US, Russia lead, Nigeria ranks 31st globally… countries with strongest military in the world

The 2025 Global Firepower (GFP) Index has once again confirmed the global military supremacy of the United States, Russia, and China, placing them in the top three positions out of 145 countries evaluated.

The index, which uses over 60 indicators such as manpower, equipment, financial resources, geography, and logistical capability, provides a comprehensive ranking of national military strengths.

According to the latest release, the United States leads the world with a PowerIndex score of 0.0744, followed closely by Russia and China, both with scores of 0.0788.

The top 10 countries in the 2025 global military ranking are as follows:

1. United States (0.0744)

   
   
   

2. Russia (0.0788)

3. China (0.0788)

4. India (0.1184)

   
   
   

5. South Korea (0.1656)

6. United Kingdom (0.1785)

7. France (0.1878)

8. Japan (0.1839)

9. Turkey (0.1902)

10. Italy (0.2164)

These rankings show the continued dominance of traditional military powers, as well as the strategic rise of Asian nations like India, South Korea, and Turkey, who are expanding their influence through military modernization and regional assertiveness.

In Africa, Nigeria has made significant progress, climbing to third place on the continent and 31st globally in the 2025 GFP rankings. This marks a notable leap from its previous ranking of 39th in 2024. The rise is attributed to Nigeria’s growing investment in military infrastructure, counter-insurgency capabilities, and international defense partnerships. The Nigerian Armed Forces have also boosted their personnel strength, equipment holdings, and maritime and aerial operational readiness.

According to GFP, Nigeria maintains a force of approximately 230,000 active personnel and over 50,000 paramilitary personnel, alongside a substantial inventory of tanks, armoured vehicles, combat aircraft, naval vessels, and drones. Its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the northeast and safeguard maritime routes in the Gulf of Guinea have helped sharpen operational efficiency and improve international perception.

The top 10 military powers in Africa for 2025, based on GFP rankings, are:

1. Egypt – 19th globally

2. Algeria – 26th globally

3. Nigeria – 31st globally

4. South Africa – 40th globally

5. Ethiopia – 52nd globally

6. Angola – 56th globally

7. Morocco – 59th globally

8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – 66th globally

9. Sudan – 73rd globally

10. Libya – 76th globally

Egypt retains its status as the strongest military in Africa and 19th globally, with a large arsenal of tanks, fighter jets, and naval assets. Algeria, in second place, benefits from a well-funded military and substantial ground forces. Nigeria, now third, is recognized for its increased domestic capacity, consistent recruitment, and regional peacekeeping roles.

Despite Africa’s improved military standing globally, the continent still lags far behind the top-ranking nations in terms of advanced military technology, logistics, satellite defense, and cyber capabilities. However, Nigeria’s steady climb signals a broader shift in West Africa’s defense posture and potential for increased strategic influence.

In conclusion, while the United States, Russia, and China continue to dominate the global landscape, Nigeria’s rise to third in Africa and 31st globally represents a growing confidence in its defense architecture and operational reforms. As threats become more sophisticated and geopolitical tensions intensify, maintaining upward momentum will require Nigeria and its African counterparts to prioritise innovation, regional collaboration, and long-term defense planning.