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Top 10 Countries With Most Powerful Military Strength [2025] – Forbes India

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Top 10 Countries With Most Powerful Military Strength [2025] – Forbes India


If you look closer at military strength rankings, the top 10 powerful countries boast fairly impressive military capabilities, setting them apart. These nations have a strong military heritage and are continuously enhancing their military might, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the title of the most powerful army in the world.

Global Firepower’s Military Strength Rankings 2025 evaluates 145 countries, considering over 60 individual factors like troop numbers, military equipment, financial stability, geographic location, and available resources. These elements contribute to a PowerIndex score, with lower scores indicating stronger military capabilities.

In this article, we will look at the world’s top 10 most powerful militaries for 2025.

The top 10 powerful countries in the world by military strength rankings, according to GFP, are:

It’s time to take a more detailed look at the top 10 military powers in the world and find out why they are so high in the military strength rankings. And how much they spend on military expenses according to the World Bank:

United States

  • Capital: Washington, D.C.
  • Military spending: $876 billion

The United States stands first among the top 10 militaries in the world. This dominant position is attributed to the country’s commanding presence in crucial material, financial, and resource categories. The United States also leads globally in technological advancements, excelling in the medical, aerospace, and computer/telecom sectors. The nation possesses 13,209 aircraft, with 983 being attack helicopters.

Key exports encompass computers, electrical machinery, vehicles, chemicals, food, live animals, and military gear. The nation often assumes leadership roles in international bodies and is pivotal in establishing entities like the United Nations, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), and the World Bank.

Also Read: Top 10 smallest countries in the world

Russia

  • Capital: Moscow
  • Military spending: $86.3 billion

With a history spanning a millennium, Russia came into being after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, maintaining nearly 900,000-strong active military forces. Russia has advanced technology, a significant and well-trained military force, and strategic global influence. However, the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War has highlighted shortcomings regarding leadership, preparedness, and supply chain management within the Russian military. Nevertheless, Russia continues to hold its second-place position among the top 10 armies in the world.

China

  • Capital: Beijing
  • Military spending: $291 billion

China, home to one of the world’s most ancient civilisations, has been under communist rule since its founding as the People’s Republic of China in 1949. It boasts the world’s second-largest economy, next only to the United States.

Ranking third among the most powerful militaries in the world, China enjoys a significant economic advantage with significant manpower. China has been channelling substantial efforts into bolstering its naval, airpower, and land warfare capabilities, primarily through domestic sources. China has 3,304 aircraft and 5,000 tanks among its substantial resources.

India

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Military spending: $81.3 billion

In South Asia, India occupies a peninsula between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Throughout history, India encountered incursions from various invaders, including Turks, Arabs, Persians, and the British. The country became a republic in 1950 after gaining independence from British rule in 1947. 

India’s large population, growing focus on digitisation and modernisation, and an efficient domestic military-industrial complex make it one of the top 5 strongest armies in the world. India possesses a total of 2,216 aircraft, 4,614 tanks, and 295 assets in terms of naval forces.

South Korea

  • Capital: Seoul
  • Military spending: $46.3 billion

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is an East Asian nation in the southern region of the Korean peninsula. The capital, Seoul, was strategically positioned at the heart of the peninsula during the Joseon dynasty due to its auspicious feng shui, emphasising harmony and well-being through object placement.

South Korea possesses the strength of its aircraft fleet, armoured fighting vehicles, and helicopter assets. With over 133,000 vehicles and 739 helicopters, including a formidable fleet of 112 attack helicopters, South Korea’s military prowess is a testament to its ongoing commitment to security, fueled by decades-old tensions with North Korea.

United Kingdom

  • Capital: London
  • Military spending: $68.46 billion

The United Kingdom is situated in the northwestern part of Europe, encompassing the island of Great Britain, which includes England. Its capital, London, holds a prominent global status as a significant financial hub, catering to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. London is also renowned as one of the world’s most visited cities.

The United Kingdom stands tall among the top 10 militaries in the world with its manpower, airpower, logistical efficiency, and financial resources. The UK’s strong aerial tanker aircraft fleet and available ports are significant advantages.

France

  • Capital: Paris
  • Military spending: $61.30 billion

Japan

  • Capital: Tokyo
  • Military spending: $45.99 billion

Japan is one of the globe’s most literate and technologically advanced nations, an impressive feat even as much of its terrain is dominated by mountains and dense forests. Its citizens embrace an urban lifestyle influenced by neighbouring cultures, harmonising ancient traditions with Western elements and showcasing a unique cultural blend.

