Asia is home to some of the most powerful and influential countries in the world, both economically and militarily. The continent has witnessed many wars and conflicts throughout history, and it continues to face various geopolitical challenges and threats in the present day. As a result, many Asian countries have invested heavily in their defense capabilities, developing advanced technologies, expanding their manpower, and increasing their budgets. But which country has the strongest army in Asia? How do they compare with each other regarding military strength and strategy? And what are the implications for the future of regional and global security?
Read Our Full Guide on the 2024 Top Strongest Air Forces in Asia
In this article, we will explore these questions and more by examining the military power of the top Asian contenders. We will use various criteria to evaluate their army strength, such as technology, manpower, budget, and global ranking. We will also provide a historical context for their military development and analyze their key military assets and challenges. Finally, we will offer some comparative insights and predictions for the future outlook of the military landscape in Asia.
Here’s a highlight of what we will cover in this content:
Table of Contents
Historical Context of The Strongest Army in Asia
Before we dive into the details of each country’s army, it is important to understand the historical background of the military power shifts in Asia. Asia has a long and rich history of warfare, dating back to ancient times. Some of the earliest and most influential civilizations, such as China, India, Persia, and Mongolia, emerged and expanded in Asia, often through military conquest and domination. These civilizations developed sophisticated weapons, tactics, and strategies and influenced other regions’ military culture and traditions.
However, the balance of power in Asia changed dramatically with the advent of European colonialism and imperialism, which began in the 16th century and lasted until the 20th century. Many Asian countries were colonized, exploited, and oppressed by various European powers, such as Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. These powers also brought new technologies, such as firearms, cannons, and ships, which gave them a military edge over the native armies. Some Asian countries, such as Japan, managed to resist and modernize their military forces, while others, such as China and India, suffered from political and social turmoil and decline.
The 20th century saw the rise of nationalism and independence movements in many Asian countries, which led to the end of colonial rule and the emergence of new states. However, the century also witnessed some of the most devastating wars and conflicts in history, such as the two World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Indo-Pakistani Wars, the Sino-Indian War, the Sino-Vietnamese War, and the Soviet-Afghan War. These wars resulted in millions of casualties, massive destruction, and political instability but also spurred the development of military technologies and capabilities, such as nuclear weapons, missiles, jets, and submarines.
The 21st century has brought new challenges and opportunities for the military advancement of Asian countries. The rise of China as a global superpower, the emergence of India as a regional leader, the persistence of North Korea as a nuclear threat, the rivalry between Pakistan and India, the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, the US presence and influence in the region, and the rise of terrorism and extremism are some of the factors that shape the current and future military dynamics in Asia. These factors also motivate and compel Asian countries to enhance their defense capabilities and to seek strategic partnerships and alliances with other countries.
Key Countries With The Strongest Army in Asia
Many countries in Asia have significant and impressive military forces. Still, for the sake of this article, we will focus on the top five contenders based on their global ranking according to the Global Firepower Index (GFP). The GFP is a comprehensive and widely used measure of military strength, considering more than 50 factors, such as manpower, equipment, technology, budget, geography, and logistics. The GFP assigns a score to each country, called the Power Index (PwrIndx), which ranges from 0 to 1, with lower values indicating stronger military power. The GFP also ranks the countries according to their PwrIndx scores, from 1 to 138, with lower ranks indicating higher military power.
According to the GFP, the top five strongest armies in Asia, as of 2024, are:
- Russia (Rank: 1, PwrIndx: 0.0702)
- China (Rank: 2, PwrIndx: 0.0706)
- India (Rank: 3, PwrIndx: 0.1023)
- South Korea (Rank: 4, PwrIndx: 0.1416)
- Pakistan (Rank: 7, PwrIndx: 0.1711)
These countries have a long and distinguished military history and a current status of being regional and global powers. They also have diverse and formidable military assets, such as nuclear weapons, large armies, advanced technologies, and strategic alliances. However, they face challenges and limitations, such as budget constraints, geopolitical issues, and international diplomacy.
