Africa. African military forces form a key component of the continent’s regional balance of power.
Countries such as Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa invest billions of dollars annually in defense.
This report presents the major African armies, their land, air, and naval capabilities, and their 2025 defense budgets.
1. Algeria
The Algerian Armed Forces comprise modern land, air, and naval units.
The Air Force is particularly capable, ensuring readiness to defend Algeria’s North African borders.
According to the report, Algerian forces are deployed across the Mediterranean region, with land operations most effective when supported by air and naval units.
Annual defense budget: $25 billion
2. Morocco
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces include a large number of soldiers, modern combat vehicles, and diverse weapon systems, along with an efficient Air Force and Navy.
They are capable of operating from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
According to a global defense database, Morocco’s military budget exceeds $13 billion.
3. Egypt
According to the 2025 Global Firepower Index, Egypt ranks among the top ten African defense investors.
The ranking considers army size, modern weaponry, and the strength of its air and naval forces.
Egypt remains a continental leader with a large army, heavy combat vehicles, artillery, and light fighter jets.
Annual military budget: $5.88 billion
4. Nigeria
Nigeria’s military strength lies in its large manpower base.
It has Africa’s largest air force, with roughly 230,000 personnel and a special forces unit focused on countering banditry.
Defense budget: $3.16 billion
5. South Africa
South Africa is renowned for its military expertise and highly skilled armed forces across land, sea, and air operations.
It possesses modern fighter aircraft and a well-trained defense force experienced in public security and peacekeeping.
Although smaller in size than its regional peers, the South African army is highly efficient and technologically advanced.
Estimated defense budget (2025): $3.1 billion
6. Libya
Libya ranks as the tenth most powerful army in Africa.
Despite current internal disorganization, Libya once maintained strong and well-equipped land, air, and naval forces.
Ongoing internal conflict has weakened its structure, but defense spending remains notable.
Estimated annual military budget: $3 billion
7. Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s armed forces are dominated by a large and powerful land army backed by a capable air force.
The military focuses heavily on border defense and internal security.
Estimated defense budget (2025): $2.1 billion
8. Angola
Angola has invested heavily in its military, with strong air and naval forces.
Its army is primarily focused on internal security and border protection.
Defense budget (2025): $1.1 billion
9. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The DRC ranks as the eighth most powerful army in Africa, though it suffers from limited access to modern equipment and training.
Annual defense budget: $800 million
10. Sudan
Once home to a skilled special forces unit for internal security, Sudan is now fractured by civil war.
The country retains trained land, air, and naval units despite its instability.
Annual defense budget: $342 million
The 2025 African military landscape remains dominated by North African and large sub-Saharan powers.
Algeria leads the continent in spending, followed by Morocco and Egypt, while Nigeria and South Africa maintain strong, balanced forces despite smaller budgets.
Ethiopia, Angola, the DRC, Libya, and Sudan complete the list, reflecting diverse capabilities shaped by geography, politics, and internal security challenges.
