In this article, we look at the 5 most powerful militaries in Africa. You can read about conflicts that are resulting in an increase in defense spending in the continent and the major arms suppliers to African countries by heading over to our article, the 15 Most Powerful Militaries in Africa.
5. South Africa
GDP: $405 billion
Defense Spending: $2.81 billion
Technological Advancement: 61/132
Manpower: 40,200
Tanks: 195
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 34,540
Aircrafts including Fighter Jets: 44
Naval Fleet: 47
Average Ranking: 7.30
With a defense spending bill of nearly $3 billion in 2022, South Africa is the sixth largest spender on military in Africa. The country’s large military force has also been involved in peacekeeping operations in Sudan and Congo.
4. Nigeria
GDP: $477 billion
Defense Spending: $3.48 billion
Technological Advancement: 114/132
Manpower: 135,000
Tanks: 177
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 15,748
Aircrafts including Fighter Jets: 144
Naval Fleet: 136
Average Ranking: 5.90
Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa and one of the most powerful militaries in the region. The country spends heavily on defense because of the ongoing militant insurgency from Boko Haram in Nigeria’s northeast. Nigerian military has a sizable, battle-hardened force and is also well equipped on the aerial and naval sides.
3. Algeria
GDP: $195 billion
Defense Spending: $9.97 billion
Technological Advancement: 115/132
Manpower: 130,000
Tanks: 1,700
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 35,990
Aircrafts including Fighter Jets: 547
Naval Fleet: 201
Average Ranking: 3.90
Algeria is the third most powerful military in Africa. The country had the highest defense expenditure bill in 2022 on the continent, of approximately $10 billion, due to its quest for new defense systems and equipment. Conflict with Morocco and the threat of terrorism spilling over from Libya are other factors why the country spends so heavily on defense.
2. Morocco
GDP: $138 billion
Defense Spending: $5 billion
Technological Advancement: 67/132
Manpower: 200,000
Tanks: 1,761
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 31,972
Aircrafts including Fighter Jets: 250
Naval Fleet: 121
Average Ranking: 3.40
Morocco manages to edge out Algeria at second spot due to its military technology capabilities and manpower. The country has fostered strong ties with Israel and the West, and procures much of its arms supplies from the United States, in contrast to Algeria which receives a majority of its defense equipment from Russia.
1. Egypt
GDP: $475 billion
Defense Spending: $4.35 billion
Technological Advancement: 89/132
Manpower: 440,000
Tanks: 4,664
Armored Fighting Vehicles: 77,596
Aircrafts including Fighter Jets: 1,069
Naval Fleet: 245
Average Ranking: 1.80
Egypt has the most powerful military in Africa. It outranks all African countries in manpower, tank and armored fighting vehicle fleets, as well as aerial and naval strength. Egypt has 168 active F-16 fighter jets, which are a testament to the country’s military strength. It is one of the most powerful nations in the MENA region, both militarily and economically.
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