The People’s Republic of China has the largest military in the world in terms of active personnel, with an estimated 2.18 million active military personnel as of 2021. The Chinese military, known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is the armed forces of China and is responsible for the country’s defense. The PLA is divided into four branches: the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force.
The United States has the second-largest military in the world, with an estimated 1.3 million active military personnel. The U.S. military, known as the United States Armed Forces, is made up of five branches: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
India has the third-largest military in the world, with an estimated 1.4 million active military personnel. The Indian military, known as the Indian Armed Forces, is made up of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Other countries with large militaries include Russia, which has an estimated 1.01 million active military personnel, and North Korea, which has an estimated 1.2 million active military personnel. However, it is worth noting that these figures are estimates and may vary from other sources.
