According to the World Population Review statistics for 2025, these are the countries with the largest active military.
China’s People’s Liberation Army is the world’s largest military force -- approximately 2,035,000 active-duty personnel. China has the second most expensive military budget. Branches: Ground Force, Navy, Air Force or PLAAF, Rocket Force responsible for strategic missiles and Strategic Support Force focused on cyber & space ops.
India’s armed forces comprise approximately 1,475,750 active-duty personnel, making it the second-largest military force globally. The Indian military is structured into the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
The United States maintains a highly-advanced military force with approximately 1,326,050 active-duty personnel. The US military is organised into the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force. At $916 billion, America has the largest military budget in the world, more than triple of China's, according to Statista 2023 figures.
Tiny North Korea maintains a significant military force with approximately 1,280,000 active-duty personnel. The Korean People’s Army is divided into five branches: Ground Force, Navy, Air and Anti-Air Force, Special Operations Force, and Rocket Force.
Russia’s military consists of 1,110,000 active-duty personnel. The Russian Armed Forces include the Ground Forces, Navy, Aerospace Forces, and Strategic Missile Forces.
Ukraine’s military has grown significantly in recent years, with approximately 800,000 active-duty personnel. This expansion is largely in response to ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions. The Armed Forces of Ukraine consist of the Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Air Assault Forces.
Pakistan’s armed forces rank seventh globally in personnel size, with about 660,000 active-duty personnel as of 2024. The main branches include the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by numerous paramilitary forces.
Iran’s military comprises approximately 610,000 active-duty personnel, including both the regular forces (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
South Korea maintains a robust military force with approximately 600,000 active-duty personnel. The Republic of Korea Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy (including the Marine Corps), and Air Force.
Ethiopia’s military, known as the Ethiopian National Defense Force has approximately 503,000 active-duty personnel. The ENDF is organised into the Ground Force and the Air Force.
Some of the countires that figure in the next 10 are Vietnam, Egypt, France, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil.
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