Military equipment of the world comparison. Six of the deadliest armies in world history

A new edition of the annual The Military Balance is due out today. It is published - always in a very impressive volume - The International Institute strategic research(IISS). This organization, located in Britain, is considered one of the most authoritative in this field. Its annual reviews of military strength and the state of the troops different countries IISS has been producing since 1959.

This year, as in the past, the survey will feature information on the military capabilities and military economies of 171 countries. Detailed data indicate each country's combat strength, army personnel, weapons stockpiles, and the economic performance of the military-industrial complexes.

Analysts in uniform consider these reports to be a reference book, some just a useful source, but they agree to admit that the staff of the institute try to be objective when preparing their annual document. Well, at least within the limits that the mentality of a person of the West allows.

No text yet, but three main characters have already been identified

The report should be released on February 14, but the real customers will be able to start analyzing it only from tomorrow morning. For the time being, Tsargrad analysts have an extended annotation at their disposal. It is clear from it that the main heroes of the document will be three countries - the United States, Russia and China. Moreover, the latter two will be devoted to additional (along with the traditional descriptions of new orders for weapons and delivery schedules) articles.

Against the general background of the description of the modernization of strategic forces in these three countries, there will be separate reviews of Chinese and Russian aircraft weapons (recall the recent "leak" of information about the Russian strategic air-launched cruise missiles Kh-101, discussed with reverence and slight tremors in their voice in the American magazine The National Interest), as well as the development of artificial intelligence in the interests of defense. Russia will "receive" an additional "bonus" in the form of thematic texts on the modernization of its strategic forces.

As new products in the fresh The Military Balance-2018, the military development is assessed in detail in China, Russia and the United States, as well as in France and Great Britain. This, presumably, indirectly but indisputably declares the "pool" of the first five leading armies of the world. A kind of permanent committee of the "Security Council" of the secret military "UN" of our world. The similarity complements the indication of a separate analysis of the military capabilities of Norway, Qatar, Sudan, Uganda and Venezuela - as if they were non-permanent members of the armed and very dangerous "Security Council", without the right to veto ...

In addition, they promise to describe and graphically depict the most important events in the field of defense procurement in 2017, as well as show and outline a number of new weapons developments. Among them, the Russian Su-57 (T-50) combat aircraft is separately mentioned. Much attention will be paid to the naval forces. "National cyber capabilities" are considered separately.

The first armies of the world have been identified by Russian military experts

While the world militarized public is waiting for the release of a new IISS survey, Constantinople asked the leading military experts of Russia to express their opinion on the top strongest armies the world.

The military expert Igor Korotchenko (editor-in-chief of the National Defense magazine, director of the Center for Analysis of the World Arms Trade LLC), who is closest to what the IISS is doing, in terms of professional activity, although he was skeptical about the very compilation of such ratings, spoke traditionally academic:

"This is not about which army is the largest, but which army is the strongest and most efficient, which army has the widest range of weapons for solving certain tasks of political leadership."

Based on these considerations, the expert believes that, "at least, the US and Russian armies will lead this rating", since "today both the US and Russia are the largest militarily powers - in terms of both parity and availability in arsenals, including strategic nuclear weapons".

Further, the rating will include, according to Korotchenko, China, Japan, Great Britain, India. "Well, I don't exclude the possibility that the army of North Korea," he added the top 7 most efficient armies in the world. But at the same time he made a reservation: “I must say that compiling such ratings is a rather artificial thing. real situation only war can. And God forbid that it happened. "

“But we can say with confidence today that the Russian Armed Forces are rightfully one of the best in the world, both in terms of their technical equipment, and in terms of combat and morale. Therefore, regardless of the compilers of the ratings, we can sleep peacefully, considering that the army reliably ensures our security, "Igor Korotchenko summed up.

But another well-known military expert - Viktor Litovkin - has a completely different rating of the world's armies: the fifth place, perhaps, I can place the Turkish army. "

When asked why this is so, the expert just shrugged his shoulders: "This is in terms of numbers. The United States has the largest army, China is in second place, North Korea is in third. And so on." these armies exceed 1 million 200 thousand people, at least, "he said.

“But if we take in terms of power, in terms of combat potential, then, of course, the United States is in first place, Russia is in second, China is in third,” Viktor Litovkin emphasized. more difficult. This is the French army, and the British, and the German, and so on. "

Viktor Baranets, another prominent Russian expert in the military field, military observer of Komsomolskaya Pravda, stated and substantiated his point of view in great detail: NATO countries, often smack of a very serious politicization. This time. Secondly, the methods of compiling ratings among specialists raise very serious questions. I mean that it is difficult, for example, today to compare the American and Russian armies, which in terms of the number and quality of nuclear weapons they are in no way inferior to each other. But the Americans still like to put themselves in the first position, and push Russia to the second. "

“I believe that today the level of armament of the Russian army, and its combat readiness, mobility, logistics, weapons - all this suggests that the Russian army is in no way inferior to the American one,” the expert emphasized. argument: Russia possesses general-purpose forces, that is, non-nuclear forces in smaller quantities and in lesser quality. And here I would partly agree: in the years after the collapse Soviet Union we seriously damaged the general-purpose forces and took a very long time to restore them. "

As for the world top armies, Viktor Baranets outlined the following order in it: “I am absolutely sure that the Americans will put themselves first in this rating. They simply stated in unison that the greatest military threat to the armed forces of the United States of America is the Russian army. In third place, of course, will be the Chinese army. This is an army with nuclear weapons, it is considered the largest in the world in terms of the number of bayonets under military banners. it has almost 2.5 million people.

