In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and rapid technological innovation, many nations are reassessing their defence priorities—resulting in notable boosts in military spending and personnel numbers.

As per the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global defence expenditure has surged to $2.718 trillion in the past year, marking a 9.4% rise from 2023. The top five defence spenders are responsible for 60% of this total, collectively allocating $1,635 billion to their military budgets. Although advanced weaponry and technology are critical, the number of active-duty personnel remains a key measure of a nation’s immediate defence capacity.

According to Global Firepower’s 2025 data, China leads globally with 2,035,000 active troops. India follows in second place with approximately 1,455,550 personnel, reflecting its expanding regional and global influence. The U.S. ranks third with around 1,328,000 active-duty members, a modest decline attributed to a shift towards tech-centric defence strategies. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly bolstered troop numbers in both countries. Meanwhile, Pakistan is ranked seventh with 654,000 personnel, and Vietnam places tenth with 600,000, up from 470,000 in 2022.