The United States has retained its position as the world’s most powerful military in the 2025 Global Military Strength Index, published by Global Firepower.

Israel and Iran, two key players in the Middle East, were ranked 15th and 16th respectively, highlighting their continued influence in regional military dynamics amid ongoing tensions.

Published annually, the GFP index analyzes over 60 indicators including manpower, equipment strength, financial resources, logistical efficiency, and geographical advantage to evaluate a nation’s military posture.

The latest ranking reflects the global shifts in defense preparedness, strategic alliances, and geopolitical tensions shaping national security policies around the world.

According to the report, the rankings are not solely determined by the size of a country’s armed forces or defense budget, but rather a comprehensive mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Smaller nations with advanced technology, training, and defense infrastructure continue to challenge larger militaries in global standings.

Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa remain Africa’s strongest military powers in the new ranking, while European and Asian countries dominate the top tier.

The GFP list has become a benchmark for military observers, analysts, and policymakers in assessing global defense capabilities.

Here is the list of 145 countries ranked in the 2025 Global Firepower Index.

1. United States

2. Russia

3. China

4. India

5. South Korea

6. United Kingdom

7. France

8. Japan

9. Turkiye

10. Italy

11. Brazil

12. Pakistan

13. Indonesia

14. Germany

15. Israel

16. Iran

17. Spain

18. Australia

19. Egypt

20. Ukraine

21. Poland

22. Taiwan

23. Vietnam

24. Saudi Arabia

25. Thailand

26. Algeria

27. Sweden

28. Canada

29. Singapore

30. Greece

31. Nigeria

32. Mexico

33. Argentina

34. North Korea

35. Bangladesh

36. Netherlands

37. Myanmar

38. Norway

39. Portugal

40. South Africa

41. Philippines

42. Malaysia

43. Iraq

44. Switzerland

45. Denmark

46. Colombia

47. Chile

48. Finland

49. Peru

50. Venezuela

51. Romania

52. Ethiopia

53. Czechia

54. United Arab Emirates

55. Hungary

56. Angola

57. Kazakhstan

58. Uzbekistan

59. Morocco

60. Azerbaijan

61. Belgium

62. Bulgaria

63. Serbia

64. Syria

65. Ecuador

66. Democratic Republic of the Congo

67. Cuba

68. Austria

69. Sri Lanka

70. Belarus

71. Slovakia

72. Qatar

73. Sudan

74. Croatia

75. Jordan

76. Libya

77. Turkmenistan

78. Albania

79. Kuwait

80. Bolivia

81. Bahrain

82. Oman

83. Kenya

84. Chad

85. Yemen

86. New Zealand

87. Paraguay

88. Lithuania

89. Mozambique

90. Tunisia

91. Armenia

92. Tanzania

93. Cameroon

94. Georgia

95. Cambodia

96. Slovenia

97. Ireland

98. Mongolia

99. Latvia

100. Uruguay

101. Honduras

102. Ivory Coast

103. Guatemala

104. Mali

105. Kyrgyzstan

106. Laos

107. Estonia

108. Tajikistan

109. Zambia

110. Ghana

111. Zimbabwe

112. North Macedonia

113. South Sudan

114. Uganda

115. Lebanon

116. Namibia

117. Luxembourg

118. Afghanistan

119. Niger

120. Eritrea

121. Republic of the Congo

122. Botswana

123. Mauritania

124. Dominican Republic

125. Senegal

126. Nepal

127. Montenegro

128. El Salvador

129. Burkina Faso

130. Madagascar

131. Nicaragua

132. Bosnia and Herzegovina

133. Gabon

134. Moldova

135. Iceland

136. Panama

137. Belize

138. Liberia

139. Suriname

140. Sierra Leone

141. Kosovo

142. Somalia

143. Central African Republic

144. Benin

145. Bhutan

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