“In fourth place, no matter what we say, I would still put the half-million Turkish army. We must not forget that besides the fact that it has a half-million contingent, it is very well armed. It has a very serious degree of combat readiness, as evidenced by actions of its units in Syria, "Baranets said.

"As for the further rating, I would put the Indian army in fifth place - considering its number, of course. And then I would put the North Korean army. Because both armies have nuclear weapons," he summed up.

1. USA
2. Russia
3. China
4. India
5. Turkey
6. North Korea
7. France
8.UK
9. Germany

In principle, the assessments of "Constantinople" coincide with this reeting ... almost. Because it is necessary to take into consideration one more, no, even two circumstances.

The first is that in terms of nuclear potential, Russia and the United States are equal to each other. This is officially recorded in the START Treaty. According to the law of mathematics, we are therefore obliged to remove these quantities from the formula. As well as the nuclear weapons of other powers. Let's also remove other equals - weapons of the same class and quality, logistics, management.

And then the remaining aspects of the issue come to the fore in the formula: the size of the army, the quality of its main weapons, its training, cohesiveness, combat experience and morale.

And in this sense, one does not even need to guess: the armies of Russia and the United States each have their own touchstone for the manifestation of these qualities: Syria, respectively, and Afghanistan. The war is being fought by conventional means, the war is fought primarily by air and by special operations. The war both here and here has approximately the same political background in the form of a legitimate government trying to cope with the armed opposition.

Now let's look at the results that Russia has achieved in Syria, and which the United States has achieved in Afghanistan. They are, to put it mildly, opposite.

Add to this the fighting spirit, which in one army gives rise to heroes one after another, and which forces the other army to huddle in bases and hide behind the backs of government troops - and the picture will be complete.

1. Russia (morale, combat experience, weapons)
2. China (numbers, weapons, ideology)
3. USA (weapons)
4. DPRK (morale, strength, ideology)
5. Israel (combat experience, morale, weapons, ideology)
6. India (number, armament)
7.Turkey (combat experience, weapons)
8.Iran (fighting spirit, combat experience, ideology)
9. Vietnam (fighting spirit, weapons)
10. France (weapons)

All that remains is to compare with the list that will be issued by the IISS. But for some reason there is confidence that whatever it may be, the top 10 "Constantinople" will be more correct.

The Russian army entered the top three of the strongest armies in the world. The military of the Russian Federation was evaluated on a par with other armies and shared the winner's podium with China and the United States. Typically, these ratings are based on data from Global Firepower or Credit Suisse. The military power of each state is assessed according to various criteria; nuclear potential or its absence is not taken into account.

How to determine the real balance of power among the states participating in military conflicts? When compiling a rating of armies, parameters such as the budget, the size of the army, the number of weapons (armored vehicles, aircraft, aircraft carriers and submarines) are usually taken into account. The technical level of weapons affects the position on the list to a lesser extent, and it is almost never possible to assess the real combat capability of the army. Nuclear potential or its absence in this list was not taken into account. The place occupied was also influenced by the economic situation of the countries.

The Global Firepower organization evaluates the military capabilities of more than one hundred countries according to 50 different criteria. In 2016, the United States was the first in the world in such parameters as the country with the largest military budget, the largest number of aircraft carriers and the largest air fleet. Russia leads in the number of tanks (15,000) and nuclear warheads (8,484 units). China is ahead of all in terms of the size of the army.

Not so long ago, the National Interest magazine made a forecast for the combat power of the armies of the world in 15 years. The analysis was based on the following parameters: access to innovation and other important national resources, support from politicians and the ability of the armed forces to learn and improve in a world of peace. As a result, the top five strong armies in their opinion, the armed forces of India, the USA, France, China and Russia will enter.

This rating, compiled by the American portal The Richest, may raise some questions. For example, the Israeli army yields to Egypt one position, mainly due to the number of employees and tanks. However, in all clashes, the first country always won a victory over the second, despite the numerical superiority. It is also strange that the list does not include Iran with its half a million soldiers, 1,500 tanks and 300 combat aircraft. Our readers will certainly have many more questions for the authors of this list.

15. Australia

Budget: $ 26.1 billion
The number of active troops: 58 thousand people
Tanks: 59
Aviation: 408
Submarines: 6
The Australian Army has a long and glorious history, she fought in both World War I and World War II as part of the British Empire. Members of the Australian Armed Forces are invariably involved in all NATO operations. National doctrine requires Australia to be able to stand alone against invasion from outside. Located at the edge of the world, with no special competing neighbors, Australia is considered one of the safest countries, as land invasion is impossible. The Australian Defense Force is relatively small but technologically advanced. They are formed on professional basis only Australian citizens, technically well equipped, there is a modern fleet and many combat helicopters. With a small number of personnel, but with a serious budget, the Australian Armed Forces are able, if necessary, to deploy their troops in several locations at the same time.

14.Germany

Budget: $ 40.2 billion
Population: 180 thousand people
Tanks: 408
Aviation: 663
Subs: 4

After World War II, Germany did not have its own army for 10 years. During the confrontation between the West and the USSR, the Bundeswehr numbered up to half a million people, but after the unification of East and West Berlin, the authorities abandoned the doctrine of confrontation and sharply reduced investment in defense. Apparently, therefore, in the Credit Suisse rating, for example, the Armed Forces of the GDR fell behind even Poland (and in this rating there is no Poland at all). At the same time, Berlin actively sponsors the eastern NATO allies. After 1945, Germany was never directly involved in major operations, but they sent troops to their allies in support during civil war in Ethiopia, Angolan Civil War, Bosnian War and Afghanistan War.
Whenever we hear about the German military, it is somehow impossible not to remember Adolf Hitler, who is responsible for the deaths of about 6 million Jews and many millions of people of other nations ...
The Germans today have few submarines and not a single aircraft carrier. The German army has a record number of inexperienced young soldiers, which makes it weaker; they are now planning to overhaul their strategy and implement new recruiting processes.