Japan excels with major ports among the top 10 powerful countries, showcasing its strategic maritime advantage. With four helicopter carriers, Japan secures the second spot in this category, just behind the United States. This fleet is equipped with advanced onboard technology for specialised roles on the battlefield. Japan maintains a capable and well-rounded military force with 50,000 Air Force personnel, 150,000 Army personnel, and 51,000 Navy personnel.

Turkiye

  • Capital: Ankara
  • Military spending: $10.6 billion

The geographical location of Turkey, the gateway between Europe and Asia, makes it one of the most strategically powerful countries in the world. Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952, and with a strength of 3,55,000 active armed personnel, it has the second-largest military in the alliance.

Although historically, the United States and NATO member countries have been top arms exporters to Turkey, it has started expanding its imports, making Russia its significant arms trade partner. Further, Turkey is heavily investing in its indigenous defence industry and pursuing over 700 projects.



Italy

  • Capital: Rome
  • Military spending: $33.4 billion

Italy, officially known as the Italian Republic, is a Southern European country and a member of the European Union. Italy is renowned for its diverse cuisine, including pasta, pizza, and wine, with regional variations. Historically, it comprised smaller kingdoms and city-states before unification in 1861.

Italy, the last in GFP’s list of top 10 powerful countries, excels in areas such as its aerial tanker aircraft fleet, substantial total helicopter strength, impressive attack aircraft capabilities, and the possession of multiple aircraft carrier warships. Italy has a fleet of 404 helicopters, including 58 attack helicopters.




















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Health

India’s latest MMR shows a declining trend

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May 8, 2025

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India’s latest MMR shows a declining trend


Image for representation.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India declined to 93 per lakh live births in 2019-21 from 97 in 2018-20, and 103 in 2017-2019, according to the latest data released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

The data show the highest MMR occurs in the 20-29 years age group, and the second highest MMR is seen in the 30-34 years age group.

Several States, including Madhya Pradesh (175), Assam (167), Uttar Pradesh (151), Odisha (135), Chhattisgarh (132), West Bengal (109), and Haryana (106), have high MMRs.

The Registrar General arrives at estimates on fertility and mortality using the Sample Registration System, one of the largest demographic sample surveys in the country.

The MMR in a region is a measure of the reproductive health of women in the area. One of the key indicators of maternal mortality is the MMR, defined as the number of maternal deaths during a given time period per 100,000 live births during the same time period as reported.

The U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim at reducing global MMR to to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.

Many women in the reproductive age span die due to complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth, or abortion. “Maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The data states that maternal deaths, being a rare event, require prohibitively large sample sizes to provide robust estimates.

The WHO notes that, every day in 2023, over 700 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. “A maternal death occurred almost every 2 minutes in 2023. Between 2000 and 2023, the MMR…dropped by about 40% worldwide. Just over 90% of all maternal deaths occurred in low- and lower-middle-income countries in 2023. Care by skilled health professionals before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns,’’ the WHO said.

Published – May 08, 2025 10:10 pm IST



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MDRF, U.S. researchers call for precision treatment following discovery of a new subtype of monogenic diabetes

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May 8, 2025

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MDRF, U.S. researchers call for precision treatment following discovery of a new subtype of monogenic diabetes


Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, along with Dr Radha Venkatesan, Head of Genomics, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, addressing a press conference
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Scientists from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), Chennai, in collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, United States, have discovered a previously unrecognised subtype of Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), and have called for wider access to genetic screening and precision treatment for diabetes patients, particularly in India.

The findings were presented to the media at a conference held at the MDRF here on Thursday.

MODY is a rare, inherited form of diabetes caused by mutations in a single gene, typically appearing in adolescents and young adults. While 13 MODY subtypes have been recognised to date, the newly identified variant challenges long-standing assumptions about the condition, doctors said.

Need for genetic testing in diabetes management

Researchers say the breakthrough not only adds to scientific understanding but also underscores the urgent need to integrate genetic testing into routine diabetes care. This, they noted, could mark a turning point in improving diagnosis, treatment, and long-term disease management for thousands of individuals living with undetected or misclassified forms of monogenic diabetes.

These defects primarily affect the pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin synthesis and secretion.