The following sections will provide a more detailed analysis of each country’s army, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and prospects.
List of The Top Best Army in Asia in 2024
Let’s delve into further details about the top best Army in Asia:
1. Russia
Russia is a traditional and formidable power in Asia and a global rival of the United States. Russia has the largest land area in the world, spanning across Europe and Asia, and the eleventh-largest population, with more than 140 million people. Russia also has the sixth-largest economy in the world, with a GDP of more than 1.5 trillion USD. Russia has the second-largest military budget in the world, with an estimated spending of more than 60 billion USD in 2024. Russia ranks fifth in the GFP, with a PwrIndx score of 0.0702, behind the United States.
Russia’s military strength and influence are based on its military capabilities and global presence. Russia has the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, with an estimated 6,375 warheads and a sophisticated delivery system, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, bombers, and submarines. Russia is one of the five recognized nuclear-weapon states under the NPT and one of the two that have not declared a no-first-use policy. Russia also has a powerful conventional force, with over 900,000 active military personnel and over 50,000 tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and rocket launchers.
Russia’s military assets include its navy and air force, among the most advanced and experienced in the world. Russia has over 300 naval vessels, including nuclear-powered submarines, cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. Russia also has over 4,000 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transporters, and helicopters. Russia’s navy and air force enable it to project its power and influence across the world and to intervene in various conflicts and crises, such as in Syria, Libya, and Venezuela.
Russia’s military strategy and posture are driven by its political and economic interests and historical and cultural factors. Russia views itself as a great power that seeks to restore its status and prestige in the international system and as a protector of its sovereignty and security, which have previously been threatened and undermined.
Russia also seeks to defend and expand its sphere of influence and interests, especially in its near abroad, such as in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Russia’s military doctrine is based on the concept of “strategic deterrence,” which means that Russia will use its nuclear and conventional forces to deter and prevent any aggression and to respond with appropriate and proportional measures if attacked or provoked.
2. China
China is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and influential countries in Asia and one of the leading military forces in the world. China has the largest population in the world, with more than 1.4 billion people, and the second-largest economy, with a GDP of more than 15 trillion USD. China also has the largest military budget in Asia and the second-largest globally, with an estimated spending of over 250 billion USD in 2024. China ranks third in the GFP, with a PwrIndx score of 0.0706, behind only the United States and Russia.
China’s military size, technology, and global ranking reflect its ambition and aspiration to become a dominant superpower in the 21st century. China has recently modernized its military capabilities, investing in new and innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber warfare, and hypersonic weapons. China also has a formidable nuclear arsenal, with an estimated 320 warheads and a diverse delivery system, including ballistic missiles, bombers, and submarines. China is one of the five recognized nuclear-weapon states under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the only one that has not declared a no-first-use policy.
China’s military assets are not limited to its land forces; its navy and air force are among the largest and most advanced in the world. China has over 700 naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and patrol boats. China also has over 3,000 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transporters, and helicopters. China’s navy and air force enable it to project its power and influence beyond its borders and to assert its claims and interests in the disputed waters of the South China Sea and the East China Sea, where it faces opposition from other countries, such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States.
China’s military strength and strategy are driven by its political and economic goals and historical and cultural factors. China views itself as a rising power that deserves respect and recognition from the international community and as a defender of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, which have been violated and threatened in the past. China also seeks to secure its access and control over vital resources and markets, such as oil, gas, minerals, and trade routes, which are essential for its development and growth. China’s military doctrine is based on the concept of “active defense”, which means that China will not initiate aggression, but will respond with force if attacked or provoked.
3. India
India is another major and emerging power in Asia and a rival and neighbor of China. India has the second-largest population in the world, with more than 1.3 billion people, and the fifth-largest economy, with a GDP of more than 3 trillion USD. India also has the third-largest military budget in Asia and the fourth-largest globally, with an estimated spending of more than 70 billion USD in 2024. India ranks third in the GFP, with a PwrIndx score of 0.1023, behind only China, Russia, and the United States.
