Source: नवभारत टाइम्स | Original Published At: 2026-06-28 14:37:14 UTC
Key Points
- BRICS has over 5 million military personnel compared to NATO's approximately 3.3 million active troops across 32 countries
- NATO's defense budget exceeds $1.4 trillion (2024-25), while BRICS countries have an estimated $480 billion combined
- BRICS possesses 6,350+ nuclear warheads with Russia holding the largest share (5,580), slightly ahead of NATO's 5,560
- BRICS leads in tank numbers: China (6,800), Russia (5,750), India (4,200), and Egypt (3,620)
- NATO maintains clear superiority in air power with the world's largest advanced combat aircraft fleet
- Naval power is competitive: China has the largest navy by ship count, while the US has the most powerful with 11 supercarriers
- BRICS military strength increased with 2025 expansion including Iran and Indonesia as new members