In this article, we look at the 5 countries that will have the most powerful militaries by 2030. You can read about current technological developments in the defense industry by heading over to the 15 Countries that will have the Most Powerful Militaries by 2030.
5. Russia
Forecasted GDP (PPP) for 2030: $5.97 trillion
Projected Defense Spending in 2030: $90.74 billion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 51
Score: 0.794
We begin with Russia, which is likely to drop to fifth spot from third between 2024 and 2030, due to its lack of access to advanced military equipment. But while Russia may experience difficulty in making new, better weapons, the country has plenty of older ones, which ensure that it still remains a formidable force to reckon with. It has over 6,000 nuclear weapons – the most in the world, and also boasts the largest fleet of battle tanks (14,777) and submarines (65). Moreover, the Russian military has an active manpower of 1.32 million troops, 3,652 military aircraft, 102 military satellites in orbit, and 12 overseas military bases. The country spent a whopping $86.37 billion on defense expenditure in 2022.
4. Germany
Forecasted GDP (PPP) for 2030: $6.73 trillion
Projected Defense Spending in 2030: $69.87 billion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 8
Score: 0.823
Germany is set to be the fourth most powerful military in the world by 2030. It is one of Europe’s powerhouses – both economically and militarily. Its forecasted GDP in PPP terms is set to reach $6.3 billion in six years, which will be complemented by an increase in defense spending from $55.76 billion in 2022 to $69.87 billion. It is the eighth most technologically advanced country in the world, which has ensured a flourishing defense sector at home.
3. India
Forecasted GDP (PPP) for 2030: $22.20 trillion
Projected Defense Spending in 2030: $132.26 billion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 40
Score: 0.881
Next up on the third spot is India, whose military is likely to climb one spot, from fourth currently to being the third best military in the world by 2030. India has the second largest standing armed forces in the world after China, with a manpower of nearly 1.5 million active troops. The Indian military has a nuclear arsenal of 156 weapons, and is equipped with 1,645 military aircraft, 4,614 battle tanks, and 294 naval assets. The country also operates three overseas military bases in Oman, Tajikistan, and Mauritius.
2. China
Forecasted GDP (PPP) for 2030: $47.38 trillion
Projected Defense Spending in 2030: $489.55 billion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 12
Score: 0.967
China has the largest military in the world, with more than 2 million active military personnel, 5,000 battle tanks, 2,084 military aircraft, 730 naval assets, 350 nuclear weapons, and 125 military satellites in space. It can be said that its defense spending has been congruent to its GDP with an average of 6.67% annual increase over the last decade. By 2030, Beijing’s defense expenditure is likely to get close to $490 billion, from $292 billion in 2022.
1. United States
Forecasted GDP (PPP) for 2030: $33.96 trillion
Projected Defense Spending in 2030: $1.1 trillion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 3
Score: 0.984
The United States will continue to be the most powerful military in the world by 2030. Its currently military might is too significant to be overcome by anyone in the next few years, and the country is already planning ahead in terms of military equipment, with work underway to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet to replace the F-22 Raptor by 2030. The country spent $877 billion on defense expenditure in 2022, and this figure is expected to go well beyond the $1 trillion in a few year’s time. The United States has an active military manpower of 1,328,000 personnel, 5,550 nuclear weapons, 4,657 battle tanks, 5,209 active military aircraft, 472 naval assets including 11 aircraft carriers, 218 military satellites in orbit, and over 750 overseas military bases.
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