09.03.2026 13:50
As the war between Iran, the USA, and Israel continues, the Global Firepower 2026 military strength index ranks the USA at the top, while Turkey is placed 9th among the world's strongest armies.
The Global Firepower (GFP) military strength index for 2026 has been published. In the list evaluating the military capacity of 145 countries, the USA maintains its top position, while Turkey ranks among the top 10 strongest armies in the world.
GLOBAL FIREPOWER 2026 INDEX PUBLISHED
The Global Firepower (GFP) 2026 index, which compares the military capacity of world armies, has been announced. The index, published annually, determines the global military power ranking by evaluating over 60 criteria, such as the number of soldiers, air and naval power, tank and armored vehicle capacity, defense budget, logistical infrastructure, and military technologies. In this year's list, which examined 145 countries, the USA retains the title of the world's strongest army, while Russia ranks second. China maintains its position in third place.
TURKEY STANDS OUT IN THE TOP 10
According to Global Firepower's 2026 data, Turkey ranks 9th among the world's strongest armies. The presence of Turkey in the top 10 is noteworthy, as many countries from Asia and Europe occupy the higher ranks in the list.
Investments made in the defense industry in recent years, drone technology, and modernization efforts in land and naval forces play a significant role in strengthening Turkey's military capacity.
TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST HAVE BROUGHT THE LIST BACK TO THE AGENDA
The Global Firepower list has come back to the agenda with the increasing tensions in the Middle East. The rising tensions due to the attacks by the USA and Israel on Iran have opened discussions about the possibility of a large-scale war in the region.
Experts indicate that if the conflicts escalate, the military capacity of the world's strongest armies and the balance of international alliances could become even more critical.
ENERGY MARKETS ARE ALSO AFFECTED
According to experts, the USA-Iran tension affects not only military balances but also global energy markets directly. Following Israel's attacks on certain targets in Iran, the Tehran administration threatened retaliation against energy infrastructures in the Gulf, while a sharp rise in oil prices was observed.
Analysts express that if the current tension turns into a broader regional war, energy security and international alliances will be as decisive as military power balances.
THE WORLD'S STRONGEST ARMIES
- USA
- Russia
- China
- India
- South Korea
- France
- Japan
- United Kingdom
- Turkey
- Italy
- Brazil
- Germany
- Indonesia
- Pakistan
- Israel
- Iran
- Australia
- Spain
- Egypt
- Ukraine