TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Military strength remains a cornerstone of national security, serving as a critical defense against external threats. In 2025, global powers continue to invest heavily in their armed forces to maintain strategic dominance.According to Global Fire Power, an organization that provides data and analysis on military capabilities worldwide, here are the top 10 countries with the strongest militaries in 2025:1. United StatesThe U.S. holds the top spot, backed by a military force of 2,127,500 personnel and a staggering 13,043 military aircraft, the largest air fleet globally. To maintain this dominance, the U.S. allocated a hefty US$840 billion to its defense budget in 2025.2. RussiaRussia ranks second with 3,570,000 military personnel, 4,292 aircraft, and 5,750 tanks. Its armed forces also wield a significant nuclear arsenal, with approximately 5,977 warheads.3. ChinaChina secures third place with an estimated 3,170,000 military personnel, 3,309 fighter jets, and 6,800 tanks. The country continues to bolster its military might with cutting-edge technology, supported by a 2025 defense budget of US$266.85 billion.4. IndiaIndia has the potential to field the largest military force, with 5.1 million personnel. However, military strength isn’t just about numbers, placing India fourth. The country operates 2,229 military aircraft and 4,201 tanks.5. South KoreaSouth Korea has invested roughly US$50 billion in its military, emphasizing modernization and coordination with U.S. forces. The nation fields an estimated 3,820,000 personnel, 1,592 fighter jets, and 2,236 tanks.6. United KingdomThe UK’s armed forces, according to gov.uk, consist of 180,780 highly trained personnel. With a defense budget of US$71.5 billion, the UK prioritizes modernization, including advanced Ajax reconnaissance vehicles. Its assets include 631 aircraft and 227 tanks.7. FranceFrance secures its spot among the top 10 with a defense budget of €413 billion. This funds approximately 376,000 personnel, 976 military aircraft, and 215 tanks.8. JapanJapan maintains an estimated 328,185 military personnel operating a range of equipment, including 1,443 aircraft and 521 tanks. However, the country relies on the U.S. for nuclear defense.9. TurkeyTurkey commands a sizable force of about 883,000 personnel, supported by 1,083 military aircraft and 2,238 tanks, keeping pace with South Korea’s capabilities.10. ItalyItaly fields an estimated 289,000 military personnel to ensure national security, along with 729 aircraft and 200 tanks.Indonesia’s PositionIndonesia ranks 13th among the world’s military powers in 2025, according to Global Fire Power, climbing two spots from its 15th position in 2024 with a Power Index score of 0.2557. The country boasts a robust military force of approximately 400,000 active personnel and 400,000 reservists.Its military is supported by 441 aircraft, 314 tanks, and a naval fleet of 221 vessels, which ranks sixth globally in naval strength. Indonesia has invested in advanced equipment like submarines, tanks, warships, jets, and helicopters with a defense budget exceeding Rp133 trillion (US$8.5 billion).Editor’s Choice: Turkey to Export 48 KAAN Fighter Jets to Indonesia, Erdogan AnnouncesClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News