2013 African Military Firepower Ranking

[Kabaridi]

THE top 10 countries with the strongest army in Africa?








Answer:
Here is some valid information due to recent estimations and studies. You are welcome to list your own countries if you prefer to believe what comes from your head, but if you are a student or willing to find valid information this will be your first step.

1. South Africa: South Africa (South Africa has the most powerful army in Africa; it has more harmful weapons than any other country in Africa; it is the only African country that was trying to create the Nuclear weapon but was stopped by the US. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) this includes: South African Army, South African Navy, South African Air Force and South African Military Health Service. South Africa has recently lower their budge on army from $7.21 billion 2003 to nearly $4 billion 2011. Trained by Israeli, and British, South African solders are more armed and more trained than any other country's soldiers.

2. Egypt: According to recent study, Egypt is considered to be the second most powerful country in Africa. For many years Egypt has been the first strongest country in the continent of Africa. With number of troops exceed that of South Africa, and more suppliers from countries such as United States, Russia, France, China, Italy and United Kingdom, political instability has made an affect to Egyptian Armed Forces. This includes Egyptian Army, Egyptian Navy, Egyptian Air Force and Egyptian Air Defense Command. Egypt has increased their Armed Forces budget from $3.9 billion to $5.85 billion within the last five years.

3. Libya:

4. Morocco:

5. Nigeria: Nigeria has the second largest army by number of troops, but due to political instability and lack of equipment Nigeria has appear to be the 5th strongest country in Africa. It has been estimated that in year 2013-2018 Nigeria may get weaker.

6. Tanzania: Tanzania has the most powerful army in East Africa; The Tanzania Peoples' Defence Force (TPDF) (Swahili: Jeshi la Wananchi wa Tanzania (JWTZ) the one defeated Idi Amin of Uganda with big help form Muammar Al-Gaddafi of Libya and . The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) The Tanzania People' Defence Force includes Land Forces Command, Naval Command, Air Force Command, and Military Intelligence. Julius Kambarage Nyerere (The first Tanzania's President) prepared president Laurent Desire Kabila of DR Congo to take over the powerful Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku Ngbendu WA Zabanga; also prepared his son Joseph Kabila. Tanzania has trained Congolese solders in Tabora and Kigoma region for Kabila to return in Congo and take over power. Both Kabilas father and son were schooled and lived most of their lives in Tanzania before returning to Congo. Tanzania Also prepared Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who also schooled and lived in Tanzania before the Tanzania and Uganda war that resulted in defeating Dictator Idi Amin. Most Uganda leader got help from Tanzania before becoming leaders. This includes: Tito Lutwa Okello, Yusuf Kironde Lule, and Bazilio Olara-Okello. Recently, Tanzania did not want to send his solders in Somalia but offer training to Somali solders who will soon return to protect their country. Tanzania sent 924 soldiers to lead the African Union Solders in Comoros's Island to take Colonel Mohamed Bacar of Anjouan off power. Tanzania has the 3rd largest army in number troops after Ethiopia, and Eritrea, and recently considered the second in equipment after Kenya, but with more well trained troops. The recent estimation shows that Tanzania is the country in East-Africa followed by Ethiopia.

7. Ethiopia: Ethiopia once was considered the strongest country in East Africa. After continues civil war Ethiopia has gotten weaker. Ethiopia is still has the largest army by number of troops followed by Eritrea and Tanzania, and the 3rd in equipment after Kenya and Tanzania. 2011 Estimation shows, Ethiopia is spending 2.4% of its GDP in military. This includes: Ethiopia Army and Ethiopia Air Force.

8. Ghana:

9. Kenya: Kenya is the second strongest Nation in East Africa Economically after Ethiopia; it is the first in East African Community followed by Tanzania and Uganda. In 1981 Kenya was consider to be the 4th strongest nation in East Africa after Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Somalia. In 1994 Kenya was considered the 3rd strongest country in East Africa after Somalia and Uganda having both economic and political instability caused by war and dictatorship. The estimation indicates that Kenya will get even stronger within next 5-10 years. Kenya has the higher army budget in East Africa followed by Ethiopia. 2012 estimation shows Kenya is using 5.3% of its GDP in military. This includes: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy and Kenya Air Force.

