This Southeast Asian Nation Has an Active Duty Military Bigger Than Some Major US Cities

24/7 Wall St. Insights

• We reviewed the 2024 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower to determine the Southeast Asian countries with the strongest militaries.
• Southeast Asian countries have been building up military strength since the Cold War.
• One nation has an active duty military bigger than some major US cities.
• Also see: 2 Dividend Legends To Hold Forever

According to a recent publication in the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, Southeast Asian countries have been building up their defense spending over the past two decades. The end of the Cold War, combined with economic growth in the region has caused Southeast Asian nations to increase spending on defense to modernize and improve their militaries. Here 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look into the region, and which of these nations have built the strongest military forces. (These are the most powerful militaries in the world.)

To determine the countries with the strongest military might in Southeast Asia, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed 2024 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. Global Firepower ranked 145 countries based on their PowerIndex, a composite of over 60 measures in categories such as military might, financials, logistical capability, and geography. The smaller the PowerIndex value the more powerful a nation’s theoretical conventional fighting capability is. We included supplemental information regarding active military personnel, military aircraft, vehicles, and naval power.

Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, has a military that matches its vast territorial reach. The country’s naval power nearly rivals the world’s superpowers of the US, Russia, and China. Furthermore, recent technological advancements within Indonesia’s military have enhanced its aerial capacity.

Another major player in the region, Thailand, boasts one of the most experienced militaries. The Royal Thai Armed Forces benefit from strong ties with the United States. This partnership provides advanced training and technology for its forces. (These are the countries with the most military expenditures.)

These militaries, and more, are not only powerful in terms of their personnel and assets, but they also play important roles in regional security.

Here is a look at the strongest militaries in Southeast Asia:

Why Are We Covering This?

Southeast Asia is a region of great strategic importance, encompassing diverse nations with varied military capabilities. It cannot be understated the value of this region and the countries that hold its security in the balance. Understanding the militaries within this region gives context to a broader geopolitical view.

9. Laos

• Military strength score: 2.2071
• Active military personnel: 100,000
• Total military aircraft: 34
• Total military vehicles: 1,880
• Total navy ships and submarines: 0

8. Cambodia

• Military strength score: 2.1725
• Active military personnel: 221,000
• Total military aircraft: 24
• Total military vehicles: 4,094
• Total navy ships and submarines: 31

7. Malaysia

• Military strength score: 0.5992
• Active military personnel: 113,000
• Total military aircraft: 143
• Total military vehicles: 13,965
• Total navy ships and submarines: 101

6. Myanmar

• Military strength score: 0.5251
• Active military personnel: 150,000
• Total military aircraft: 293
• Total military vehicles: 8,139
• Total navy ships and submarines: 227

5. Philippines

• Military strength score: 0.4691
• Active military personnel: 150,000
• Total military aircraft: 195
• Total military vehicles: 7,562
• Total navy ships and submarines: 111

4. Singapore

• Military strength score: 0.4087
• Active military personnel: 51,000
• Total military aircraft: 247
• Total military vehicles: 8,318
• Total navy ships and submarines: 43

3. Thailand

• Military strength score: 0.3389
• Active military personnel: 360,850
• Total military aircraft: 501
• Total military vehicles: 14,040
• Total navy ships and submarines: 293

2. Vietnam

• Military strength score: 0.3158
• Active military personnel: 600,000
• Total military aircraft: 226
• Total military vehicles: 18,578
• Total navy ships and submarines: 97

1. Indonesia

• Military strength score: 0.2251
• Active military personnel: 400,000
• Total military aircraft: 474
• Total military vehicles: 11,604
• Total navy ships and submarines: 333

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