U.S. Tops 2025 Global Military Strength Index; Nigeria Leads in Sub-Saharan Africa (SEE LIST)

WASHINGTON, USA — The United States has once again ranked as the most powerful military force in the world, according to the 2025 Global Military Strength Index published by Global Firepower (GFP), maintaining its position at the top amid evolving global threats and defence strategies.

The annual report, which evaluates the military capabilities of 145 countries based on over 60 indicators, placed Russia and China in second and third positions, respectively. India and South Korea rounded out the top five.

The rankings also reflect sustained military prominence for Middle Eastern powers Israel and Iran, which came in 15th and 16th positions, respectively.

The close ranking underscores their enduring influence on regional stability, especially amid renewed hostilities and a growing arms race across the region.

Among African nations, Egypt remains the continent’s top-ranked military, landing at 19th globally.

Nigeria follows as sub-Saharan Africa’s leading military force at 31st, ahead of South Africa at 40th and Algeria at 26th.

Nigeria’s position marks continued recognition of its strategic importance in regional security, despite persistent challenges with insurgency, terrorism, and internal security operations.

1. United States

2. Russia

3. China

4. India

5. South Korea

6. United Kingdom

7. France

8. Japan

9. Turkiye

10. Italy

Unlike rankings based solely on defence budgets or troop size, the GFP index incorporates a broad mix of quantitative and qualitative factors, including technological sophistication, logistical capacity, natural resources, industrial infrastructure, and geographic considerations.

Smaller nations with advanced weaponry, cyber capabilities, and elite training programmes — such as Israel, South Korea, and Singapore — continue to challenge traditional power hierarchies.

“The index reflects shifts in strategic alliances, evolving warfare tactics, and the increasing role of innovation and cyber capabilities in defence policy,” analysts at GFP noted in the report summary.

• Europe retained a strong presence in the top 20, with the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all securing high placements.

• Asia-Pacific nations like Japan, India, and South Korea continue to climb in rank, reflecting significant defence investments and regional tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

• Latin American countries such as Brazil (11th) and Argentina (33rd) maintained competitive positions relative to their regional peers.

See the full ranking below: