Most Powerful Militaries in the World

Military might is a common factor to consider on the political, social, and diplomatic stage. It
determines much of policy and understanding the relations between countries. But how do we define
military strength? The amount of weapons, weapon diversity, nuclear stockpiles, economic status,
geographic factors, total available personnel, allies, and other factors are taken into account when
assessing military power. With this in mind, in 2018, the top five countries in terms of military power
based on the aforementioned aspects are the United States, Russia, China, India, and France, in
sequence.

In 2018, the U.S. kept its number one spot, despite spreading itself a bit thin due to many campaigns.
With a total personnel of 2,083,100, total aircraft strength at 13,362 units, 38,822 armored fighting
vehicles, and total navel assets reaching 415 (and much more), the U.S. stands out as the most
impressive military in the world. Another interesting aspect of the data is that the U.S. uses 19 million
barrels of oil a day. This shows clearly how oil drives war and the economy in consequence (“2018
United States Military Strength”).

In second place, Russia had a strong year, in which it engaged in several high-profile programs to
transform its worldwide image. With 3,586,128 personnel, Russia outmatches the U.S. in terms of staff.
However, it has significantly less total aircraft strength, with 3,914 units. Though Russia has less armored
fighting vehicles as compared to the U.S. (27,400), it has many more tanks than their rival (20,300).
Historically, Russia has been enamored with the use of tanks, and it has been a symbol of the nation’s
strength. So, it is no surprise that Russia has many more tanks. In terms of its navy, it is a close second
with 352 naval assets. Russia and the U.S. have been rivals for decades, so it is not out of place for the
two militaries to be first and second place in terms of power (“2018 Russia Military Strength”).

Another country with a huge land mass is China, and it has the third most powerful military in the world.
In 2018, its military-industrial complex grew with its technological advancement and its military
products being sold at greater rates. With its population of over one billion, it easily has 2,693,000
personnel. China also has a total of 3,035 aircraft units, an impressive 9,000 armored fighting vehicles,
an amazing 714 naval assets, and much more. An alarming fact is that their oil usage is at an incredible
10,120,000 barrels per day. China’s military, like its economy, has a bright future, and might eventually
overtake Russia and possibly the U.S. in military power in the next 50 years (“2018 China Military
Strength”).

Despite India being deemed a third-world country by many specialists, it is a rapidly developing nation.
In fact, it has the fourth most powerful military in the world, which is no small feat. It has a huge market
for military goods, and also partakes in high-profile military campaigns. It has an astounding total
military personnel of 4,207,250, with an aircraft strength of 2,185 units, 4,426 combat tanks, 295 naval
assets, and a consumption of 3,510,000 barrels of oil daily. Like China, India is expected to grow greatly
within 50 years in regard to military strength (“2018 India Military Strength”).

In fifth place, we have France. Its military status was mostly stable in 2018, with a continuation of
military commitments. Though it only has a personnel count of 388,635, they have a total aircraft
strength of 1,262, 6,330 armored fighting vehicles, 118 naval assets, and a defense budget of 40 billion
dollars. It has many allies, especially being in the European Union. Its military might is not expected to
grow much in the future, and might garner some losses if the European Union continues to deteriorate
(“2018 France Military Strength”).

Military power in this modern age is as important as ever. Having a strong military determ