of the worst armies in the world. I doubt that without China helping them they wouldn't be able to take over Delaware.

North Korea has the world's largest standing army (including reserves) of 7 million. That's even more than the troops in the United States and Canada combined. Might as well throw in Mexico and Brazil for extra credit..

Canadians train Americans in there combat skill, our forces may be small, but the skill in a true Canadian could just be any countries ticket to hell. We never give up, never surrender, and will NEVER let anyone take our beautiful homeland!

Canada is the strongest: it's a good thing they're so nice. They have so much resources at there disposal.

Also Canadians trained the Americans in combat skill.

Canada should be top 10: just because we're peaceful doesn't mean we're not strong.

Canada's infantry is trained the same way as the navy seal and I'm fairly sure they are "Elite". So if American "Elite" soldier are trained like our regular soldiers. How good are the Canadian Elite soldiers then?

I voted for Turkey but my mom is canadian so I voted and I will talk about Canada. Canada is a big country so they have a big chance of defending they're country and canadians have skill so they have a big chance of wining a lot of wars

The Australian army has about 46,000 active soldiers, and 56,000 reserve soldiers as the land is big but only about 22 million people actually live there. I am Australian and what I like about the our military the most is its war history and the SAS. The Aussie SAS are so well trained that you wouldn't know the difference if you saw a British team in combat or an Australian one. Because the British are so well trained as well. Australia has pretty good pilots and a navy that keeps our waters safe. The only thing we lack in is vehicles, as we don't produce many of our war machinery, nearly all of it is imported from Western Europe or North America. But at least we know how to use the best out of them.

Australia's light horse division even took Beersheba from Turkey and Germany in World War 1 and they were the only nation to successfully do it, They also fought at Gallipoli alongside New Zealand. Australian soldiers defended their home land in World War 2 when the Japanese bombed Darwin and other towns, and how The soldiers also fought at Kokoda track. Australia might not have nuclear weapons or the biggest army, but we have one of the Bravest armies out their. Australia is also very loyal to their allies because we have fought alongside of them in many wars. Overall if you mess with Australia it will fight back and win!

Even though Indonesia has a huge population compared to Australia, it doesn't Mean Australia wouldn't stand a chance, it's not all about better weapons or more troops, it's also about tactics, Australia stays below the radar of most countries and has ended up with only one major attack. If the world went to war, they would stand a chance because firstly they are quite remote, secondly they have good allies in helpful places and thirdly Australia doesn't just run into battle if something doesn't look right.

Australia may be underrated but it is powerful. It has high quite high tech weapons and vehicles. I personally believe it has pretty well trained personnel (Even though that is what everybody says) and has the minerals and wealth to whip up powerful weapons in no time. (One of the largest exporters or gold, uranium, coal and iron)

Italy is the 5th country in terms of importance and contribution within NATO,

And it's part of the 'NATO Quint Group' (USA, Germany, France, Italy, UK), the most influential countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Italy is the 5th most important player in the NATO, the 5th contributor, the 2th by number of soldiers engaged in missions abroad.

Of course Italy has a great navy. That's because italy's navy has 2 aircraft carriers 4 destroyers and many other warships

Italy was too busy to save as many Jews as possible from the Nazi-Germans bloody insanity.

Did you know that "This" beat US and France and China in the past. With their will to do anything to protect their country and their unmeasured patriotic, bold. What kind of army can stand against those during "day and night"?. And their creative traps/weapons. The history have lighted it all

Their military system is so powerful! I mean South East Asia's Most powerful military system I really known in my whole life to make this country a peaceful & progressive one! Way to go!

They're sizing up their military for the fight for the resources in the South China Sea. Vietnam isn't scared for a fight, so it's pretty impressive.

I wouldn't think that Vietnam actually won the war against China (nobody won) but we kicked a lot of ass that time. Same goes with the USA, we beat the Americans

The fact that Iran has protected itself successfully for more than 6000 years shows how powerful they are. Some of the contries on top are the ones that have been created 100 or 200 years ago. Some of them are so far away from other lands they owe their power to their geographical position. Iran is located in the middle of everything and has remained a big powerful empire.

Iran a Muslim country with largest, powerful, strongest army and have up to date guns, weapons, nuclear bombs and the powerful military country in Middle East and the army is so bravest and strong that it fights with with so bravery. PAK Iran ZINDABAD

You know your tough when your nickname is Fortress Iran. And due to the fact that they are developing Nukes, the fortress might be radioactive.

Iran is not first or second powerful in world but his not really in this rate and I think Iran is stronger than Israel.

Taiwan has a very strong military.

HMM...

Egypt Air Force:

Receives 75% of military spending.

Really really overpowered!

Army/Marine Corps:

Receives the 25% left over.

Can still be pretty decent.

They have a very large air force. I think most of their spending is on aircraft, but that does give them a huge advantage over opponents, especially those that don't even have an airforce.

Spends a lot on their air force because they knwo that NO ONE would EVER be stupid enough to attack them on land. You would have to go through tons of desert just to get there, and I don't think anyhone has the will to do that.

Most powerful African country with 10th largest armed forces in the world..though technologically inferior to israel.The military hardware is not bad.

Bappa Rawal chased Muslim invaders all the way to where they rose... Arabia

In a country comprised of 832 old people...Why am I not surprised.

Very dominant army, good sharp pikes in use!

It is supported by italy

Good for its size

Brazilian army has the best jungle fighters in the world if they were in the Afghanistan war, have won.

We won all wars we participated.

It's a powerful country

In my opinion a country with no military, is better than a country with a military. Why? So they don't have to spend billions of dollars EXPENSIVE military stuff.

They only have around 100 coast guards and policemen.

There will be peace there forever.

WHAT!. Why is Indonesia 78th best in the world. Tjey are clearly top 30 in tje world... Do you guys read history... They are actually the 19th best in the world. Sure they don't have any nuclear power but they have the best troops and tje best weopons. The troops have been train to be great which they are. That is why Indonesia should be at least number 7 in this list

I belive Indonesian army are not afraid, besides Indonesian army is one strong piece of armed forces.

Indonesia have though and fearless soldier.
Even without modern tools, they still can survive in any situation.

The graduation of Copassuss: they must swim from Java island to Sumatera island or Kalimantan island, IN THE SEA...