Top 10 countries with the fastest-growing military strength in 2025

Growing military might is no longer only a question of pride or deterrence; rather, it is now a strategic need for survival, influence, and global relevance as geopolitical conflicts, from Gaza to Ukraine, Sudan to the Taiwan Strait, take center stage in 2025.

On a fundamental level, the expansion of military might reflects a country’s efforts to maintain its sovereignty.

In an era when state borders are frequently challenged, whether by terrorism, cyberattacks, or outright foreign aggression, nations are under pressure to strengthen their defensive systems.

Investing in soldiers, modern weaponry, surveillance technology, and air and naval forces enables governments to effectively protect their citizens and borders from both conventional and unconventional threats.

According to GlobalFirePower (GFP), some countries are doing just that, as they rank amongst the fastest-growing militaries globally.

Among these, a select group stands out for their rapid military expansion and enhancement.

According to the comprehensive analysis conducted by GlobalFirePower (GFP), an authority in global military strength assessments, certain countries are experiencing a notable surge in their military power, securing their positions among the fastest-growing militaries worldwide.

GFP’s compiled “Power on the Rise” index identifies 19 nations that have demonstrated a significant and sustained increase in their military strength over a defined period.

This index serves as a crucial indicator of emerging military powerhouses and highlights the dynamic nature of global defense postures.

With that said, here are the countries with the fastest-growing military strength in 2025, according to GlobalFirePower.