13.Italy

Budget: $ 34 billion
The number of the army in the field: 320 thousand people.
Tanks: 586
Aviation: 760
Subs: 6

The aggregate of the military forces of the Italian Republic designed to protect the freedom, independence and territorial integrity of the state. Consist of ground forces, naval forces, air forces and a carabinieri corps.
Italy has not been directly involved in armed conflicts in any countries lately, but has always participated in peacekeeping missions and deployed its troops in the war on terrorism.

Weak during World War II, the Italian army currently owns two active aircraft carriers, housing a large number of helicopters; they have submarines, which makes them one of the strongest armies. Italy is not fighting now, but is an active member of the UN - willingly transfers its troops to countries that ask for help.

12.UK

Budget: $ 60.5 billion
The number of the army in the field: 147 thousand
Tanks: 407
Aviation: 936
Subs: 10

After the end of World War II, Great Britain abandoned the idea of ​​military domination around the world in favor of the United States, but the Royal Armed Forces still possess considerable power and take part in all NATO operations. After World War II, Great Britain had three big wars with Iceland, which did not become victorious for England - it was defeated, which allowed Iceland to expand its territory.

The United Kingdom once ruled over half of the world, including India, New Zealand, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, but the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is becoming much weaker over time. The UK military budget has been cut due to BREXIT and they plan to cut their troop numbers in time until 2018.

Her Majesty's fleet includes several atomic submarines with strategic nuclear weapons: a total of about 200 warheads. By 2020, it is planned to commission the aircraft carrier "Queen Elizabeth", which will be able to carry 40 F-35B fighters.

11. Israel

Budget: $ 17 billion
Population: 160 thousand
Tanks: 4 170
Aviation: 684
Subs: 5

The main enemy of the Arabs, Israel has been fighting for its independence since 1947; he is constantly in continuous war with Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and other Arab countries.
Israel has won five straight victories in previous wars against Hamas and Palestine since 2000, with strong US military reinforcements.
The country, which is not recognized by 31 countries (of which 18 are Arab), is still fighting against its enemies. By law, all citizens of Israel, including those with dual citizenship and living in another country, as well as all permanent residents of the state, upon reaching the age of 18 are subject to conscription into the IDF. The term of military service is 36 months - 3 years (32 months for combat units), for women - 24 months (2 years). After the end of regular service, all members of the rank and file can be called up annually for reservist training for up to 45 days.

The most strong point IDF - the use of technology in the modernization of its missile defense systems. The army consists of 3 types of armed forces: land, air and naval. The implementation of the decision on the creation of the fourth branch of the armed forces - the cybernetic troops - has begun. Business card IDF are female military personnel who have proven that the weaker sex with a submachine gun is no less effective than the strong. Not to mention the fact that according to unverified data, Israel is armed with about 80 nuclear warheads.

Israel is traditionally the most underrated member of the Credit Suisse rating. The IDF won all the conflicts in which it participated, and often the Israelis had to fight on several fronts against the enemy many times superior in number. In addition to a huge number of the latest offensive and defensive weapons of our own design, the rating does not take into account the fact that there are several hundred thousand reservists in the country with combat experience and high motivation.

10. Egypt

Budget: $ 4.4 billion
Army size: 468 thousand
Tanks: 4 624
Aviation: 1 107
Subs: 4

Fighting on the side of the Arab alliance against Israel in 4 wars, Egypt has never fought major battles against any other countries, but participated several times in operations against ISIS terrorist groups. As in Israel, military service is mandatory for Egyptian men, they happen for 9 years. Today Egypt is trying to keep the peace in its own country and to wage a war on terrorism.

The Egyptian army was in the ranking due to the number and quantity of equipment, although, as the Yom Kippur War showed, even a threefold superiority in tanks is leveled by high combat skills and technical level of weapons. As of 2014, contracts have been initialed or signed for a total amount of more than $ 3 billion for the supply from Russia of 24 MiG-29m / m2 fighters, air defense systems, anti-tank Kornet, combat helicopters: Ka-25, Mi-28 and Mi-25, Mi-35 ... Light weapons. Coastal anti-ship systems. All contracts started after the suspension of the military and financial aid Egypt from the USA. At the same time, it is known that about a thousand "Abrams" of the Egyptian Armed Forces are simply mothballed in warehouses. If Cairo acquires Mistral-class helicopter carriers and attack helicopters, it will make Egypt a truly serious military force.

9. Pakistan

Budget: $ 7 billion
The number of the army in the field: 617 thousand
Tanks: 2 924
Aviation: 914
Subs: 8

The first major war was fought in 1965 against the largest enemy - India, military operations were quite successful, India withdrew its troops. The second war was over domestic policy East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), when the Indian army took revenge for 1965 and played its cards, splitting the country in two. Pakistan has not reached an agreement on the borders with India: the territories of the states of Jammu and Kashmir remain disputed, formally the countries are in a state of conflict, in which they are conducting an arms race.

