The Ukrainian military in 2025 is very strong and considered the largest and most battle-hardened armed force in Europe. It has approximately 980,000 active personnel according to President Zelensky, making it four times larger than the next largest European military (excluding Russia) and placing it in the Top 20 global military powers worldwide. Ukraine's armed forces have been rapidly modernized with over $120 billion in foreign military aid and a domestic defense industry that now produces about one-third of the weapons and equipment used by its forces. The military is composed of several branches including ground forces with armored and mechanized units, air force flying modern and Soviet-era aircraft, navy, special forces, and territorial defense units. Although Ukraine faces challenges such as manpower shortages, it remains a significant military power due to its large, well-equipped, and battle-experienced forces alongside a growing domestic defense industry.
Military Size and Composition
- Approximately 980,000 active personnel in 2025.
- Ground forces comprise mechanized, armored, artillery, airborne, and marine units.
- The air force operates a mix of modern Western fighters (like F-16 and Mirage 2000) and Soviet-era aircraft.
- The navy includes naval aviation and coast guard units.
- Special forces and territorial defense forces provide additional capabilities.
- Reserve forces and national guard supplement active troops.
Military Strength and Modernization
- Ranked among the top 20 military powers globally in 2025.
- Benefits from over $120 billion in foreign military aid since 2022.
- Domestic defense industry capacity sharply increased to about $35 billion in 2025.
- Produces roughly one-third of its own weapons and equipment, close to 100% of drones.
- Rapid modernization with NATO-standard equipment replacing Soviet-era gear.
- Despite challenges of manpower and logistics, Ukraine’s military is described as "the most battle-hardened in Europe".
Comparison with Russia
- Ukraine’s military is smaller in total numbers and equipment compared to Russia.
- Active military personnel approx. 900,000 with 1.2 million reserves.
- Russia has larger numbers in troops, aircraft, tanks, and naval assets.
- However, Ukraine’s forces are combat-experienced and strongly motivated, making them a formidable opponent despite Russia’s material advantage.
In summary, Ukraine has a strong, large, and highly experienced military in 2025, equipped increasingly with modern and domestically produced weapons, reinforced by substantial foreign aid, and well-positioned as a leading military force in Europe.
