Washington: Tensions are running high around the world these days. War-like situations exist on almost every continent, whether it’s between India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Vietnam, or Russia and Ukraine. The US has further escalated the crisis by attacking Venezuela. There are fears that the US may soon attack Iran as well. In this situation, almost all countries are increasing their military strength according to their capabilities. Using data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 2025 Military Balance report, a ranking has been released based on the number of active soldiers. Find out which countries are included in the top 10 and where India ranks.
China:
China has the world’s largest army. The Chinese army has 2,035,000 active soldiers. China’s defense budget is also $235 billion. The Chinese army is also known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It is the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and operates directly under the Central Military Commission (CMC), whose chairman is currently President Xi Jinping.
India:
India has the world’s second-largest army. The Indian army has 1,476,000 active soldiers. India’s defense budget is $74.4 billion. The Indian Army recently demonstrated its strength during Operation Sindoor. The Indian Army is operationally divided into 7 commands. Under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), the army is placing special emphasis on indigenous weapons, such as Tejas and Akash missiles.
United States:
The United States has the world’s third-largest army. The US army has 1,316,000 active soldiers. The US defense budget is $968 billion. By 2025, US military bases were spread across more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. The primary objective of the US Army is to organize, train, and equip active duty and reserve forces to maintain the peace, security, and defense of the country, enabling rapid and sustained combat operations on land.
North Korea:
North Korea has the world’s fourth-largest army. The North Korean army has 1,280,000 active personnel. North Korea’s defense budget is classified. The North Korean army is also known as the Korean People’s Army (KPA). It is currently rapidly focusing on modern technology and the expansion of nuclear weapons under the leadership of Kim Jong-un. North Korea possesses over 3,500 battle tanks, 2,500 armored vehicles, and a large number of long-range artillery pieces.
Russia:
Russia has the world’s fifth-largest army. The Russian army has 1,134,000 active personnel. Russia’s defense budget is $12.3 billion. Since 2026, Russia has changed its traditional seasonal conscription to year-round military recruitment. The Russian army is currently considered one of the most powerful armies in the world, ranked second in the Global Firepower Index 2026 list.
Ukraine:
War-torn Ukraine has the world’s sixth-largest army. The Ukrainian army has 730,000 active personnel. Ukraine’s defense budget is $28.4 billion. As of the latest situation in January 2026, the Ukrainian army is engaged in a decisive and technologically advanced war with Russia. The Ukrainian army is currently fighting amidst extreme cold and an energy crisis, as Russian attacks have significantly reduced Ukraine’s power generation capacity.
Pakistan:
Pakistan has the world’s seventh-largest army. The Pakistani army has 660,000 active personnel. Pakistan’s defense budget is $8.4 billion. The Pakistani military wields considerable influence not only in the country’s defense but also in its political and economic spheres. According to the Global Firepower Index 2026, Pakistan’s military is the 14th most powerful in the world.
Iran:
Iran possesses the world’s eighth-largest military. The Iranian military has 610,000 active personnel. Iran’s defense budget is $8 billion. In terms of manpower, the Iranian military is the largest in the Middle East. According to the 2026 military rankings, Iran has the 16th most powerful military in the world. The Iranian military possesses 2,600 tanks, 75,000 armored vehicles, and 1,500 rocket launchers.
Ethiopia:
Ethiopia has the world’s ninth-largest military. The Ethiopian military has 503,000 active personnel. Ethiopia’s defense budget is $623 million. The Ethiopian military is also known as the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). It is one of the most powerful and largest militaries in East Africa. The ENDF comprises eight command forces, which are governed by the Defence Commanders Council, chaired by the Chief of General Staff.
South Korea:
South Korea has the world’s tenth-largest military. The South Korean military has 500,000 active personnel. South Korea’s defense budget is $43.9 billion. According to 2026 reports, it ranks among the top 5 in the global military power index. South Korea has mandatory military service of 18 to 21 months for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 35.