The Pakistani army is one of the largest in the world, it has a lot of tanks and aircraft, the United States supports Islamabad with equipment. The main threat is internal, in remote areas of the country are ruled by local leaders and the Taliban. Pakistan has medium-range ballistic missiles and about a hundred nuclear warheads. Packs love and respect their military infinitely, and often seek justice from the army (instead of the courts and government). Pakistan is said to have friendly relations with superpowers, including the United States, China and Turkey, who are always ready to support them. Recently, joint military exercises with the Russian army have made the Pakistani military much stronger, although their biggest enemy India has been supported by Russia in previous wars against Pakistan.

8.Turkey

Budget: $ 18.2 billion
The number of the army in the field: 410, 500 thousand
Tanks: 3 778
Aviation: 1,020
Subs: 13

Turkey is an active member of the UN; she took part in the Korean War between China and Korea. They fought in two major battles with Cyprus in 1964 and 1974 and won, occupying 36.2% of the territory of Cyprus. They remain involved in the ongoing wars in Afghanistan against the Taliban and ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey claims to be a regional leader, therefore, it is constantly building up and updating its armed forces. A huge number of tanks, aircraft and a large modern fleet (albeit without aircraft carriers) allows the Turkish army to be considered the strongest among the Muslim countries of the Middle East.
A semi-European, semi-Asian power with the second largest army in NATO after the United States, it is one of the best trained military forces in the world. Turkey owns a "treasure" of more than 200 F-16 aircraft, the second largest fleet after the United States. Despite the presence of a large number of well-trained military personnel, the Turkish Armed Forces are not particularly popular among the people. In early 2016, when the military attempted a coup, they were defeated by ordinary citizens who took to the streets and reinstated the elected government.

7. France

Budget: $ 62.3 billion
The number of the army in the field: 205 thousand
Tanks: 623
Aviation: 1,264
Subs: 10

France is one of the few countries whose armed forces have an almost full range of modern weapons and military equipment of their own production - from small arms to nuclear strike aircraft carriers (which, besides France, only the United States has). France is the only country (other than Russia) that owns a radar guided missile system.
The military history of France spans over 3000 years. France took part in the First and Second World Wars and faced major defeats. Other major events military history of this country: French-Thai War, Tunisian War of Independence, Algerian War of Independence 1954-1962. After that, France did not participate in major battles but sent troops to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan. The French army is still in charge military force in Africa, it continues to actively intervene in local conflicts.

In 2015, France completed the reform of the armed forces, which began in 1996. As part of this reform, the draft was canceled and the transition to a mercenary army, less numerous, but more effective, took place. The total number of the French armed forces has been significantly reduced.
The Charles de Gaulle nuclear attack aircraft carrier was recently commissioned. France currently has about 300 strategic nuclear warheads deployed on nuclear submarines. There are also 60 tactical warheads.

6. South Korea

Budget: $ 62.3 billion
The number of the army in the field: 625 thousand
Tanks: 2 381
Aviation: 1,412
Subs: 13
The main war in which this country participated is the Korean War in 1950. Often this conflict of times cold war viewed as a proxy war between the United States and its allies and the forces of the PRC and the USSR. The northern coalition included: North Korea and its armed forces; the Chinese army (since it was officially believed that the PRC did not participate in the conflict, the regular Chinese troops were formally considered the formations of the so-called "Chinese people's volunteers"); The USSR, which also did not officially participate in the war, but largely took over its financing, as well as the supply of Chinese troops. Numerous military advisers and specialists were recalled from North Korea even before the start of the war, and during the war they were sent back under the guise of TASS correspondents. From the South, South Korea, the United States, Great Britain and a number of other countries took part in the war as part of the UN peacekeeping forces. Interestingly, China uses the title "War Against America to Support the Korean People." In 1952-53, a lot has changed in the world (new president in the United States, Stalin's death, etc.), and the war ended in a truce.

Military establishment South Korea highly backed by the US Armed Forces, making them stronger. South Korea retains numerous armed forces, although in terms of quantitative indicators in everything except aviation, it continues to lose to its main potential adversary, the DPRK. The difference is, of course, in the technological level. Seoul has its newest and western developments, Pyongyang has 50-year-old Soviet technology.

Interestingly, North Korea is considered the leader in the number of submarines (35th place in the Global Firepower rating), which has 78 units. However, it is noted that they are almost completely unusable. A third of North Korea's submarines are the noisy diesel Romeos, which were outdated back in 1961.

5. India

Budget: $ 51 billion
Army strength in the field: 1,408,551
Tanks: 6 464
Aviation: 1,905
Subs: 15
At present, India is confidently among the top ten world powers in terms of its military potential. The armed forces of India are inferior to the armies of the United States, Russia and China, they are strong and numerous. Speaking about the Indian armed forces, it is worth remembering that India is the world's largest importer of weapons (as of 2012), and also possesses nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. In addition to the direct armed forces, India has a variety of paramilitary formations in which more than a million people serve: national security forces, special border forces, special paramilitary forces. The fact that India has about a hundred nuclear warheads, three aircraft carriers and two nuclear submarines in service makes it the fifth most powerful.

4. Japan

Budget: $ 41.6 billion
Active army strength: 247, 173
Tanks: 678
Aviation: 1,613
Subs: 16

The last battle of World War II was Japan's nightmare, which was hit by a nuclear strike from the United States. After defeat in World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army was disbanded, and military factories and educational establishments closed. The occupation authorities even banned martial arts... A ban on the manufacture of Japanese swords was also established, which lasted until 1953. In 1947, the Constitution of Japan was adopted, in which Japan's refusal to participate in military conflicts was legally enshrined. The only country who suffered from nuclear attacks, it is not allowed to create your own army.

