Self-propelled artillery plays an important role in modern warfare, allowing for long-distance strikes while offering improved mobility to dodge any enemy offensive. Countries that invest the most in these units are some of the strongest in the world. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at countries with the most self-propelled artillery. (These are the U.S. Army’s longest range artillery weapons, ranked.)
To identify the countries with the most self-propelled artillery, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed 2024 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. Countries were ranked on the total number of self-propelled artillery in their arsenal. We included supplemental information regarding the total military vehicles, tanks and MLRS units, as well as each country’s overall military strength score.
One of the main advantages of self-propelled artillery is the ability to provide quick fire support in any given scenario. These units are also outfitted with advanced targeting systems that allow for accurate strikes at great distances.
The versatility of these units cannot be stated enough. As opposed to the older towed artillery units, these are highly mobile and can “shoot and scoot” where they fire a salvo and immediately move to miss any potential counterattack.
Overall, self-propelled artillery is a vital component of most modern military forces. These units offer serious firepower at range as well as impressive mobility. (These are the NATO countries with the most artillery firepower.)
Here is a look at the countries with the most self-propelled artillery:
Why Are We Covering This?
Self-propelled artillery is important in modern warfare because it combines mobility and firepower. Unlike towed artillery, these units can move independently, making it easier to avoid enemy attacks. Many countries have invested heavily in these units and understanding which countries have the most gives further context to modern military strategy.
30. India
Self-propelled artillery: 140
Towed artillery: 3,243
Total artillery: 3,383
Total military vehicles: 151,248
Total tanks: 4,614
Total MLRS: 702
Military strength score: 0.1023 – #4 – out of 145
29. Indonesia
Self-propelled artillery: 153
Towed artillery: 414
Total artillery: 567
Total military vehicles: 11,604
Total tanks: 313
Total MLRS: 63
Military strength score: 0.2251 – #13 – out of 145
28. Brazil
Self-propelled artillery: 172
Towed artillery: 460
Total artillery: 632
Total military vehicles: 44,044
Total tanks: 469
Total MLRS: 78
Military strength score: 0.1944 – #12 – out of 145
27. Japan
Self-propelled artillery: 173
Towed artillery: 480
Total artillery: 653
Total military vehicles: 37,662
Total tanks: 518
Total MLRS: 54
Military strength score: 0.1601 – #7 – out of 145
26. Vietnam
Self-propelled artillery: 180
Towed artillery: 700
Total artillery: 880
Total military vehicles: 18,578
Total tanks: 2,029
Total MLRS: 450
Military strength score: 0.3158 – #22 – out of 145
25. United Arab Emirates
Self-propelled artillery: 183
Towed artillery: 99
Total artillery: 282
Total military vehicles: 12,253
Total tanks: 354
Total MLRS: 162
Military strength score: 0.8083 – #51 – out of 145
24. Jordan
Self-propelled artillery: 199
Towed artillery: 84
Total artillery: 283
Total military vehicles: 24,148
Total tanks: 1,365
Total MLRS: 88
Military strength score: 1.4651 – #80 – out of 145
23. Myanmar
Self-propelled artillery: 215
Towed artillery: 1,868
Total artillery: 2,083
Total military vehicles: 8,139
Total tanks: 705
Total MLRS: 586
Military strength score: 0.5251 – #35 – out of 145
22. Algeria
Self-propelled artillery: 224
Towed artillery: 483
Total artillery: 707
Total military vehicles: 35,990
Total tanks: 1,632
Total MLRS: 236
Military strength score: 0.3589 – #26 – out of 145