10. Uganda:

source:THE top 10 countries with the strongest army in Africa

and Nairoberry,stop this nonsense,

I was expecting TZ in this list. though There is no basis for the rankings. we are mixed up between economic power past wars ecetera...

are we looking for who has most potent fire-power, active frontline, or size of personnel in Africa. .. friends dont get ur mind twisted by the CIA factbook site and FBI. i remember China was using the port of dar-es-salaam to arm rebels in the name of MPLA and UNITA. Angola aided Uganda to ouster Mobutu desire after kwa hivyo sema SADC that is more proper.

Eritrea in firepower is EAC best kept secret ( keep following me) I will explain very soon why..

Africa

Global Firepower Military Ranks - 2013

 

[MTAZAMO]

Koborer soma hapa chini Wakenya mnavyowaogopa Waganda alafu mnataka kujilinganisha na JWTZ!

Source Nairobi Chronicle,


Under estimating the enemy is the biggest mistake in war. As Kenyans push their failed government into retaking Migingo island from Uganda's military, it is important to reflect on the strengths of the enemy.

Kenyans still believe that today's Ugandan military is the same rag-tag guerrilla force defeated by Administration Police in Western Kenya back in the 1980s. The reality is very different.

The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) is a battle-hardened outfit of at least 45,000 soldiers well armed with artillery, tanks and combat aircraft. The Kenyan military consists of roughly the same number of personnel spread out across the Army, Navy and Airforce but without combat experience.

Since its birth as the National Resistance Army, the UPDF has engaged in fierce warfare within and outside Uganda. UPDF has put down almost all the armed groups that roamed Uganda after the overthrow of Idi Amin in 1979. At the moment, war is raging against Joseph Kony's Lords Resistance Army (LRA) but the bulk of the fighting is in the Democratic Republic of Congo after the UPDF chased Kony away from northern Uganda and Southern Sudan.

The UPDF has fought in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where it vanquished rebels of the Allied Democratic Front (ADF). However, the UPDF was sucked into the Congo wars where the United Nations accuses them of looting Congo's abundant minerals and timber. At the moment, the Congolese Army (FARDC) has joined the UPDF in a joint operation against the LRA. UPDF aircraft have fired explosives into suspected LRA camps though the rebels had already deserted the outposts.

UPDF is part of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) where, together with Burundian soldiers, they have helped sustain the Transitional Federal Government against the onslaught of insurgents. In Iraq, retired UPDF soldiers have gotten jobs as security officers in the US led coalition.

In contrast, the Kenyan military has not engaged in major combat operations since the Shifta Wars of the 1960s – 1970s. Shiftas were bandits fighting for the secession of the Somali-dominated North Eastern Province. Since then, there has not been any rebel activity in Kenya until the Sabaot Land Defence Force emerged in 2006.

Operations against the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) were the first counter-insurgency experience for Kenya's military since the Shifta Wars. However, the conduct of the Army certainly did not win hearts and minds for the government. The operation was so ruthless that accusations of human rights abuses are rife. People were abducted from homes and tortured because of mere allegations of supporting SLDF.

The Kenya Army dubbed its successful anti-SLDF campaign "Operation Okoa Maisha" (Operation Save Lives) but locals have described it as "Operation Haribu Maisha Kabisa" (Operation Destroy Lives). It is said that so many men disappeared that Mount Elgon District is now dominated by women, who are either widows or caregivers to broken men.

Back in the 1980s, the Administration Police fought back several incursions by Ugandan soldiers. This time though, Kenya's armed forces may not be up to the task. Infact, the annexation of Migingo Island and the growth of piracy on the Indian Ocean are proof that all is not well with our national defences.

Recruitment into the forces is marred by corruption and political interference, meaning that the calibre of recruits is very low. Qualified candidates are shunted aside in favour of those willing to pay hefty bribes to recruiting officers. Even after joining the forces, promotions in the hierarchy are heavily influenced by corruption and ethnicity.

