The Global Firepower (GFP) website, specialized in ranking global military powers, has released its annual report for 2026. This report is considered one of the most prominent and precise internationally recognized indices for
assessing national military capabilities. It is based on comprehensive quantitative and qualitative criteria reflecting the level of combat readiness and the overall national power of each state.
According to the Global Firepower 2026 report, the Libyan Armed Forces ranked as follows:
80th globally out of 145 countries assessed
10th in Africa
13th in the Arab world
During this year’s assessment, the Libyan Armed Forces obtained a Power Index score (PwrIndx) of 1.7872, identical to the previous year’s rating. This score is considered satisfactory within the adopted evaluation framework and reflects relative stability in the overall assessment of Libya’s military capability. The website indicated that the most recent review and update of Libya’s military data was conducted on January 20, 2026.
The Global Firepower (GFP) ranking is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative and accurate international classifications in the field of military power assessment. It relies on a broad spectrum of globally recognized standards to measure armed forces’ capabilities, operational readiness, and the comprehensive power of the state.
Global Ranking for 2026:
According to the 2026 Global Firepower Index, the United States of America maintained its position as the world’s strongest military power, followed by Russia, China, and India. Notable advancements were recorded by South Korea, Japan, and Turkey.
The ranking is based on a comprehensive evaluation of military, technological, and financial capabilities. While traditional major powers continue to dominate the upper tiers, competition between China and Russia for leading positions has intensified.
Key Developments in the 2026 Ranking:
Continued leadership of the United States due to technological superiority and high defense expenditure.
Significant convergence between Russia and China in second and third place.
China remains a decisive factor in the global ranking, with its newly developed weapons systems reshaping the strategic balance.
Gradual decline of the United Kingdom, contrasted by the advancement of France and Germany.
Pakistan declined to 14th place globally.
Turkey recorded a notable rise into the Top 10 globally.
Arab and Regional Ranking – 2026
At the Arab and regional level:
Egypt maintained its position as the strongest military in Africa and the Arab world (19th globally).
Algeria ranked among the top 30 military powers worldwide, placing second both regionally and continentally.
Saudi Arabia was classified among influential regional powers.
Morocco ranked 56th globally and sixth in Africa.
Libya ranked 80th globally, 10th in Africa, and 13th in the Arab world.
Top 10 Military Powers Globally – 2026:
1-United States
2-Russia
3-China
4-India
5-South Korea
6-France
7-Japan
8-United Kingdom
9-Turkey
10-Italy
Top 15 Arab Military Powers – 2026:
1-Egypt (19th globally)
2-Saudi Arabia (25th)
3-Algeria (27th)
4-Iraq (44th)
5-United Arab Emirates (54th)
6-Morocco (56th)
7-Sudan (66th)
8-Qatar (71st)
9-Jordan (74th)
10-Bahrain (75th)
11-Kuwait (76th)
12-Tunisia (79th)
13-Libya (80th)
14-Oman (86th)
15-Syria (87th)
Top 10 African Military Powers – 2026:
1-Egypt (19th globally)
2-Algeria (27th)
3-Nigeria (33rd)
4-South Africa (40th)
5-Ethiopia (47th)
6-Morocco (56th)
7-Angola (59th)
8-Sudan (66th)
9-Tunisia (79th)
10-Libya (80th)
Methodology of the Power Index (PwrIndx):
The Military Power Index (PwrIndx) is calculated based on the evaluation of more than 50 individual factors, including demographic, military, economic, and logistical components. A score of 0.0000 represents the theoretical ideal benchmark.
The index is computed according to the declared size of armed forces and their capacity to conduct land, naval, and air operations using conventional weapon systems.
Official data for each country are processed through an internal proprietary formula developed by Global Firepower. This methodology allows smaller or technologically advanced states to compete with larger nations, thereby ensuring a relatively neutral and balanced assessment of conventional military strength.
Notes on the Classification:
The ranking does not include nuclear weapons, rendering it a theoretical assessment that may differ under conditions of actual interstate warfare or counterterrorism operations.
The index incorporates multiple variables, including military alliances, regional blocs (such as the African Union, the European Union, and NATO), as well as active-duty personnel, reserve forces, and paramilitary units.
Consideration is also given to geographic positioning, logistical infrastructure, airports, seaports, road and railway networks, waterways, and natural resources—particularly proven oil reserves, production rates, and consumption levels.
The 2026 Global Firepower Index indicates that Libya occupies a mid-tier position at both the regional and international levels, with stability in its military power indicator. The ranking reflects a comprehensive evaluation of Libya’s conventional military capabilities within an international methodological framework that applies multiple criteria to present an objective overview of global military power balances.
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