In this article, we list and discuss the 5 Strongest Military Forces In The Middle East. If you would like to see our detailed discussion of the use of drones in modern-day warfare in the Middle East, you can go instead to the 14 Strongest Military Forces In The Middle East.
5. Egypt
GDP (Constant 2022 USD): $347,590,000,000
Defense Spending: $3,164,600,000
Nuclear Weapons: 0
Tanks: 5340
Manpower: 440,000
Aircraft Fleet Strength: 1080
Submarines: 8
Military Satellites in Orbit: 1
Overseas Military Bases: 0
Cybersecurity Score: 50.83
Technological Advancement Score: 24.2
Located between Libya and the Gaza Strip, Egypt is known globally for its historical figures and architecture, like Tutankhamun and the Giant Pyramid of Giza. In all of the Middle East, Egypt has the most number of tanks and the highest air fleet strength. Both these factors combined, alongside the combat experience of the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF), position the country as a regional power in the MENA region.
4. Iran
GDP (Constant 2022 USD): $464,180,000,000
Defense Spending: $10,283,100,000
Nuclear Weapons: 0
Tanks: 1996
Manpower: 610,000
Aircraft Fleet Strength: 551
Submarines: 19
Military Satellites in Orbit: 2
Overseas Military Bases: 0
Cybersecurity Score: N/A
Technological Advancement Score: 30.1
Ranked 4th in the Middle East military ranking, Iran has been the center of various historical conflicts. One such conflict was with Iraq, often described as one of the bloodiest wars of the late 80s. Iran has the most number of submarines in the Middle East, and two military satellites in orbit named Khayyam and Noor-2. As of 2024, Iran’s military is actively involved in Israel’s war on Gaza.
3. Saudi Arabia
GDP (Constant 2022 USD): $1,110,000,000,000
Defense Spending: $75,813,300,000
Nuclear Weapons: 0
Tanks: 1485
Manpower: 257,000
Aircraft Fleet Strength: 914
Submarines: 0
Military Satellites in Orbit: 0
Overseas Military Bases: 21
Cybersecurity Score: 59.17
Technological Advancement Score: 34.5
Located between the Red Sea and Yemen, Saudi Arabia is a country with a desert climate. Saudi Arabia has the most powerful arab military. The total expenditure of Saudi Arabia on their army is about 6% of their total GDP. It has the most overseas bases compared to other countries in the region, and the highest defense budget than any other country as well. Saudi Arabia is also one of the Countries that will have the Most Powerful Militaries by 2030.
2. Israel
GDP (Constant 2022 USD): $530,660,000,000
Defense Spending: $27,498,500,000
Nuclear Weapons: 90
Tanks: 1370
Manpower: 170,000
Aircraft Fleet Strength: 612
Submarines: 5
Military Satellites in Orbit: 12
Overseas Military Bases: 1
Cybersecurity Score: N/A
Technological Advancement Score: 54.3
Located between Egypt and Lebanon, Israel ranks as the country having the second strongest army in the Middle East. It is the only nuclear power in the Middle East, having an estimated 90 nuclear weapons as of 2024. However, Israel is strategically ambiguous on whether it has nuclear weapons or not. It also has the most military satellites of any country in the Middle East.
1. Turkey
GDP (Constant 2022 USD): $1,115,000,000,000
Defense Spending: $15,827,000,000
Nuclear Weapons: 0
Tanks: 2231
Manpower: 355,200
Aircraft Fleet Strength: 1069
Submarines: 12
Military Satellites in Orbit: 2
Overseas Military Bases: 3
Cybersecurity Score: N/A
Technological Advancement Score: 38.6
Bordering Bulgaria and Georgia, Turkey is considered to be a Middle Eastern, as well as a European country. Known best for its architecture, including beautiful mosques and historic sites like the Topkapi Palace, the country has a coastline stretching to 8,333 km, for which it has been counting huge on its naval forces. It is the richest country in the Middle East, with a GDP of $1,115,000,000,000. In October 2023, Turkiye announced to increase its defense spending by 150% in 2024 to more than $40 billion. Although it has no nuclear weapons, Turkey ranks well in all of the other metrics we have considered, and it is also one of the most powerful militaries in the world. In the years to come, it is expected to retain this position on the list.
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