The situation in the police and prisons services is reportedly worse than in the military. An investigation into Kenya Prisons found that female officers had to sleep with senior bosses in order to get promotions. In the Kenya Police, traffic police offices collect bribes from drivers in order to fulfill a daily quota imposed by their supervisors. Those who fail to deliver their targets are transferred to less lucrative postings in the rural areas.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sent the UPDF to all of Uganda's neighbours except Tanzania. Museveni is a calculating, former rebel leader who exploits weaknesses in his neighbours to expand Uganda's influence. With Kenyans divided on ethnic lines and ruled by corrupt leaders, Museveni must have realized that this is the best time to strike.

By occupying the small island of Migingo, Museveni was testing Kenya's political and military defences. Next time, the catch will be bigger and it will be too late for Kenya to defend itself.

 

[MTAZAMO]

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sent the UPDF to all of Uganda's neighbours except Tanzania. Museveni is a calculating, former rebel leader who exploits weaknesses in his neighbours to expand Uganda's influence. With Kenyans divided on ethnic lines and ruled by corrupt leaders, Museveni must have realized that this is the best time to strike.

Koborer hata nyie mnajua Tanzania haiingiliki! hapo kwa red ni maneno yenu Wakenya hahahahah!

 

[Koborer]

Kwani kila anaekuchokoza ni lazima upigane nae? Tumia akili kidogo mkuu!

Perfect, but look at what i was responding to before you charge at me. I was simply saying the same as you here.

 

[Koborer]

Koborer soma hapa chini Wakenya mnavyowaogopa Waganda alafu mnataka kujilinganisha na JWTZ!

Source Nairobi Chronicle,


Under estimating the enemy is the biggest mistake in war. As Kenyans push their failed government into retaking Migingo island from Uganda's military, it is important to reflect on the strengths of the enemy.

Kenyans still believe that today's Ugandan military is the same rag-tag guerrilla force defeated by Administration Police in Western Kenya back in the 1980s. The reality is very different.

The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) is a battle-hardened outfit of at least 45,000 soldiers well armed with artillery, tanks and combat aircraft. The Kenyan military consists of roughly the same number of personnel spread out across the Army, Navy and Airforce but without combat experience.

Since its birth as the National Resistance Army, the UPDF has engaged in fierce warfare within and outside Uganda. UPDF has put down almost all the armed groups that roamed Uganda after the overthrow of Idi Amin in 1979. At the moment, war is raging against Joseph Kony's Lords Resistance Army (LRA) but the bulk of the fighting is in the Democratic Republic of Congo after the UPDF chased Kony away from northern Uganda and Southern Sudan.

The UPDF has fought in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where it vanquished rebels of the Allied Democratic Front (ADF). However, the UPDF was sucked into the Congo wars where the United Nations accuses them of looting Congo's abundant minerals and timber. At the moment, the Congolese Army (FARDC) has joined the UPDF in a joint operation against the LRA. UPDF aircraft have fired explosives into suspected LRA camps though the rebels had already deserted the outposts.

UPDF is part of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) where, together with Burundian soldiers, they have helped sustain the Transitional Federal Government against the onslaught of insurgents. In Iraq, retired UPDF soldiers have gotten jobs as security officers in the US led coalition.

In contrast, the Kenyan military has not engaged in major combat operations since the Shifta Wars of the 1960s – 1970s. Shiftas were bandits fighting for the secession of the Somali-dominated North Eastern Province. Since then, there has not been any rebel activity in Kenya until the Sabaot Land Defence Force emerged in 2006.

Operations against the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) were the first counter-insurgency experience for Kenya's military since the Shifta Wars. However, the conduct of the Army certainly did not win hearts and minds for the government. The operation was so ruthless that accusations of human rights abuses are rife. People were abducted from homes and tortured because of mere allegations of supporting SLDF.

The Kenya Army dubbed its successful anti-SLDF campaign "Operation Okoa Maisha" (Operation Save Lives) but locals have described it as "Operation Haribu Maisha Kabisa" (Operation Destroy Lives). It is said that so many men disappeared that Mount Elgon District is now dominated by women, who are either widows or caregivers to broken men.