India’s military strength and potential are based on manpower, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships. India has the second-largest active military personnel in the world, with more than 1.4 million soldiers, and the largest volunteer army, with more than 960,000 reservists. India also has a significant and growing nuclear arsenal, with an estimated 150 warheads and a triad of delivery systems, including ballistic missiles, bombers, and submarines. India is one of the nine countries that possess nuclear weapons and one of the four that are not party to the NPT.
India’s military capabilities are also enhanced by its technological innovations and achievements, such as the development of the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Tejas light combat aircraft, the Arihant nuclear-powered submarine, and the Chandrayaan lunar mission. India also has a robust space program, which has launched over 100 satellites and plans to send humans to space and land a rover on Mars.
India’s military strategy and posture are influenced by its regional and global aspirations and historical and cultural factors. India sees itself as a rising power that seeks to play a greater role in the international arena and as a responsible and democratic actor that promotes peace and stability. India also faces various security threats and challenges, such as the unresolved border disputes with China and Pakistan, the cross-border terrorism and insurgency from Pakistan, the nuclear proliferation and instability in the neighborhood, and the competition and cooperation with other major powers, such as the United States, Russia, and Japan.
India’s military doctrine is based on the concept of “credible minimum deterrence”, which means that India will maintain a sufficient and credible nuclear force to deter any aggression, but will not engage in an arms race or seek nuclear superiority. India also follows a no-first-use policy, which means that India will not use nuclear weapons first, but will retaliate with massive and unacceptable damage if attacked with nuclear weapons. India also adheres to the principle of non-alignment, which means that India will not join any military alliance or bloc but will pursue its national interests and values.
Other Notable Countries With The Best Army in Asia
Besides China, India, and Russia, other notable Asian countries, such as Pakistan, South Korea, and Japan, have strong and impressive armies. These countries have smaller but more efficient and modern military forces, strategic advantages, and challenges in their respective regions.
Pakistan is a nuclear-armed state with an estimated 160 warheads and a range of delivery systems, including ballistic missiles, aircraft, and submarines. Pakistan is one of the nine countries that possess nuclear weapons and one of the four that are not party to the NPT. Pakistan’s nuclear capability is mainly aimed at deterring and countering India, its arch-rival and neighbor, with whom it has fought four wars and several skirmishes over the disputed territory of Kashmir. Pakistan also faces internal and external security threats, such as terrorism, extremism, separatism, and foreign intervention.
South Korea is technologically advanced and economically prosperous, with a GDP of more than 1.6 trillion USD. South Korea has a large and well-equipped military force, with more than 600,000 active personnel and more than 15,000 tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and rocket launchers. South Korea also has a strong and reliable ally in the United States, with whom it has a mutual defense treaty and a combined command structure. South Korea’s main security challenge is North Korea, its communist and hostile neighbor, which has nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles and poses a constant and unpredictable threat to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the region.
Japan is a pacifist and democratic country, with a GDP of more than 5 trillion USD. Japan has a small but modern and sophisticated military force, with over 250,000 active personnel and over 1,000 tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and rocket launchers. Japan also has a close and enduring alliance with the United States, with whom it has a security treaty and a joint defense cooperation. Japan’s main security challenge is China, its historical and economic rival, with whom it has territorial and historical disputes, and which has been increasing its military presence and activities in the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Comparative Analysis Between The Best Armies in Asia Today
We can now compare and contrast each country’s military strengths and weaknesses regarding their defense budgets, technological advancements, and strategic assets. We can also explore the potential military alliances and their impact on regional power dynamics.
Regarding defense budgets, China is the clear leader in Asia and the second in the world, spending more than 250 billion USD in 2024. This is more than three times the spending of India, the third in Asia, and the fourth in the world, with a spending of more than 70 billion USD in 2024. Russia is the fourth in Asia and the second in the world, spending more than 60 billion USD in 2024.
