TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The military or armed forces are organizations designed to conduct wartime operations. Most sovereign countries maintain their military to protect the nation and its interests from external threats. According to the Global Firepower (GFP), the military strength of a country is measured through various indicators, such as the number of active troops, air power, ground strength, naval fleet, and defense budget.
As reported by the official GFP website, modern military consists of several branches, such as the army, navy, and air force. Its development requires strategic doctrine, logistic support systems, and national threat identification.
In the latest report released by GFP, the military strength rankings of ASEAN countries in 2025 are determined based on more than 60 comprehensively calculated variables. This assessment uses the Power Index, a score that indicates overall military strength. The lower the score, the stronger the military.
Based on the official list on the Global Firepower website, here are the military strength rankings of ASEAN countries in 2025:
- Indonesia - World Rank: 13
Power Index: 0.2251 - Vietnam - World Rank: 19
Power Index: 0.2854 - Thailand - World Rank: 26
Power Index: 0.3587 - Malaysia - World Rank: 39
Power Index: 0.4651 - Philippines - World Rank: 47
Power Index: 0.5079 - Myanmar - World Rank: 48
Power Index: 0.5092 - Singapore - World Rank: 54
Power Index: 0.5351 - Cambodia - World Rank: 92
Power Index: 0.7457 - Laos - World Rank: 117
Power Index: 1.0076 - Brunei Darussalam - World Rank: 122
Power Index: 1.0771
The Power Index not only reflects the number of troops or military assets but also takes into account logistical capability, strategic infrastructure, and defense financial capacity. For example, a country with a small number of troops but efficient logistics and advanced air power may receive a better score than a country with a large number of troops but weak support systems.
Although nuclear weapons are not included as a primary variable, GFP still calculates over 60 factors that affect the actual and potential military strength of a country.
From the presented data, Indonesia holds the strongest position in Southeast Asia in terms of military strength. This signifies Indonesia's strategic role in regional stability, followed by Vietnam and Thailand. Other countries, such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, also have competitive scores. While countries like Laos, Brunei, and Cambodia still show relatively limited strength, in line with their size and military needs.
Editor's Choice: 10 Europe's Strongest Military Forces in 2024, Nations Best Defense
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
AFF U-23 Cup Winners History: Vietnam's Hat Trick, Indonesia's Two-Time Silver
13 jam lalu
The Vietnam national team has won the AFF U-23 Cup three times in a row since 2022, while the Indonesian national team has become the champion once and the runner-up twice.
Thailand Accuses Cambodia of Second Ceasefire Breach in Two Days
15 jam lalu
The Thai military has accused Cambodian forces of violating the ceasefire agreement in three separate locations along the disputed border.
Which Country Has the Most Earthquakes, and Is Russia One of Them?
15 jam lalu
Countries with the most earthquakes are often located near the boundaries of tectonic plates, where seismic activity is most intense.
Countries with the Toughest Citizenship Requirements
16 jam lalu
Citizenship in these countries is difficult to obtain for several reasons.
Anwar Ibrahim Says ASEAN's Strength Reflected in Thailand-Cambodia Truce
1 hari lalu
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia serves as proof of ASEAN's diplomatic strength.
Indonesia and Malaysia to Build Schools for Migrant Workers' Children
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held their 13th annual consultation at the Merdeka Palace today.
Prabowo and Anwar Ibrahim to Discuss RCEP, Regional Issues at Annual Consultation
1 hari lalu
Prabowo received Anwar Ibrahim at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, ahead of their 13th annual consultation.
Prabowo Meets Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim This Morning for the 13th Annual Consultation
1 hari lalu
Prabowo and Anwar Ibrahim will discuss several issues, including bilateral cooperation, regional issues, and non-regional issues.
Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire: 7 Key Outcomes Mediated by Anwar Ibrahim
1 hari lalu
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire after an emergency meeting mediated by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair.
Three Israeli Soldiers Imprisoned for Refusing Gaza Deployment
2 hari lalu
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have dismissed and imprisoned three soldiers for refusing to return to fight in Gaza.