These defects primarily affect the pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for insulin synthesis and secretion.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The study, published in the journal — Diabetes —of the American Diabetes Association, identifies Loss of Function (LOF) mutations in the ABCC8 gene (it helps regulate insulin release in the pancreas by controlling a channel that responds to glucose levels, allowing insulin to be released into the bloodstream, when needed), in contrast to the Gain of Function (GOF) mutations previously linked to MODY and neonatal diabetes. The new variant results in early-life hypoglycemia, followed by later-onset diabetes — a progression previously undocumented in MODY cases.

Colin G. Nichols, lead researcher, Washington University School of Medicine, highlighted in the study that the LOF mutation impairs potassium channel function in pancreatic beta cells, disrupting insulin secretion. He said the study marked the first observed switch from congenital hyperinsulinism to diabetes in maturity-onset diabetes of the young context.

Clinical implications and treatment possibilities

Radha Venkatesan, executive scientific officer, head of molecular genomics at MDRF and co-lead author, emphasised the clinical implications of this discovery. “This variant does not respond to conventional treatments such as sulphonylureas, which are effective in other MODY forms. Understanding the underlying genetic mechanism is key to guiding appropriate therapy,” she said.

Insulin secretion is the process by which pancreatic beta cells release insulin into the bloodstream. 

Insulin secretion is the process by which pancreatic beta cells release insulin into the bloodstream. 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Sulfonylureas work by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas, lowering blood sugar levels

Sulfonylureas work by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas, lowering blood sugar levels
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

V. Mohan, chairman of MDRF, reiterated the importance of incorporating genetic testing into standard diabetes diagnosis. “Many patients with MODY remain undiagnosed or misclassified as having type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This discovery strengthens the case for precision diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

The findings are based on clinical data and laboratory analysis of Indian patients. Researchers believe that expanding access to genetic testing could lead to earlier detection and more effective care for individuals with monogenic forms of diabetes.

Published – May 08, 2025 09:54 pm IST



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Thalassemia burden in West Bengal higher than national average

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May 8, 2025

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Thalassemia burden in West Bengal higher than national average


The National Health Mission report of 2016 estimates that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 babies with Thalassemia Major are born each year in India. Image for representation.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

On World Thalassemia Day, experts in West Bengal highlighted the alarming prevalence of Thalassemia in the State, noting that it exceeds the national average. According to the West Bengal Health Department, 6% to 10% of the state’s population carries the disease, compared to the national average of 3% to 4%, as per 2011 Census data.

Beta Thalassemia and sickle cell disorders continue to be major health challenges in India, with Thalassemia being one of the most common inherited blood disorders. The condition results in a reduced level of haemoglobin in the body, impairing the transport of oxygen in the blood. It is among the most common single-gene disorders worldwide.

The National Health Mission report of 2016 estimates that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 babies with Thalassemia Major are born each year in India. Studies have also pointed out that certain communities, including Bengalis, Sindhis, Punjabis, and Gujaratis, exhibit higher carrier frequencies.

In West Bengal, the burden of Thalassemia is exacerbated by several factors, including a lack of awareness and the prevalence of intra-community marriages. “We have over 18,000 blood transfusion-dependent patients in the state. The patient positivity rate stands at 2.5%,” a source in the West Bengal Health Department told The Hindu.

To mark World Thalassemia Day on May 8, awareness programs were organized across the state to educate the public. A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research found that many people remain unaware of Thalassemia’s inheritance patterns. Inadequate screening and a lack of education on the disease have been major contributors to its spread.

West Bengal currently has 36 Thalassemia Control Units (TCUs) across various districts, which are actively screening populations, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy and among adolescents. The goal is to ensure that future generations are free of Thalassemia.

“As there is no law in India regarding this, we cannot prevent marriages. The best we can do is raise awareness. If two carriers marry, the likelihood of having a child with Thalassemia is high, which is why screening during the first trimester is crucial,” said the health department source.

To further raise awareness, Prof. Rajib De, Clinical Lead Hematology at Narayana Health, Kolkata, urged parents to focus on a balanced diet low in iron, timely vaccinations, and maintaining proper hygiene to avoid infections. He emphasized the importance of mental health support for children with Thalassemia, given the severity of the condition.

“In regions with such high prevalence, early screening, informed parenting, and consistent care can make a significant difference,” Prof. De said.

Without proper care, children with Thalassemia may not live beyond 30 years of age. Experts stress that screening both parents for Thalassemia before planning a child is crucial to preventing the condition and improving long-term outcomes.

Published – May 08, 2025 07:29 pm IST



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