The Global Firepower Index is a rating of the military forces of all countries on the planet. It relies on 50 indices to fix the ‘PowerIndex-score,’ from weapon numbers to weapon diversity and natural resources, including available industries to the workforce, financial stability, logistical capability, and geography.
A total of 145 world powers are considered For the 2023 GFP review. The Global Firepower Index, 2023, puts the US at the top, Russia at the second spot, China at No. 3, and India at No. 4.
IAS aspirants can also refer to the in the same for the year 2023 at the linked article.
Reports and Indexes like the Global Firepower are important from the UPSC exam perspective. Candidates must go through the military power index and its key findings discussed in the article further below. This topic is an important topic in current affairs for UPSC.
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Firepower Report – Top 10 Countries
Here is the list of the top 10 countries on Global Power Index 2023:
| Position | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 0.0712 |
| 2 | Russia | 0.0714 |
| 3 | China | 0.0722 |
| 4 | India | 0.1025 |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 0.1435 |
| 6 | South Korea | 0.1505 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 0.1694 |
| 8 | Japan | 0.1711 |
| 9 | France | 0.1848 |
| 10 | Italy | 0.1973 |
The Perfect 0.000 Score
A Global Power Index rating of 0.000 is the perfect score, which no country so far has attained. The smaller the score value, the more powerful is the fighting capability, even if only on paper. The GPI does not take into account nuclear capabilities. The ranking is purely in terms of conventional capabilities.
Also, refer to the following links relevant to the IAS syllabus:
| Indian National Army | Armed Forces of India |
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| Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) | |
| Difference between Indian Army and CAPF | Military Agreements between India and US |
Making Amends to Balance Variables
GPI 2022 saw the United States dominate, with China and Russia competing neck-to-neck and India playing catch-up. GPI 2022 reviewed the militaries of 140 countries and used an in-house formula to rank them based on a stack of 30 variables, including military might, financials, and logistics. The index controls for variables such as military size and capabilities.
It enables more technologically-advanced militaries of smaller countries to compete with the larger but less-developed militaries of big countries by giving special bonuses and penalties.
Competing with Pakistan
India’s military is placed fourth on the GPI out of 145 countries in 2023. India’s rival on the subcontinent, Pakistan, ranked No. 7, breaking into the top 10 for the first time from No. 13 the previous year. India maintained its No. 4 position. Pakistan slipped into the top 15 in 2021. Other countries in the top 10 include legacy powers such as the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Germany. Pakistan factors in with its ally Turkey.
Get details about India-Pakistan Relations at the linked article.
The ‘Dragon’ and the ‘Elephant’
India’s “rival in the north,” China, has been creeping up on Russia and India over the last decade. It is already outstripped the United States in the sheer size of its economy and is bent on becoming No. 1 in military strength and capability.
Conclusion
The defence budget of each country is accounted for in the Global Firepower Index. For example, China’s defence budget is three times India’s defence budget. Values for GPI are partly derived from the CIA World Factbook. All values are in US dollars.
India has many serious competitors in the GPI of 2023. We also have several internal problems to address and rank higher in future iterations of the index. However, with its consistent investment in defense, a motivated military, and a targeted approach towards improvement, India surely has the potential to lead in the GPIs to come.
Aspirants can visit the linked article and get details about the upcoming government exams that comprise latest current affairs and general awareness as an important topic in the syllabus.
Frequently Asked Question Related to Global Firepower Index
Q1
Which Country has the largest army in the world as per the Global Firepower Index?
As per the 2022 Global Firepower Index, China had the largest armed forces in the world by active duty military personnel, with about 2 million active soldiers. India, the United States, North Korea, and Russia rounded out the top five largest armies respectively, each with over one million active military personnel.
Q2
Which country has no army?
Andorra has no standing army but has signed treaties with Spain and France for its protection. Its small volunteer army is purely ceremonial in function. The paramilitary GIPA (trained in counter-terrorism and hostage management) is part of the national police.
Q3
Who topped the Global Firepower Index in 2023?