Back in the 1980s, the Administration Police fought back several incursions by Ugandan soldiers. This time though, Kenya's armed forces may not be up to the task. Infact, the annexation of Migingo Island and the growth of piracy on the Indian Ocean are proof that all is not well with our national defences.

Recruitment into the forces is marred by corruption and political interference, meaning that the calibre of recruits is very low. Qualified candidates are shunted aside in favour of those willing to pay hefty bribes to recruiting officers. Even after joining the forces, promotions in the hierarchy are heavily influenced by corruption and ethnicity.

The situation in the police and prisons services is reportedly worse than in the military. An investigation into Kenya Prisons found that female officers had to sleep with senior bosses in order to get promotions. In the Kenya Police, traffic police offices collect bribes from drivers in order to fulfill a daily quota imposed by their supervisors. Those who fail to deliver their targets are transferred to less lucrative postings in the rural areas.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sent the UPDF to all of Uganda's neighbours except Tanzania. Museveni is a calculating, former rebel leader who exploits weaknesses in his neighbours to expand Uganda's influence. With Kenyans divided on ethnic lines and ruled by corrupt leaders, Museveni must have realized that this is the best time to strike.

By occupying the small island of Migingo, Museveni was testing Kenya's political and military defences. Next time, the catch will be bigger and it will be too late for Kenya to defend itself.

We have been there before and exhausted all debate there. Go through the nearly 2,000 responses and get back to me. In those responses i have posted as Olekoima. Besides, the Nairobi Chronicle is not one of the main stream media outlets and has even folded up. Where does it say we fear Uganda or you?

 

[Koborer]

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sent the UPDF to all of Uganda's neighbours except Tanzania. Museveni is a calculating, former rebel leader who exploits weaknesses in his neighbours to expand Uganda's influence. With Kenyans divided on ethnic lines and ruled by corrupt leaders, Museveni must have realized that this is the best time to strike.

Koborer hata nyie mnajua Tanzania haiingiliki! hapo kwa red ni maneno yenu Wakenya hahahahah!

Well we respect Tanzania, but this does not imply we fear you. Museveni too knows that he cannot win a war with Kenya. Uganda is far too dependent on Kenya for many things. Even Amin tried at a time when our military was the weakest in the region and soon realized that it was not possible. This is why he chose Tanzania instead, but unfortunately for him got himself badly beaten. We know for a fact that Tanzania has the best air defense capability in the region and can easily render many air forces irrelevant, but we too posses other compensating strengths and advantages. Don't think you can simply walk across the border and harass us.

 

[hekimatele]

If you search online you can find very little information regarding our army or intelligence services. But in Rwanda and Uganda, you can know who is leading their Intelligence services and who was leading it before and you can get the all history about their top officials. But in Tanzania very little information about our top security officials is found online. I like it to be that way. Viva Tanzania. Keep on remaining invisible!!! To start with try to search General Davis Mwamunyange, and see if you can find any background about him online. Also search Othman Rashid or Apson Mwangonda. Still you won't get anything useful. But Just search General Tinyefunza, or General Charles Kayonga. You will get everything on them. I like the way our forces operate. Kimya kimyaaa.

At least I have admired your contribution freelancer. Serious people work quietly always. Under the radar, noiseless and very strategic. Militarily when you expose your arms you have already weaken your strength. Better be quiet and let them think you are powerless leaving them doubtless on you than running talks that will remove all of their doubts

 

[Koborer]

At least I have admired your contribution freelancer. Serious people work quietly always. Under the radar, noiseless and very strategic. Militarily when you expose your arms you have already weaken your strength. Better be quiet and let them think you are powerless leaving them doubtless on you than running talks that will remove all of their doubts

The thing is none of our countries is exposing their military strengths. This is the work of the global powers and there is very little we can do about. It is not like the Kenya army has rushed to press and said we have this and this. Get this right.

 

[Nyenyere]

May be, but does that also mean that the US which is ranked number one can be thrashed by say Sweden? Unlikely isn't it?

Winning a war encompasses many factors I'm afraid. Talk about Taliban vs Russians, Iraq vs the west, NATO vs Bosnia etc, etc. How many well equipped armies does it take to defeat a single poorly equipped, struggling with internal instability country? In war, 1 + 1 could be anything from 0 to what the army is capable of arriving at.

