Ukraine ranked 20th in the Global Firepower military strength ranking in 2026. Israel also entered the top thirty, remaining one of the key players in the Middle East. For the region and for the Israeli audience, this is not just statistics — it is a matter of real balance of power.
According to Global Firepower, Ukraine’s PowerIndex is 0.3691 among 145 countries. The lower the score, the higher the overall military strength. The final position is the result of not abstract calculations, but three years of full-scale war, during which the Armed Forces of Ukraine undergo practical combat testing daily.
How the Global Firepower ranking is formed and what is taken into account
More than 60 assessment parameters
The Global Firepower ranking is based on a comprehensive model. Human resources, aviation, ground forces, navy, logistics, economy, geography, and defense spending are taken into account.
An ideal index of 0.0000 is unattainable. The system compares states by the balance of capabilities, not by a single indicator.
Ukraine demonstrates strong positions in the manpower category. Active personnel — about 900 thousand people (6th place in the world). Reserve — 4 million (2nd place). This is one of the largest mobilization resources in Europe.
Logistics and artillery as key factors
In the artillery category, Ukraine holds high positions:
682 self-propelled units (8th place),
625 towed systems,
288 MLRS.
A railway network with a length of 21,733 km (13th place in the world) ensures the operational transfer of equipment and ammunition. For a country conducting a defensive war, this is a strategic resource.
The defense budget is estimated at 45 billion dollars (14th place), excluding additional international assistance.
Ukraine’s 20th place and Israel’s position: regional context
In the overall ranking, Ukraine is positioned between Egypt (19th place) and Poland (21st). Israel is lower in the overall index but has more technologically advanced aviation and a powerful air defense system.
Top 5 global ranking in 2026:
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USA
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Russia
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China
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India
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South Korea
In the European segment, Ukraine ranks sixth after France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Spain.
This means that by comprehensive indicators, the Armed Forces of Ukraine surpass a significant part of NATO armies. However, Ukraine lags in naval power projection capabilities and strategic aviation.
For Israel, the comparison is especially interesting. Israel traditionally focuses on technological superiority, missile defense systems, and high mobility. Ukraine focuses on a massive reserve, artillery, and adaptation to modern hybrid warfare.
In analytical reviews by NAnovosti — Israel News | Nikk.Agency, such comparisons are considered an element of understanding the future security architecture of Europe and the Middle East.
Historical dynamics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: from 22nd place to a stable top 20
Until 2022, Ukraine occupied 22nd–25th positions. The full-scale war changed the structure of the army.
In 2024, the country rose to 18th place. In 2026, stabilization at 20th. This indicates the preservation of potential despite equipment wear and human losses.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine compensate for the absence of large aircraft carrier groups and a submarine fleet by actively developing unmanned systems. Naval drones have changed the balance in the Black Sea. FPV drones have become a mass tactical tool.
Strengths of the Ukrainian army
— Largest reserve in Europe
— Developed artillery component
— Flexible logistics
— Growth of domestic arms production
— Real combat experience
Limitations
— Limited strategic aviation
— Lack of an ocean fleet
— Economic burden of war
— Dependence on international assistance
The Global Firepower ranking does not take into account the nuclear factor or alliance systems. In Ukraine’s case, military cooperation with NATO significantly enhances actual capabilities.
Why this is important for Israel
For Israel, the Ukrainian case is an example of an army that adapted to new generation warfare under pressure. The mass use of drones, electronic warfare, integration of digital fire control systems — all this influences global standards.
The Middle East is also in a zone of instability. Understanding how armies transform under the influence of real conflict is important for strategic planning.
Ukraine’s 20th place in the ranking is not just a number. It is an indicator of the state’s ability to maintain military potential under constant pressure.
Israel and Ukraine are in different geopolitical contexts, but both countries demonstrate that a modern army is defined not only by the amount of equipment but also by the speed of adaptation.
The 2026 ranking records the current balance. However, in the context of ongoing conflicts, positions may change annually.