The latest Global Firepower Index rankings reveal that the United States remains the world’s foremost military power, while Japan, Iran, and Pakistan have all experienced declines in their standings for 2025. As nations worldwide increase defense spending to modernize their armed forces, the rankings reflect not just financial investment but also strategic capabilities, manpower, and other critical factors.
Japan’s Position and Challenges
In the 2025 rankings, Japan slipped to 8th place from 7th in 2024, maintaining a defense budget of $57 billion. The change is not indicative of a decline in Japan’s military capabilities but rather a result of relative advancements by other countries. The Global Firepower Index evaluates over 60 factors, including manpower and logistics, revealing that while Japan’s growth remained steady, other nations made significant strides in their military readiness and spending.
Iran’s Setbacks
Iran’s military ranking fell from 14th in 2024 to 16th in 2025, with a defense budget of $15.45 billion. Contributing factors include strategic setbacks in regional conflicts, such as those in Syria and Yemen, which have diminished Iran’s military influence. Economic sanctions have further compounded issues, limiting the country’s ability to procure or replace military materials. As other nations improved their military capabilities, Iran found itself slipping despite not experiencing a clear deterioration in its own strength.
Pakistan’s Decline
Pakistan’s military ranking dropped significantly from 9th in 2024 to 12th in 2025, with a defense budget of $7.64 billion. Despite its substantial nuclear arsenal and large standing army, Pakistan faces ongoing political and economic challenges. The military’s prominence in politics has not translated into economic stability, leading to questions about the sustainability of its military strength. The complex relationship with the United States, particularly concerning counterterrorism efforts, further complicates Pakistan’s military outlook.
Egypt’s Economic Struggles
Egypt’s military ranking fell from 15th in 2024 to 19th in 2025, with a defense budget of $5.87 billion. The country’s economic difficulties, including currency instability and rising budget deficits, have hampered its ability to maintain military hardware. While other nations have made gains in military capability, Egypt’s ability to keep pace has been constrained. The military’s control over significant economic resources has not shielded it from the broader economic crises affecting the nation.
Ukraine’s Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine’s military standing declined from 18th in 2024 to 20th in 2025, with a defense budget of $53.7 billion. The protracted conflict has resulted in significant equipment losses, and delays in Western military aid have strained Ukraine’s operational capacity. Despite its resilience, Ukraine’s position in the rankings illustrates the toll of sustained warfare and the competitive nature of global military assessments.
As military spending increases globally, the dynamics of military strength are becoming increasingly complex. The declines seen in Japan, Iran, Pakistan, and Egypt highlight specific political and economic challenges that affect military readiness. The U.S. continues to lead, but the shifting landscape underscores the importance of understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of military powers worldwide.
With these trends, it is clear that maintaining military effectiveness involves not just financial investment, but also a stable political environment and strategic foresight.
