The Global Firepower Index, which employs a unique formula that considers different aspects of military strength, including manpower, equipment, logistics, and financial resources, to come up with a comprehensive assessment of the military capabilities of countries across the world, has recently come out with the list of top military powers in the world.
Over 60 individual factors were used to determine the Global Firepower Index, even allowing smaller, but more technologically advanced countries to compete with larger, lesser-developed powers.
The US topped the list, from among the 145 countries considered for the annual Global Firepower review. The country has a power index score of 0.0744. A score of 0.0000 is considered 'perfect' according to the index.
The US has been retaining the top spot since 2005.
ALSO READ: What is 'Restoring America's Fighting Force Task Force', set to up to strengthen US military?
"The nation benefits from its deep manpower base, financials, material qualities, and potential industrial output to remain the top global power," a note in the Global Firepower website read.
With a score of 0.0788, Russia is the second global military power. "Under the strain of Western sanctions and in the face of a growing NATO alliance, Russia continues to double-down its efforts in eastern Ukraine. The nation is buoyed some by allies in North Korea, China, and Iran as the war continues into 2025," a Global Firepower note read.
Up next is China with a score of 0.0788, and Global Firepower said Beijing is continuing its climb towards the number 2 spot with major investment in military and development capabilities. "It (China) remains a global financial power and has strengthened its influence with notable footholds in Asia, Africa, and South America....2027 marks the theoretical end of China's current modernization/expansion initiative which has since seen the country eclipse the US's warship and submarine output," the accompanying note read.
With a score of 0.1184, next on the list is India, followed by South Korea with a score of 0.01656.
READ MORE: India fourth in military strength in the world; China ahead at third, Pakistan behind
The note on South Korea read: "On paper, the country still maintains a technological edge over bordering rival North Korea while being boosted by the military backing of the United States. South Korea possesses an indigenous aviation, armour, small arms, and shipbuilding development and production capability."
With a score of 0.1785, the United Kingdom is in sixth place, followed by France with a score of 0.1878 in seventh position.
In the next place is Japan with a score of 0.1839.
Ranked ninth is Türkiye with a score of 0.1902. Türkiye remains a power to watch in 2025, making strides in the fields of aviation, armour development and shipbuilding, Global Firepower noted, adding, "The fall of the neighbouring Assad regime is of note as is Türkiye's unique relationship with both east and west global players."
"Silent power" Italy is in the 10th place with a score of 0.2146. "The country remains a notable European player and powerful NATO ally- particularly as it oversees operations across the critical waterways of the Mediterranean," the note read.