The 10 Most Underrated Armies in the World

When we think of military power, our thoughts often turn to the superpowers like the USA, Russia, and China. However, there are armies around the world that are frequently overlooked, despite their actual strength, combat training, and strategic importance. Here are the 10 most underrated armies in 2025, ranked from remarkable to downright formidable.

#10: Ethiopia – Experience in the Shadow of Turmoil

Ethiopia’s military has gone through tough times, especially during the conflict in Tigray and earlier border wars with Eritrea. This experience has shaped an army with strong combat skills, especially in mountainous and difficult terrains. The country’s air force is rarely mentioned, yet it operates actively and plays a crucial regional role.

#9: Vietnam – Masters of Guerrilla Warfare

Vietnam has a long tradition of military resistance against major powers and has built an army that excels in defensive warfare. With modern Russian military equipment and experience from wars against France, the USA, and China, they are experts in leveraging terrain and tactics to their advantage – a frequently overlooked strength.

#8: Egypt – The Hidden Force of the Middle East

Egypt boasts one of the largest armies in Africa and the Middle East but is rarely mentioned in global military analyses. The country benefits from military support from both the USA and Russia and plays a key role in the region’s security balance – particularly as a bridge between Arab, African, and Western interests.

#7: Pakistan – Nuclear Capability and Combat Readiness

Despite political instability, Pakistan’s army is among the most combat-ready in the region. They have nuclear weapons, high-tech equipment, and experience with both conventional warfare and counter-terrorism. Additionally, the military is deeply integrated into the country’s political and economic system, enhancing its influence and operational capability.

#6: South Korea – Technologically and Tactically Superior

South Korea is often overshadowed by its northern neighbor but possesses an extremely modern and effective army. With advanced technology, strong logistics, and close military cooperation with the USA, South Korea is far better prepared for conflict than many assume.

#5: Turkmenistan – Closed, but Heavily Armed

Turkmenistan is one of the world’s most closed societies but spends its oil wealth on advanced military equipment from Russia and China. Very little is known about the country’s actual military strength, but experts believe that the military is significantly more capable than the sparse reports suggest.

#4: Serbia – Rebuilding with Strength

Despite its size, Serbia has a long military tradition and has significantly modernized since the 1990s. Participating in international exercises with both NATO and Russia, Serbia has invested in the domestic production of drones and armored vehicles, placing them as an unexpected player in Europe.

#3: Colombia – Jungle-Trained and Experienced

After decades of internal conflicts against FARC and drug cartels, Colombia’s military has gained an unmatched experience in special operations, counter-insurgency, and jungle warfare. This expertise is invaluable in modern conflicts where asymmetric warfare is becoming more widespread.

#2: Azerbaijan – The Powerhouse of Drones

Azerbaijan surprised the world during the Nagorno-Karabakh war with its effective use of drones and modern military tactics. With the support of Israeli and Turkish technology, Azerbaijan has transformed its army into a modern force that competes with much larger nations in a regional context.

#1: Iran – Masters of Asymmetry

Iran appears to many as technologically outdated, but the reality is far more complex. The country’s military is an expert in asymmetric warfare and has significant experience through proxy wars in the Middle East. Their ability to maximize limited resources makes them one of the most underrated military actors in the world.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.