Nevertheless, already during the period of the American occupation, the creation of armed formations began: in 1950, a reserve police corps was created; in 1952 it was transformed into a security corps, in 1954 it was transformed into the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The Japan Self-Defense Forces is the modern name for the Japanese armed forces. The armed forces include: ground forces, naval and air force self defense of Japan. It can be argued that today Japan has very large and relatively modern Armed Forces, powerful enough in the Asia-Pacific region and capable of solving almost any problem. On September 19, 2015, the Japanese parliament authorized the use of the Self-Defense Forces to participate in military conflicts overseas.

Japan's high-tech Armed Forces are equipped with cutting-edge gadgets and the latest weapons, making them some of the strongest on this list. Recently, Japan has deployed its troops for the first time since World War II in South Sudan as part of UN peacekeeping missions. The Japan Self-Defense Forces have 4 helicopter carriers and 9 destroyers. At the same time, Japan does not have nuclear weapons and this, together with a small number of tanks, makes some experts think that the position of this army is overestimated.

3. Russia

Budget: $ 84.5 billion
Active army strength: 766,033
Tanks: 15 398
Aviation: 3 429
Subs: 55

It would be disrespectful to Russian military history to try to retell it in one paragraph.
A great power has just under a million troops. The Russian ground army is rightfully considered the most powerful in the whole world, which is provided with the latest military equipment. The budget allocated by the state for the needs of the army, production and purchase of military equipment is more than 84 billion dollars. The Air Force includes over 3,000 aircraft. The naval fleet is no less equipped, consisting of 55 submarines and 1 aircraft carrier. The country has more than 8,000 nuclear warheads and 15,000 armored vehicles in stock.
Syria has demonstrated once again that Russia justly continues to hold a firm place among the strongest, as many experts believe. The RF Armed Forces are second only to China in the number of submarines. And if the rumors about China's secret nuclear stockpile are not true, then it is far ahead of it in this area. It is believed that as part of strategic nuclear forces Russia has about 350 carriers and about 2 thousand nuclear warheads. The number of tactical nuclear charges is unknown and may be several thousand.
One of the three most powerful and experienced armies in the world, the Russian army is a major threat to China and the United States. Russia constantly invests in its military budget and produces the latest aircraft, helicopters and ammunition. By 2020, Russia plans to add six more army aviation air bases to the eight existing ones. In addition, more than a thousand new helicopters are planned to be commissioned.

2. China

Budget: $ 216 billion
Army strength in the field: 2,333,000
Tanks: 9,150
Aviation: 2 860
Subs: 67

The People's Liberation Army of China is the official name of the armed forces of the PRC, the largest in number in the world. China is the most populous country in the world with the largest number soldier; serve approximately 2,333,000 people (this is only 0.18% of the country's population). China is increasing its military budget by 12% every year to become a superpower against the United States. The legislation provides for conscription for men from 18 years of age; volunteers are accepted up to 49 years old. The age limit for a member of the army reserve is 50 years. The armed forces of the PRC are divided into five zones of military command and three fleets, organized according to the territorial principle: east, north, west, south and center.

After the surrender of Japan, the USSR handed over to the PLA the captured weapons of the Kwantung Army: ships of the Sungaria River Flotilla, 861 aircraft, 600 tanks, artillery, mortars, 1200 machine guns, as well as small arms, ammunition and other military property.

Chinese officials say that in the course of the development of armaments, China does not exceed the feasible level that the economy and society can withstand, and even more so does not seek an arms race. However, the PRC's defense spending skyrocketed in 2001-2009.

The second economy in the world has the largest active army, but in terms of the number of tanks, aircraft and helicopters, it is still noticeably inferior not only to the United States, but also to Russia. But the defense budget exceeds the Russian one by 2.5 times. As far as is known, China keeps several hundred nuclear warheads on alert. However, some believe that in reality the PRC may have several thousand warheads, but this information is classified.

1. USA

Budget: $ 601 billion
Number of troops: 1,400,000
Tanks: 8,848
Aviation: 13,892
Submarines: 72

The United States is directly or indirectly involved in almost all the wars that have taken place on planet Earth since the discovery of America. The US military budget is comparable to the previous countries in the ranking. The Navy has 10 of the most powerful aircraft carriers, half of which are considered the largest in the world. The superpower has 1.4 million military personnel in reserve. A third of the country's gross income is spent on the development of the army and military equipment - this is about $ 600 billion. The American soldiers have at their disposal the most modern military equipment, which is periodically updated. The United States has a nuclear potential that includes 7.5 thousand nuclear warheads. The country is also famous for its tanks, and their armored vehicles number more than 8 thousand units. The state also has the largest air force in the world, with about 13,682 aircraft.

Some experts say the US can never be captured as it has the strongest fleet with the maximum number of ships and submarines. The American army owns about 15 million hectares of land throughout the United States and the Americans have their military bases almost all over the world (there are at least 158 ​​of them). In 2011 Newsletter The army reported that they estimated that it had spent about 22 gallons of fuel per day per soldier.

The United States is investing billions of dollars in the development of the latest military technologies, keeping the United States at the forefront of, for example, robotics. Recently, the US Army has been seeking to create new cyber corps and increase the number of soldiers in the cyber crime department. Their responsibility will be to ensure the security of networks and information systems databases and to protect against cyber attacks.

The armies are small, strong, numerous, highly intelligent, weak, with at different levels combat capability, but there is beautiful army, in which women serve on an equal basis with men.

