In an era marked by global uncertainty and rapid technology advancement, nations are reevaluating their defence strategies, leading to significant increases in military spending and personnel deployments.
According to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditures have risen notably since the end of the Cold War, reaching a total of $2.718 trillion last year, a significant 9.4 per cent increase from 2023.
The top five countries driving this spending account for 60 per cent of the total global military budget, with their combined spending reaching an impressive $1,635 billion.
While military strength continues to be crucial for global security and geopolitical influence, one of the primary indicators of a country’s military capability today is the number of active-duty personnel available for immediate deployment.
Top 10 countries with the largest active military manpower in 2025
With 2,035,000 active military personnel, China has the largest active military force globally in 2025, according to Global Firepower.
India ranks second with about 1,455,550 military active personnel, showcasing its strong defence capabilities and growing influence in South Asia and beyond.
The United States of America holds the third position with around 1,328,000 active troops, reflecting a slight decrease, likely due to a strategic pivot towards technology-focused military investments.
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Russia and Ukraine have significantly increased their active military personnel since 2022, a change likely driven by the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Pakistan, ranking seventh globally, has 654,000 active-duty members, while Vietnam rounds out the top ten with 600,000 active personnel in 2025, a rise from 470,000 in 2022.
Note: These figures represent the number of full-time soldiers currently serving in each country’s armed forces, reflecting their immediate military readiness and defence capabilities.
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