According to data from GlobalFirepower.com, when reserve members are taken into account, the world’s largest armies in 2024 are led by Vietnam and India.

The US army isn’t the largest in terms of manpower, despite being regarded as the greatest military force in the world.

The top 10 nations by military personnel as of May 2024 are depicted in the figure below, which was created by Bruno Venditti of Visual Capitalist. It includes both active and reserve military personnel as well as paramilitary groups. Estimates from GlobalFirepower.com served as its foundation.

Vietnam, India, and South Korea Have the Biggest Armies

China boasts the most extensive standing army, with more than two million active soldiers. The nation also ranks second in the number of active aircraft carriers and third in the number of tanks, all thanks to increases in defense spending over the past few decades.

However, the Chinese military lags behind those of South Korea, Vietnam, India, and Russia when reserve personnel are taken into account.

Vietnam has 600,000 active soldiers and more than 5 million reserve members. This is due to Vietnam’s long-standing policy of conscription for young adults, which is shared by nations like South Korea and Israel.

It’s interesting to note that the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 greatly increased the country’s population. From over 170,000 in 2016 to over 900,000, there were active personnel.

The United States spends $877 billion on military spending in 2022—nearly 40% of all military spending worldwide—despite not having the biggest army.

In absolute terms, China came in second, contributing an additional 13% of global military spending, or $292 billion.

Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that in response to mounting war fears and escalating conflicts, Rishi Sunak’s proposal for mandatory military service for all 18-year-olds emerges as a shocking plan, aiming to bolster national security amidst uncertainty.