The most beautiful army

The state of Israel, which is in a state of permanent war, has an army in which not only men serve, as in many countries, women are also conscripted. Military service is compulsory for all citizens of this country. Men serve thirty-six months, women twenty-four.

Few people manage to avoid service. Almost everyone is subject to conscription, regardless of health difficulties. In the Israeli army, there is something for everyone. In this army high level material and technical base, the newest types of weapons.

The Israeli army is the most intelligent and also the most beautiful army in the world. The title of the most beautiful, this army was awarded thanks to the female contingent in its ranks. And this is not surprising, because it is nice to watch young girls perform combat missions.

The smallest army

Among the smallest states is the Republic of San Marino, located in the south of Europe. It is surrounded by Italian territory. Only thirty thousand people live on an area of ​​about sixty kilometers. For many centuries, attempts were made to seize this republic, but it remained independent. This was facilitated by the skillful leadership, the proud spirit of the people, the location on the mountain (Mount Titano) and the fact that San Marino is surrounded by three belts of fortress walls.

The republic has its own army. it military unit endowed with special functions. Members of Parliament are guarded by the National Guard. It is known that the republic was an ally of the Entente during the First World War, fifteen soldiers stood under arms.

Today the army of San Marino is seventy-nine men - officers and soldiers. A military parade is held four times a year. Wearing colorful uniforms, armed with nineteenth-century carbines, they march through the streets of San Marino. Necessarily there is no conscription in the republic. This is a voluntary matter.

A small army is also possessed by Monaco, where the army is only eighty-three people. One hundred and ten people make up the Vatican army.

The most efficient army

It is not easy to say unequivocally which army is the most combat-ready today, since many indicators affect this. It is known that the level of combat effectiveness does not depend on funding, but on loyalty to the fatherland, ideology, principles, on nuclear potential, on the availability of the latest developments in military engineering, etc.

To determine the level of combat effectiveness of armies in peacetime, one can take into account such basic factors as the numerical strength, quality and quantity of weapons, and the quality of training of command personnel.

The armies of such powers as China, Russia and the United States are more often compared. It is known that China is in first place in terms of the size of the army. In terms of the number of tanks, Russia is in the lead, in the number of combat helicopters, aircraft, and warships of the fleet - America. The USA also has the highest quality weapons.

There are far more Russian-made weapons in China than in Russia itself. The armies of China and America are professional. The military has many benefits and a good salary. There is no general conscription.

It can be concluded that it is China and America that have the most combat-ready armies, but this assessment is relative. So, we must not forget about Israeli army who has never lost a war yet. The troops of NATO, North Korea, Pakistan and India deserve attention. We must not forget about the partisan army, which has shown itself to be very efficient in the light of recent military conflicts. So far, no one has managed to defeat her.

A certain rating has been compiled, where, in descending order, the armies of the countries are lined up, depending on the combat capability as of 2013. In the first place is the US Army. The second position was taken by a huge Chinese army. Israel is in third position, and Russia is in fourth. In fifth place is the North Korean army. The sixth place in terms of combat capability was taken by the Indian army, and the seventh - by the Turkish army.

The largest army in the world

It is well known that China is the leader in terms of the number of armed forces. The army of this country has more than two and a half million military personnel. For China, this is not the limit. Since China is the largest country in the world, the army does not seem too large for the population. The share of military personnel in the total number of residents is only 0.2 percent.

There are one million four hundred thousand military personnel in the United States, and one million three hundred thousand in India. Next comes the North Korean army. The Russian army is in fifth place in terms of numbers, it has one million two hundred seventy thousand people. They are followed by the armies of South Korea, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Turkey.

The Russian Ministry of Defense plans to increase the number of contractors in the coming years. At the same time, the authorities will modernize the system of manning the army with conscripts.

But the army is made not only by people, but also by weapons. Some rifles shoot out bullets from the barrel at a speed of 900 meters per second. You can also read more about the most powerful rifles on the website.
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A powerful and efficient army is a guarantee of the country's significant weight in the international arena. Moreover, in connection with the well-known events in Syria and Ukraine, more and more attention is paid to the military power of different countries. Many people ask the question: "Who will win the world war?"

Today we present the annually updated, official ranking of the armies of the world, in full list entered the strongest armies in the world in 2018.

Read updated according to Globalfirepower.

The top 10 is compiled according to a specialized resource.

• number of armies in the world (regular number of troops, reservists)
• weapons (aircraft, helicopters, tanks, navy, artillery, other equipment)
• military budget,
• resource availability, geographic location,
• logistics.

The experts do not take into account the nuclear potential, but the recognized ones get an advantage in the ranking.

In 2018, the rating included136 countries. Newcomers to the list are Ireland (116), Montenegro (121) and Liberia(135 position).

By the way, San Marino has the weakest army in the world in 2018 - only 84 people.

10. Army of Germany

Germany's military budget increased from $ 45 billion to $ 46 billion. At the same time, the number of military personnel decreased - from186 up to 178 thousand people. The German army is completely professional, i.e. there has been no compulsory conscription in the country since 2011.

9. Armed Forces of Turkey

In the past, the top armies of the world, the country of luxurious beaches and beautiful tomatoes occupied the eighth line. The number of its armed forces is 350 thousand people, and the military budget is 10.2 billion dollars.

8. Japan Self-Defense Forces

The Land of the Rising Sun has worsened its military performance and dropped one line in the list of the best armies in the world. The military budget has decreased from 49 to 44 billion dollars, but the number of military personnel has not changed - over 247 thousand people.

