1st Edition
The Military Balance 2025
The Military Balance has been published since 1959. The 2025 edition provides an open-source assessment of the armed forces and equipment inventories of over 170 countries, with accompanying defence economics data. In addition to detailed country data, The Military Balance includes graphics to illustrate defence personnel, equipment and procurement developments. It assesses important defence issues, by region, including Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine, the diverse range of ballistic and cruise missiles used by the Houthis, and developments in defence industrial production. The accompanying wallchart focuses on China’s armed forces, detailing selected unit locations and assessing the status of important aspects of PLA modernisation. The book draws on the breadth of data in the Military Balance+ online database. The Military Balance and Military Balance+ are indispensable sources of information for those involved in defence and security policymaking, analysis and research.
Editor’s Introduction
Part One: Capabilities, Trends and Economics
Chapter 1 Defence and military analysis
Chapter 2 North America
Chapter 3 Europe
Chapter 4 Russia and Eurasia
Chapter 5 Asia
Chapter 6 Middle East and North Africa
Chapter 7 Latin America and the Caribbean
Chapter 8 Sub-Saharan Africa
Part Two: Reference
Explanatory notes
List of abbreviations for data sections
International comparisons of defence expenditure and military personnel
Index of country/territory abbreviations
Index of countries and territories
Biography
The International Institute for Strategic Studies is an independent centre for research, information and debate on the problems of conflict, however caused, that have, or potentially have, an important military content. The staff of the Institute is international in composition and IISS work is international in its perspective and reach. The Institute is independent and stresses rigorous fact-based research with a forward-looking policy orientation that can improve wider public understanding of international security problems and influence the development of sounder public policy, and more effective business decisions in the international arena.
'European security is being reshaped by the war in Ukraine. As European states increase their support to Ukraine’s war effort and sharpen focus on their military capabilities, consulting The Military Balance data helps outline the investments needed, and the capabilities gaps that need to be filled.'
- Florence Parly, Former French Minister of the Armed Forces
'Amid continuing conflict and broadening insecurity, The Military Balance provides essential facts and analysis for decision-makers and for better informed public debate.'
- Dr Robert M. Gates, Former US Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence
'The Military Balance is an invaluable source of the independent military capability assessments that are vital for the work of the defence sector.'
- Thomas Enders, President of the German Council on Foreign Relations and Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EADS and Airbus
