Answer: China
Notes: Global defence spending is rising fast due to uncertainty and rapid technology growth. As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), military expenditure reached $2.718 trillion in 2024, a 9.4% rise from 2023. China has the largest active military force with 2,035,000 personnel in 2025, according to Global Firepower. India ranks second with about 1,455,550 active personnel, showing strong defence strength and rising South Asian influence. The United States of America stands third with 1,328,000 troops, slightly reduced due to more focus on tech-based defence. Russia and Ukraine boosted troop numbers since 2022 due to ongoing conflict between them.