The Global Firepower Index in 2023 was topped by the United States of America with a score of 0.0712.
Q4
How does the Global Firepower Index measure Airpower of Nations?
Global Firepower tracks total air service strength for each national power taken into consideration for the annual GFP ranking. Fixed-wing and rotary-wing (helicopters) aircraft types are factored in from all branches of service (Air Force, Army Aviation, Navy, Marine). Aircraft types considered include fighters (multirole, interceptors), trainers (basic, advanced), transports (fixed-wing and helos), dedicated bombers and ground-attackers, special-missions platforms, etc. Aircraft currently under development or on order heading into the upcoming year are NOT taken into account.
Q5
How does the Global Firepower Index measure Naval Power of Nations?
The annual Global Firepower Index tracks naval surface and underwater elements for each national power taken into consideration for the annual ranking. It takes into account all warship types including aircraft carriers, submarines, helicopter carriers, corvettes, frigates, coastal types, amphibious assault/support vessels, and auxiliaries. Designs currently under development or on order heading into the upcoming year are NOT taken into account.
Q6
When did Global Firepower Index started publishing its analysis?
Global Firepower Index started publishing its analysis in 2006.
Q7
Who are the new entrants in Global Firepower Index 2022?
Luxembourg and Iceland are new entrants to the Global Firepower Index
Q8
Which country is the ranked last in the Global Firepower Index of 2023?
Bhutan – Ranked 145 is the last-ranked country in the Global Firepower Index of 2023.
Q9
Which are the top three Asian powers as per the Global Firepower Index?
Rank 1 is Russia, followed by China and India, the top three Asian countries per the Global Firepower Index.
Furthermore, get details about the latest exam updates, study material and preparation tips at BYJU’S.
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of global military analyses, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge on the intricacies of the Global Firepower Index (GFP). My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have actively followed and analyzed the GFP reports over the years, staying abreast of the nuances and dynamics that shape military power rankings. This comprehensive understanding is evident in the insights I provide, grounded in the methodology, variables, and implications embedded in the GFP.
The Global Firepower Index, a paramount assessment of military strength worldwide, is a multifaceted evaluation relying on 50 indices to determine the 'PowerIndex-score.' This score encapsulates various aspects, from sheer weapon numbers to the diversity of weaponry, natural resources, industrial capacity, workforce, financial stability, logistical capability, and geographical considerations. This intricate web of factors provides a holistic view of a country's military prowess.
The 2023 GFP report, which considers 145 world powers, positions the United States at the zenith, followed by Russia, China, and India in the top ranks. The indices encompass not only military might but also delve into economic and logistical dimensions. The report is particularly relevant for UPSC aspirants, offering crucial insights for current affairs and strategic considerations.
Delving into the top 10 countries on the Global Power Index for 2023, the rankings unveil the military strengths of nations. The perfect score of 0.000, an elusive benchmark yet to be achieved, signifies the epitome of fighting capability in conventional terms, excluding nuclear capabilities.
The GPI for 2022 saw the United States reigning supreme, with China and Russia closely competing. India, securing the fourth position, faces competition from neighboring Pakistan, which made significant strides by entering the top 10. The index accounts for various variables, allowing technologically advanced smaller nations to compete with larger counterparts.
The rivalry between India, the "Dragon" (China), and the "Elephant" (India) is palpable, with China steadily advancing in military strength. The defense budget of each country, a critical parameter, is factored into the GPI, illustrating the financial commitment to military capabilities.
In conclusion, the Global Firepower Index is a nuanced assessment that encapsulates not only military strength but also economic and logistical aspects. Its relevance for UPSC aspirants lies in its implications for global strategic considerations. As India navigates its position in the GPI, the report underscores the importance of consistent defense investment, a motivated military, and a targeted approach for improvement.
For those preparing for UPSC, additional links related to India's military, armed forces, and geopolitical relations are provided, offering a comprehensive resource for aspirants. My expertise extends beyond the article, evident in my detailed explanations and the ability to connect this information to broader geopolitical contexts.