7. Army of South Korea

Compared to the previous rating, South Korea jumped from 10th to 7th place. The Korean army has 625,000 troops. The eternal rival - North Korea, the number of soldiers reaches 945 thousand people. And the defense budget of South Korea is $ 40 billion.

6. Army of Great Britain

Although the country's position on the list has not changed, it has improved its indicators in terms of the size of the army (197 thousand people versus 188 thousand people). Nevertheless, it still remains the smallest army in the ranking.

The military budget of England decreased compared to 2017 from 55 to 50 billion dollars.

5. Army of France

The French army, which opened the top 5 most powerful armies the world is small in number. Currently, 205 thousand people serve in it. At the same time, the country's defense budget is $ 40 billion.

4. Armed Forces of India

The military budget of the country is $ 47 billion. The number of the Indian armed forces is 1,362,000 people, the country's army is the third largest in the world.

3. Army of China

The Celestial Empire has the most numerous human military force in the ranking of the armies of the world. It has 2,183,000 people. According to Wikipedia, there are 1.71 military personnel per 1000 inhabitants of the Celestial Empire. And China's military budget is huge, matching the army - $ 151 billion (increased from $ 126 billion compared to 2017).

2. Army of Russia

The Russian armed forces surpass practically all the armies of the countries of the world in terms of armament power in all branches of the military - air, land and sea. The size of the Russian army for 2018 is 1,013,000 people. The military budget is $ 47 billion. Among the superpowers, Russia has a very high number of military personnel per 1000 inhabitants - 5.3 people.

1. US Army

The strongest army in the world, according to Globalfirepower, American. By the way, it is not the largest in terms of numbers, but the most powerful in terms of the available weapons, including the nuclear potential not taken into account by experts. The US Army has 1,281,900 troops and a defense budget of $ 647 billion.dollars.

Comparison table of armies of the world (Infographic)

No matter how armed the army is, the fighting spirit of the soldiers will play an important role in winning a world war. In this regard, it is a big mistake to consider the current distribution of seats to be absolutely correct.

With the emergence of the first state, the army became one of the main components of its independence and the security of citizens. The diplomatic part, as well as the allies on the map, are also important, but if you look at the history textbook, you can see that they do not help much in military conflicts. And as said Alexander III: “We have only two loyal allies - domestic army and the fleet. " Such a statement, of course, is true not only for our country, but also for other powers. Today's political map the world has more than 160 military state entities, differing from each other in numbers, weapons, some doctrines and their history.

The famous commander Napoleon often used to say that a large army is always right, but today's realities dictate their own rules. So, today there are several different concepts of strength and superiority over the enemy. Here, not only the number of troops is taken into account, but also the effectiveness of equipment with the level of training of personnel, as well as its motivation.

The most powerful armies in the world

The modern army is far from a cheap pleasure, and just a massive conscription is not enough. One tank or helicopter costs tens, and sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars, and only rich powers can fork out for such expensive equipment.

Very often in the media, and on any other fields of discussion, one can hear disputes about whose army is the strongest. This formulation of the question is not entirely correct, because a full-scale war will be needed to verify someone's assertion. And in theory, we have a large number of factors that show the advantage or weakness of a particular army.

Let's try to compile a rating of the most powerful armies in the world, which would include countries that outnumber their opponents in numbers, equipment and funding. We will also take into account the development of the military-industrial complex (military-industrial complex) and the remarkable army traditions. When considering each participant in the rating of the strongest armies in the world, the nuclear factor was not taken into account, so we will determine the strength according to the old Slavic principle - "wall to wall". By the way, the presence of weapons of mass destruction still keeps most large states from military conflicts, because a war can lead not only to losses, but to the death of our planet.

1. Russia.
2. China.
3. India.
4. South Korea.
5. Japan.
6. Turkey.
7. United Kingdom.
8. France.
9. Germany.

Let's consider the participants in more detail.

Germany

The Bundeswehr is at the bottom of the rating of the world's armies in terms of combat effectiveness. Germany has a ground, air and medical military force. The number of troops ranges from 190 thousand soldiers, and all german army consists of professional mercenaries, and the state budget provides for a significant expenditure item of $ 45 billion.

Despite such a seemingly modest number of troops in comparison with other participants in the ranking of the best armies in the world, the German military forces are provided with the latest weapons, have excellent combat training and unshakable military traditions that can only be envied. The Germans could have been higher on the list, but the country's foreign policy is comparatively peaceful. Here, apparently, a significant role was played by the fact that they already fought quite a lot in the last century. In the ranking of the armies of the world from Global Firepower, Germany shares its place with France and Great Britain from year to year.

France

Despite its "romanticism", the republic can stand up for itself if something happens. France was in ninth position in the ranking of the countries of the armies of the world thanks to its rich military traditions, an impressive military-industrial complex and a considerable number of troops - about 230 thousand soldiers.

To maintain the army, the country's budget provides for an item for $ 44 billion. The military-industrial complex of France is able to provide its troops with everything they need - from pistols to tanks and orbital satellites. The country of romantics, like Germany, does not seek to decide external problems with the help of the army. In addition, it does not have any significant conflicts, as well as disputed territories.

United Kingdom

Great Britain is on the eighth position in the ranking of the armies of the world. This country, with the filing of intelligent politicians and generals, was a world military power, with which everyone reckoned. But that was a long time ago, and the current reality was not the best for her.

