NATO Russia military comparison 2023 | Statista (2024)

As of 2023, NATO had approximately 3.36 million active military personnel compared with 1.33 million active military personnel in the Russian military. The collective military capabilities of the 30 countries that make up NATO outnumber Russia in terms of aircraft, at 20,633 to 4,182, and in naval power, with 2,151 military ships, to 598. Russia's ground combat vehicle capacity is more competitive, however, with 12,566 main battle tanks, to 12,408. The combined nuclear arsenal of the United States, United Kingdom, and France amounted to 5,943 nuclear warheads, compared with Russia's 5,977.

Comparison of the military capabilities of NATO and Russia as of 2023

CharacteristicNATORussia
Personnel--
Total military personnel5,817,1001,330,900
Active soldiers3,358,000830,900
Reserve forces1,720,700250,000
Paramilitary units738,400250,000
Air Force--
Total aircraft20,6334,182
Fighters / interceptors3,398773
Ground attack aircraft1,108744
Transport aircraft1,506444
Special aircraft (e.g reconnaissance)970147
Tanker aircraft61519
Total helicopters8,6141,531
Combat helicopters1,439537
Ground combat vehicles--
Main battle tanks12,40812,566
Armored vehicles1,004,844151,641
Self-propelled artillery4,5326,575
Tower artillery6,5544,336
Self-propelled rocket launchers3,2723,887
Naval forces--
Total military ships2,151598
Destroyers11215
Frigates13511
Corvettes5586
Helicopter Carriers130
Aircraft carriers161
Submarines14370
Patrol boats29559
Minesweepers15149
Nuclear Weapons--
Nuclear warheads*5,9435,977

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NATO Russia military comparison 2023 | Statista (2024)

FAQs

How strong is Russia's military compared to NATO? ›

In terms of sheer troop numbers, Nato members excluding the United States boast over 1.5 million active military personnel, contrasting Russia's approximately 1 million active-duty soldiers. While on paper, this suggests a numerical advantage for Nato, the true strength of the Alliance lies beyond headcounts.

What is Russia's military rank in the world 2023? ›

Who ranks second and third in military strength in 2023? Ans. In 2023, Russia holds the second position, followed by China in third place.

What are the most powerful NATO countries in 2023? ›

The United States had the highest number of military ships among NATO allies in 2023, at 472, compared with Sweden, which had 353, the second-highest in the military alliance. Several countries in the alliance have no military ships, the majority of which are landlocked countries, such as Hungary and Czechia.

Who would win, Russia or NATO? ›

Russia's capability

It has 1.33 million active military personnel, according to Statista, but only about 4,182 military aircraft compared with Nato's combined 20,633, and 598 military ships compared to Nato's 2,151. "Russia's ground combat vehicle capacity is more competitive," said Statista.

Could NATO defeat Russia without the US? ›

in a conventional war NATO will obliterate the Russian forces in 60–100 days. Every ship, tank, plane and base will be destroy by sheer air power. NATO will not sent troops to Russia because “don't go to Moscow” is a military doctrine. In an all out conventional war yes.

Are NATO weapons better than Russia? ›

Both NATO and Russian weapons are equally “explosively powerful.” On the other hand, NATO weapons are much more “technologically advanced,” and that's an important distinction. NATO nations took the approach of making sure they hit what they are aiming at.

Who is stronger, Russia or the USA? ›

In terms of land power, Russia possesses 4,150 infantry fighting vehicles, 1,800 main battle tanks, and 4,458 artillery. The United States possesses 2,959 infantry fighting vehicles, 2,645 military ranks, and 5,096 artillery.

Who has the strongest military in Europe? ›

The western portion of Germany was followed by Italy, France, and Britain in terms of military strength. However, the military landscape has changed over the years, and France now has the largest military force in Europe after Russia. The UK, Italy, and Germany follow France in the ranking of military strength.

Who has the most powerful army in the world 2023? ›

According to the study, the United States took the lead due to noteworthy numbers within the fundamental texture, cash, and resource categories. The Power Index Score for the United States is 0.0712. World Military Strength Ranking: From a number of key viewpoints, the United States leads the world as of April 2023.

Who has the weakest military in the world 2024? ›

Bhutan has the weakest military in the world, followed by Moldova and Suriname, according to Global Firepower's Military Strength Rankings for 2024, which has assessed 145 countries.

Can NATO survive without the USA? ›

NATO countries collectively now spend two percent of GDP on defense, but in the absence U.S. support, European armies are still not sufficiently prepared, equipped, and able to fight against a major-power adversary. Europe remains heavily reliant on the United States in several important areas.

Who has the strongest army in NATO? ›

The United States is known for having the strongest soldiers in NATO.

How many nukes does NATO have compared to Russia? ›

As of 2022, Russia had approximately 1,185 nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) stockpiled, compared with NATO, which had 800 ICBMs.

Who is more powerful NATO or Soviet Union? ›

Conclusion. The military comparison between Russia and NATO is complex, with several variables impacting the overall balance of strength. Russia is a serious adversary despite NATO's numerical and technological advantage, thanks to its military modernization efforts, geopolitical concerns, and strategic depth.

Is NATO the strongest military in the world? ›

NATO is not just the strongest military alliance in world history, it's also an effective international organization that materially increases its members' joint military capabilities and political influence,” says Stone, an expert on international relations and institutions.

Who has the strongest military in the world? ›

1. United States of America. The United States, one of the largest economies, has the most powerful military in the world. Its multifaceted strategy, combining land, air, sea, and space assets, is what gives it power.

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