🇦🇺 Australia Military Strength 2026
In the 2026 ArmySimulator Power Index, Australia places #28 of 180 countries — a significant regional military power. Its armed forces field 58,540 active personnel plus 21,450 in reserve. The defense budget stands at $33.8 billion (2024), about 1.9% of GDP.
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Personnel & budget
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Active military personnel | 58,540 | #58 |
| Reserve personnel | 21,450 | |
| Paramilitary forces | 0 | |
| Defense budget (2024) | $33.8 billion | #15 |
| Budget share of GDP | 1.88% | |
| Population | 27.6M | |
Land forces
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Main battle tanks | 59 | #82 |
| Attack helicopters | 45 | |
Air power
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Combat aircraft | 84 | #37 |
| Military satellites | 1 | |
Naval forces
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Aircraft carriers | 0 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Destroyers | 3 | |
| Frigates | 7 | |
| Corvettes | 0 | |
| Amphibious warfare ships | 3 | |
| Nuclear submarines | 0 | |
| Conventional submarines | 6 | |
| Navy VLS missile cells | 208 | |
| Fleet strength score | 41 | #22 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Data years vary by indicator (latest available, 2023–2026). See methodology and sources.