Pakistan is fifth in Asia and tenth in the world, spending over USD 10 billion in 2024. South Korea is the sixth in Asia and the eleventh in the world, spending more than 9 billion USD in 2024. Japan is the seventh in Asia and the twelfth in the world, spending more than 8 billion USD in 2024.
Regarding technological advancements, China, India, and Russia are the most innovative and ambitious countries in Asia and among the most in the world. They have developed and deployed various cutting-edge technologies, such as nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, drones, cyber warfare, and space exploration. They have also invested in developing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. Pakistan, South Korea, and Japan are technologically advanced and capable countries. Still, they have focused on improving and modernizing their existing technologies rather than developing new and disruptive ones.
Regarding strategic assets, China, India, and Russia have the most diverse and formidable military forces in Asia, among the most in the world. They have large and powerful land, naval, and air forces, enabling them to project their power and influence worldwide and intervene in various conflicts and crises. They also have nuclear weapons and delivery systems, which provide them with a credible and effective deterrence and response capability.
Pakistan, South Korea, and Japan have smaller but more efficient and modern military forces, which enable them to defend their sovereignty and security and cooperate with their allies and partners. They also have conventional and unconventional weapons, such as cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and anti-aircraft missiles, which provide them with a flexible and asymmetric warfare capability.
Regarding potential military alliances, various existing and emerging partnerships and coalitions in Asia impact regional power dynamics. The most prominent and enduring alliance is between the United States and its Asian allies and partners, such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. This alliance is based on shared values and interests, such as democracy, human rights, and free trade, and it aims to maintain regional stability and peace and to counter the threats and challenges posed by China, North Korea, and other actors.
The most recent and promising alliance is between India and its Asian allies and partners, such as Japan, Australia, and the United States. This alliance is based on common concerns and objectives, such as maritime security, energy security, and counter-terrorism, and it aims to balance and contain China’s rise and influence and promote regional cooperation and integration.
The most complex and uncertain alliance is between China and its Asian allies and partners, such as Pakistan, Russia, and Iran. This alliance is based on mutual benefits and interests, such as economic development, military cooperation, and political support, and it aims to challenge and resist the dominance and interference of the United States and its allies and to advance the regional and global interests and ambitions of China and its partners.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their impressive and formidable military strengths, the Asian countries also face various challenges and limitations, which affect their defense capabilities and strategies. These challenges and limitations include budget constraints, geopolitical issues, and international diplomacy.
Budget constraints are a common and persistent challenge for most Asian countries, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a severe economic and social crisis in the region and the world. The pandemic has reduced revenues and increased governments’ expenditures, forcing them to prioritize and allocate resources more efficiently and effectively.
This has resulted in cuts and delays in some military programs and projects, such as acquiring and modernizing weapons and equipment, training and recruiting personnel, and researching and developing technologies. The pandemic has also exposed the vulnerabilities and gaps in military preparedness and readiness, such as the lack of medical supplies and personnel, the spread of infections and diseases, and the disruption of operations and exercises.
Geopolitical issues are another major and complex challenge for Asian countries, especially in the context of the rising tensions and conflicts in the region and the world. The region is rife with various disputes and flashpoints, such as the border disputes between China and India, the nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, the territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and the instability and violence in Afghanistan.
These issues pose a serious and imminent threat to the peace and security of the region and the world, and they require a coordinated and cooperative response from the international community. However, the region is also marked by various rivalries and competitions, such as the strategic competition between China and the United States, the historical animosity between India and Pakistan, and the ideological differences between democracy and authoritarianism. These rivalries and competitions hinder the trust and dialogue among the countries and fuel the arms race and the region’s militarization.
International diplomacy is another important and challenging factor for Asian countries, especially in the changing and uncertain global order. The region is witnessing a shift in power and influence as China emerges as a dominant and assertive power and the United States redefines and reasserts its role and interests.
