- By Ridam Sharma
- Sun, 04 May 2025 11:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Countries With Largest Military Manpower: As clashes across borders occur regularly, international tensions and technological advancements are revolutionising defence dynamics. The manpower of a country's active military remains a key factor that signifies its ability to dominate and remain resilient during crises. Therefore, to know more, here are the top 10 countries with the highest number of active military personnel in 2025, according to Global Firepower statistics.
List Of The Top 10 Countries With The Largest Active Military Manpower in 2025:
| Rank | Country | Active Military Personnel |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 2,035,000 |
| 2 | India | 1,455,550 |
| 3 | United States | 1,328,000 |
| 4 | North Korea | 1,320,000 |
| 5 | Russia | 1,320,000 |
| 6 | Ukraine | 900,000 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 654,000 |
| 8 | Iran | 610,000 |
| 9 | South Korea | 600,000 |
| 10 | Vietnam | 600,000 |
Which Country Has The Largest Military Manpower?
China
China has the world's largest standing army, with more than 2 million active military personnel. The nation has consistently highlighted its intentions for a superpower status and its inclination towards modernisation, including technology and equipment advances.
India
India is the second-largest country with the largest military manpower, which is over 1.45 million military troops. The nation has its South Asian strategic priorities set, like border security and its focus on international peacekeeping missions. The country of millions is making successful efforts to strike a balance between manpower and rising defence technology investments.
United States
The U.S. military, with 1.33 million active personnel, has a significant global presence and technological advancement. The country has its focus on a technology-oriented force without sacrificing unrivalled power projection capacity.
North Korea
North Korea has a huge 1.32 million-man army, which highlights its numbers as a powerful armed country. Its conscript system and military policies continue to place North Korea’s forces among the world's largest.
Russia
Russia has equal military manpower to that of North Korea, a number which has increased owing to its continuing conflicts. The military is Russia's pride in terms of supporting its geopolitical ambitions and exercising power over neighbouring nations.
Ukraine
The active army of Ukraine has risen to 900,000, all due to the ongoing conflicts and a necessity for fast mobilisation. This growth showcases the nation's priorities and willingness to protect its sovereignty.
Pakistan
With 654,000 active personnel, Pakistan has a large military to counter regional security threats, especially along the borders with India and Afghanistan. Its military is well-trained and contributes significantly to the internal security of the nation.
Iran
Iran's 610,000-strong army mirrors its focus on regional presence and internal security, along with warfare capabilities. The nation heavily invests in conventional and unconventional forces.
South Korea
South Korea's 600,000 active servicemen are in response to the danger from the north. Compulsory military state service guarantees an ongoing source of trained personnel that serves national defence as well as international peace support.
Vietnam
Vietnam completes the top ten with its 600,000 military personnel. The nation's military is a reflection of history and current regional issues in the South China Sea, focusing on readiness and resilience.
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