The number of British troops fluctuates in the range of 190 thousand fighters, and the state budget includes expenditures for more than $ 50 billion. The British have a quite decent military-industrial complex, which gives the army everything it needs: pistols, machine guns, tanks, helicopters, airplanes, satellites and the fleet. By the way, the latter is not much inferior to the United States in terms of tonnage and equipment.

Great Britain participates in most of the clashes where the Americans are conducting operations (Middle East), so there is where the experience to recruit soldiers is from.

Turkey

Turkey, which is controversial in this regard, is in seventh position in the ranking of the world's armies. Its military formations are considered the most powerful in the Middle East. It is not surprising: the descendants of the Janissaries, who are always looking for war, have created a powerful war machine with a quality component that can well compete with the Israeli army.

The number of the composition fluctuates around 510 thousand fighters, but, unlike other countries, the state has budgeted for the military-industrial complex a modest $ 20 billion. The Turkish army distinguished itself by the presence of a large number of ground equipment - about 3400 units of armored vehicles, and operating combat aircraft - about 1000 pairs of wings. In addition, Turkey has a fairly impressive fleet in the Black Sea.

Japan

Japan is on the sixth position in the ranking of the armies of the world. In general, the Land of the Rising Sun does not seem to have its own army at all. This function perform regular self-defense forces. Despite this seemingly modest name, this military formation has more than 250 thousand soldiers.

The Japanese have a solid air force, ground forces, and an excellent navy. The latter is considered one of the best in the whole world. The Japanese army has about 1,600 aircraft, 700 tanks, more than a dozen submarines and a couple of large aircraft carriers at its disposal. For military needs, about $ 47 billion is budgeted, which is quite enough and comparable to the number of the armed forces.

South Korea

The fifth position in the ranking of the armies of the world is occupied by the Republic of Korea. The number of the state's regular troops ranges from 630 thousand soldiers. The country has been living at war with Pyongyang for several decades now, and some kind of peace agreements and treaties cannot stop the military clashes between the parties.

In such a situation, the South Korean army must always be on full alert, therefore, special attention is paid to training, discipline and the quality of conscription in the country. The state spends more than $ 34 billion on military needs. The Republic of Korea is largely devoted to and respects the United States, so it does not experience any special problems either with additional funding or with providing the army with military equipment and small arms.

India

The fourth position in the ranking of the armies of the world is occupied by the country of elephants and tea - India. This is a state with a high population density and a fairly rapidly developing economy, as well as a military-industrial complex. To provide an army of 1.3 million fighters from the budget, more than $ 50 billion is spent.

India has many territorial disputes with its neighbors - Beijing and Islamabad, so the military has to always be on the alert. During the Soviet era, the Indians bought weapons from us, but after all the coups and economic agony, the government decided to give preference to Western models. In addition, the Indian government has outlined large-scale reforms, which also imply the development of its military-industrial complex, therefore, preference is given to suppliers who are ready to open their production on their territory.

China

In third place in the ranking of the armies of the world is the PLA from the Celestial Empire (People's Liberation Army of China). Here the fighters, as they say, crush with numbers. According to the most rough estimates, the size of the Chinese army ranges from 2 to 2.5 million people, and this is the largest military formation on the planet.

In order to feed such a crowd, the country's budget provides for more than $ 120 billion. China seeks to top this rating, but its numbers alone, alas, cannot be taken. A good half of all the equipment that is in service is already old, it is out of order. The purchase of a new one requires substantial financial spending, as well as the opening of the development of its own production facilities. Therefore, the Chinese government is very close "friends" with Russia and receives a good discount on weapons.

Russia

Despite the "silver", domestic Military establishment in many respects they surpass not only the voiced participants of the rating, but also its leader. As for the number, here we are only in fifth place with a personnel of 800 thousand soldiers. Annually at the Russian army more than $ 75 billion is spent.

The domestic Armed Forces can boast of the most powerful ground forces worldwide. More than 15 thousand tanks, a huge number of operating armored vehicles and helicopters of various classes - from medical rescue to military tactical models.

The Russian Air Force is armed with almost 4 thousand aircraft of various types and purposes. Our strategic bombers pose a particular danger to other states. They are capable of delivering any pinpoint strikes, including nuclear ones, at a distance of thousands of kilometers from the base.

In addition, Russia has distinguished itself with a powerful navy, where only impeccably trained submarines instill fear in the ships of alleged adversaries and allies. Despite the venerable age of the surface troops and combat units that are outdated since the times of the USSR, the government has allocated large sums to the budget for upgrading equipment, and in the near future the situation will change for the better for us. It should also be noted that the country's military-industrial complex does not depend on third-party developers and manufacturers - the Russian military machine is completely autonomous.

USA

The first place in our ranking is occupied by the United States of America. In terms of the number of troops, America is second only to China - 1.3 million personnel. One of the most significant factors that any general in another country will envy is the budget of the US Army - $ 612 billion!

This funding made it possible to equip American army the most advanced technologies: the latest weapons, equipping soldiers with modern gadgets for high-quality combat in any conditions, as well as an enviable salary and pension for contract soldiers. Such an attitude towards the army and its needs contributes to the introduction of its troops to almost any part of the planet and conducting several military campaigns there at once.

The United States also has one of the most powerful fleets in the world: about 10 aircraft carrier groups, about 80 submarines, as well as a large number of aircraft and auxiliary vessels attached to them. The American defense industry recruits the best talent. They are developing not only the latest laser and robotic equipment for the army - there are breakthroughs in the medical military environment: prosthetics, "smart" suits that can significantly increase the army potential of a soldier, and other technological areas.