 

[Koborer]

Winning a war encompasses many factors I'm afraid. Talk about Taliban vs Russians, Iraq vs the west, NATO vs Bosnia etc, etc. How many well equipped armies does it take to defeat a single poorly equipped, struggling with internal instability country? In war, 1 + 1 could be anything from 0 to what the army is capable of arriving at.

Very well, guys we must get rid of this confrontational attitude towards one another. Why should we even imagine a fight between East African states? Aren't we supposed to work together for the common good? Say like working to ward off terrorist hell bent on disturbing the peace of the citizens? This "my father is stronger than yours mentality" like for little kids must cease.

 

[Swat]

Well we respect Tanzania, but this does not imply we fear you. Museveni too knows that he cannot win a war with Kenya. Uganda is far too dependent on Kenya for many things. Even Amin tried at a time when our military was the weakest in the region and soon realized that it was not possible. This is why he chose Tanzania instead, but unfortunately for him got himself badly beaten. We know for a fact that Tanzania has the best air defense capability in the region and can easily render many air forces irrelevant, but we too posses other compensating strengths and advantages. Don't think you can simply walk across the border and harass us.

UN and AU Chiefs Ban Ki Mon and Zuma respectively has appointed a Tanzanian Liutenant General Paul .I .Mella as a Force Commander of UNAMID-Darfur.

A Tanzanian Bregadeir General James .A. Mwakibolwa has been appointed to lead as a force commander of the special intervention forces consisting of South Africa,Tanzania and Malawi in Eastern DRC.

Brother,where are the Kenyans,Egyptians,Malawi or Ugandans etc?. Cant you pick something about the military strength and capability of Tanzanian army. Those Tanzanian Generals has proved that they can and their army is might.Remember: 'History is always written for the winners,but for losers,we can just remember the dates when they met their fate'

 

[Koborer]

UN and AU Chiefs Ban Ki Mon and Zuma respectively has appointed a Tanzanian Liutenant General Paul .I .Mella as a Force Commander of UNAMID-Darfur.

A Tanzanian Bregadeir General James .A. Mwakibolwa has been appointed to lead as a force commander of the special intervention forces consisting of South Africa,Tanzania and Malawi in Eastern DRC.

Brother,where are the Kenyans,Egyptians,Malawi or Ugandans etc?. Cant you pick something about the military strength and capability of Tanzanian army. Those Tanzanian Generals has proved that they can and their army is might.Remember: 'History is always written for the winners,but for losers,we can just remember the dates when they met their fate'

My friend, just like i said above, this attempt to outdo one another will not get us anywhere. Kenya too has had generals leading UN missions in war torn countries. Just to refresh your memory, haven't you heard about General Daniel Opande from Kenya? Read the links below to help you understand some things and always research before posting:-

BBC News | UK POLITICS | New head for UN in Sierra Leone

Daniel Opande - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Koborer]

Swat,
Uganda also has a general appointed to head AMISOM troops in Somalia, i guess you didn't know this too.

 

[Swat]

My friend, just like i said above, this attempt to outdo one another will not get us anywhere. Kenya too has had generals leading UN missions in war torn countries. Just to refresh your memory, haven't you heard about General Daniel Opande from Kenya? Read the links below to help you understand some things and always research before posting:-

BBC News | UK POLITICS | New head for UN in Sierra Leone

Daniel Opande - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Man! Was the year 2000 or just my eyes?. Afterall is 2=1nowadays!?

 

[MzalendoHalisi]

Haha ha ha!

Sisi bado ni nchi maskini tu! Tz, Kenya, Uganda!

Hatuna jeshi la kujivunia hivyo!

watu wetu wanakufa ktk umaskini wandugu!

Tupambane na umaskini kwanza!

 

[Koborer]

Man! Was the year 2000 or just my eyes?. Afterall is 2=1nowadays!?

I gave you that just to illustrate that other countries have too traveled this path before, after all don't you guys always remind us of your victory in war with Uganda which was more than 30 years ago?