The region is also experiencing a diversification and fragmentation of the actors and interests, as new and emerging powers, such as India, Japan, and Australia, play a more active and influential role, and as non-state actors, such as terrorist groups, criminal networks, and civil society organizations, pose new and complex challenges and opportunities.
These changes and trends require Asian countries to adapt and adjust their foreign and defense policies and to engage and cooperate with other countries and organizations, both within and outside the region. However, the region also faces various obstacles and constraints, such as the lack of a common and coherent vision and agenda, the absence of a strong and effective regional institution and mechanism, and the presence of various norms and values conflicts and contradictions.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the future of the military landscape in Asia is uncertain and unpredictable but also dynamic and exciting. The region will witness various changes and developments, both positive and negative, in terms of the military technologies, capabilities, and strategies of the Asian countries. The region will also face various challenges and opportunities, both internal and external, in terms of military threats, conflicts, and cooperation in the region and the world.
In terms of military technologies, the region will see the emergence and proliferation of various new and innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber warfare, and hypersonic weapons. These technologies will enhance the military capabilities and efficiency of the Asian countries and will enable them to conduct more precise and effective operations and missions. However, these technologies will also pose new and complex ethical and legal challenges and risks, such as the accountability and responsibility of using force, the protection and privacy of data and information, the prevention and regulation of the arms race, and the escalation of conflicts.
In terms of military capabilities, the region will witness the growth and improvement of the military forces of the Asian countries, both in terms of quantity and quality. The region will also see the diversification and specialization of the military forces in terms of domains and functions. Asian countries will increase their military personnel and equipment and upgrade and modernize their weapons and systems.
The Asian countries will also develop and deploy more capabilities in land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace domains. They will perform more functions, such as deterrence, defense, offense, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance.
In terms of military strategies, the region will experience the evolution and adaptation of the military doctrines and policies of the Asian countries, both in terms of objectives and means. The region will also witness the emergence and transformation of military alliances and coalitions regarding actors and interests. The Asian countries will adjust and align their military objectives and means with their national interests and values and will respond and react to the changing and uncertain security environment.
The Asian countries will also engage and cooperate with other countries and organizations within and outside the region. They will form and reform their military partnerships and coalitions based on common and divergent concerns and objectives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military landscape in Asia is a dynamic and complex phenomenon that reflects the region’s historical, political, economic, and cultural factors and the world. The region has some of the world’s strongest and most influential armies with various strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. The region also has some of the most diverse and innovative military technologies, capabilities, and strategies, with various opportunities, risks, and implications. The region also faces some of the most serious and urgent military threats, conflicts, and cooperation, which require various responses, solutions, and actions.
The military strength of Asian countries is not only a matter of numbers and statistics but also of vision and values. The military strength of the Asian countries is not only a source of pride and prestige but also a source of responsibility and accountability. The military strength of the Asian countries is not only a tool of power and influence but also a tool of peace and stability. The military strength of the Asian countries is not only a challenge and a threat but also an opportunity and a hope.
References and Further Reading
If you are interested in learning more about the military landscape in Asia, here are some sources for in-depth analysis and updates on military advancements:
- Global Firepower Index: A comprehensive and widely used measure of military strength, which ranks and compares the world’s countries based on more than 50 factors, such as manpower, equipment, technology, budget, geography, and logistics. https://www.globalfirepower.com/
- Military Balance: An annual assessment of the military capabilities and defense economics of 171 countries, published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a leading think tank on global security issues. https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance
- SIPRI Yearbook: An authoritative and independent source of data and analysis on armaments, disarmament, and international security, published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a research institute dedicated to peace and conflict studies. https://www.sipri.org/yearbook
- Asian Military Review: A bi-monthly magazine that covers the latest news and developments on defense and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on military technology, equipment, and strategy. https://asianmilitaryreview.com/
- The Diplomat: An online magazine that covers the politics, economics, culture, and security of the Asia-Pacific region, with a special emphasis on defense and foreign affairs. https://thediplomat.com/
