Who has the biggest military in the world? Ranking the most powerful.

• China has the largest military based on active personnel
• Vietnam has the largest military based on active personnel and reserves
• The United States has the largest military budget at 801 billion US dollars
• The United States has the most powerful military in the world

In 2340 BC, Sargon of Akkad, also known as Sargon the Great, created the world’s first professional military, according to the Warfare History Network. Before Sargon modernized the army, Sumerian cities would function with a series of militias. One change Sargon made was incorporating a phalanx that was six men deep with the men in the first line carrying a rectangular shield. 

Militaries expanded beyond what Sargon did and now exist all over the world. They’re used to defend their respective countries. Out of all the militaries in the world, which is the biggest?

Who has the biggest military?

According to Statista, the largest military based on active personnel is China. China has 2 million active military personnel as of 2022.

The top 10 largest militaries based on active personnel: 

1. China – 2,000,000
2. India – 1,450,000
3. United States – 1,390,000
4. North Korea – 1,200,000
5. Russia – 850,000
6. Pakistan – 640,000
7. Iran – 575,000
8. South Korea – 555,000
9. Vietnam – 470,000
10. Egypt – 450,000