 

[Koborer]

You guys are just funny, what will you say to this? I did not author it:-

Good they have given credit to Tanzania too.

South African army remains a continental force to reckon with/Photo©Reuters



Structural problems within certain sub-Saharan African armies have not obscured the overall quality, or progress in the past 10 years, for a few countries. 


After successfully contributing to the country's transition from apartheid to a democracy, the South African army remains a continental force to reckon with, especially in the areas of aviation and transport.


The South African army counts about 1,000 men serving in the rank and file of the United Nations Organisation for Stabilisation of Congo (MONUSCO).


Kenya is another highly rated African army. Its troops train regularly with their British and American counterparts. 


The result, as evidenced by the remarkable discipline of Kenyan soldiers whose offensive against al-Shebab by virtue of their collaboration with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), is one of success.


And in spite of its somewhat aging technology, Kenya's army remains fully operational. 


Their efficiency has seen them participating in several deployments beyond their borders with large contingents in Somalia and South Sudan as well as acting as observers in DR Congo.
In Uganda, Kenyan soldiers have served as instructors.


And even though Uganda has suffered some heavy losses in Somalia, its 5000-strong force in the Horn of Africa country has demonstrated a level of military efficiency. 

Uganda is modernising its military arsenal with a good possibility of the US transferring intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment to the east African country.


After accusations by the UN of supporting rebels in DR Congo M23, the powers that be in Kampala have threatened to withdraw from Somalia.
Should this occur, Ethiopia may have to send tens of thousands of men to Somalia. 

Ethiopia's military is already familiar with the harsh Somali territory.
The neighbouring Horn of Africa country has in the past defeated and sent al-Shebab packing.


Also accused of supporting the M23 rebel group by the UN, Rwanda's army is quite efficient. It is known for its impressive light infantry operations and anti-guerrilla warfare.


The UN itself recognises their skills, especially in the area of civil-military operations, after their deployment in Darfur.


Other countries that fall within this category of good African armies include Ghana and Tanzania, who are involved in numerous UN peacekeeping operations.


As the current crisis in northern Mali rages on, military experts have suggested that Chad and Mauritania, with their specialised units, are the only countries in the sub-region (like Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia in east Africa) that can really dent the progress the jihadists have so far made.



Who are the exemplary armies in Africa? | News & Analysis

 

[mchumia tumbo]

Is high time to discuss development rather than these military issues which no one knows in details.

 

[Swat]

I gave you that just to illustrate that other countries have too traveled this path before, after all don't you guys always remind us of your victory in war with Uganda which was more than 30 years ago?

You might have missed a point in my comment. Why are all these appointments are happening to Tanzanians currently than happening to those african countries mentioned above?. Forget about the history criterial in your mind!

 

[Bukyanagandi]

Don't be sure about the training. Look at this link below, some of the trainees were from Tanzania. We mutually train staff for each other. Some Kenyan personnel have also trained in Tanzanian military colleges as have Tanzanians done in Kenya. allAfrica.com: Kenya: Military Must Shift to Strategic Thinking - Omamo

You are right Koborer, even without refering to the link - mutual training of Military staff for each other is done once in while, Tanzania 2 has this kind of training program I guess. I'm telling you Nairoberry is gonna pick on this and blow it out of proporation to prove a point; Nairoberry is a brilliant ACTOR, as I said his propaganda and tongue lashing is a distant second to NAZI'S Joseph Jeobelles'


See - Mr. Kroborer, this guy keeps on springing up real and imaginary things out of the blue/his closet just to get even with everything TANZANIAN!! He should come clean and tell us kama nchi yetu iliwahi ku-nationalise mali zake, wajomba zake ambao wako Dodoma Tanzania au wazazi wake, yaani mambo ambayo huwa ana andika humu kuhusu TANZANIA mengi yana walakini mkubwa na upotoshaji wa maksudi. Yaani mtu ukisoma kwa mfano unayo andika wewe Mr. Koborer alafu ulinganishe na ya jamaa huyo Nairoberry tofauti yake ni kama kulinganisha Mbingu na Dunia!!

Cheers - tupo pamoja mkuu.