Army-technology.com ranks the world’s top ten biggest armies, based on the troop size. (Updated February 2024)
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Unveiling the Top 10 world's Biggest Armies
People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF), China
The People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) of China is the world’s biggest army, with an estimated 975,000 troops. Established in August 1927, the PLAGF is one of the major military divisions of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The PLA operates under the command of the Central Military Commission. The active ground forces of the army are deployed across seven military regions in the country. China is also the second largest military spender in the world after the US. Chinese defence expenditure recorded a compound annual ground rate (CAGR) of 7.5% during 2019–23 and stood at $230.3bn in 2023. Over 2024–28, it is forecast to register a CAGR of 6.6% to value $323.7bn in 2028.Indian Army
Constituting 1.2 million troops, the Indian Army is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). It employs a regimental system divided into mountain, infantry, and armoured and mechanised divisions. The Indian Army is equipped with T-72 and Arjun tanks, BMP series infantry fighting vehicles, anti-tank guided missiles, Apache helicopters, fast reconnaissance vehicles, modern individual weapons, self-propelled artillery and air defence missiles. Indian defence expenditure including pensions increased from $64.3bn in 2019 to $74bn in 2023, recording a CAGR of 3.6%.US Army
The US Army is one of the three military departments (army, navy and air force) working under the Department of Defence. It is mainly composed of active and reserve components. The US Army employs around 900,000 active-duty and National Guard members. The US defenCe budget grew by 10.7% in 2023 to $818.8bn , up from $739.5bn in 2022. The US Army utilises modern weaponry including tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, self-propelled and towed artillery, as well as missiles and rocket-launching systems.Korean People’s Army Ground Force (KPAGF)
The Korean People’s Army Ground Force (KPAGF) is the major arm of North Korea’s Korean People’s Army. Established in August 1947, the KPAGF is estimated to have a current strength of 950,000 troops. The North Korean ground force holds the arsenal of 4,300 tanks, 2,500 armoured vehicles, 8,600 field artillery systems and 5,500 multiple rocket launchers, according to latest estimates. Most of the artillery and missile systems are positioned close to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) dividing North and South Korea.Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army was formed in 1947 after independence from the British Empire. The army currently employs approximately 750,000 active and National Guard forces, making it one of the world’s biggest armed forces. The Pakistan Army engaged in three major wars against India. Most of the weapons used by the armed forces are of Chinese, European or American origin. The inventory mainly comprises small arms, armoured vehicles, artillery, helicopters and air defence systems. In 2023 the defence budget is $8.3bn and registered a CAGR of 0.5%. Defence expenditure is forecast to register a strong CAGR of 2.5% over 2024–28 and reach $10bn in 2028.Republic of Korea Army (ROK Army)
The South Korean Army was formed in 1948 after Korea divided into two nations. The Republic of Korea Army (ROK Army) is the ground-based force of the South Korean armed forces. With the strength of around 500,000 troops, the ROK Army is the largest of three divisions. The army has been going through rapid modernisation, resulting in the induction of a range of advanced weapons and military technologies. The inventory of land forces is believed to comprise 2,300 tanks, 2,700 armoured vehicles, as well as more than 5,800 artillery pieces and multiple rocket launching systems. The country's defence budget was $48.3bn and experienced robust annual growth of 10.5% in 2022. However, this declined to $44.2bn in 2023. Over the forecast period, South Korean defence expenditure is anticipated to register a CAGR of 2.4% over 2024–28 and reach $52.1bn by 2028.Ground Forces of the Russian Federation
The Ground Forces of the Russian Federation, also known as the Russian Army, is the major component of the Russian Armed Forces. The Russian Army was established in May 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The ground force is controlled by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The Ground Forces withdrew a large number of troops aboard the former Soviet garrisons and also simplified the command and control structures. The Ground Forces of the Russian Federation currently deploys 350,000 to 400,000 troops.Egyptian Army
The Egyptian Army is the largest service within the Egyptian Armed Forces, with 310,000 troops excluding reserved forces. It formed the second biggest contingent of allied troops, which were deployed in Operation Desert Storm. The Egyptian Army is largely equipped with US-made weapons and holds an inventory of Soviet-era arms and Chinese weapons, as well as indigenous combat systems. Egypt receives $1.6bn in military aid from the US each year, making it the second largest recipient of military aid after Israel. Inclusive of US military aid, Egyptian defence expenditure valued almost $9.0bn in 2023Turkish Army
The Turkish Army, also known as the Turkish Land Forces, is organised into the Western Army, Eastern Army, 3rd Army and Aegean Army. The land forces of Turkey reportedly employs 260,000 personnel. The Turkish armed forces saw a massive modernisation after joining the Nato in 1952. Altay tank, T-LORAMIDS air-defence missile system, T-70 utility helicopter and T129 attack helicopter are some of the modern combat platforms being inducted into the Turkish military. Turkey’s defence budget grew by 2% from 2022, to reach $15.9bn in 2023.Islamic Republic of Iran Army (IRIA) Ground Forces
The Islamic Republic of Iranian Army (IRIA) was established in 1925. The Iranian Army Ground Forces are currently estimated to field 350,000 active personnel. The IRIA relied on US weapons until the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Iran manufactured a range of weapons and combat systems since 1979. The current inventory constitutes tanks such as the locally produced Zulfiqar, armoured personnel carriers and motorised and towed artillery pieces.
