Al-Qaeda, Islamic State, Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab… These terrorist groups are recognized in 2025 by the UN as representing a significant threat to stability and security in Africa. Their activities include attacks against civilians, security forces and critical infrastructure. To counter their influence and restore peace in affected regions, African states are increasing their efforts, notably through increasingly large purchases of military equipment.
However, the terrorist threat alone does not explain the porosity of the second largest continent on the planet, after Asia. Indeed, some nations also compete regionally. This is particularly the case between Morocco and Algeria. Relations between these two Maghreb countries have been marked, since 2023, by diplomatic, economic and cultural disputes, mainly around the question of Western Sahara. Further west, in September 2024, relations between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso became tense, marked by mutual accusations of attempts at destabilization.
These events are not isolated and tensions exist across the continent. They are pushing African nations to invest massively in their defense. Here is a subjective ranking of the Tangwall Campagin, based on budgets, material capabilities, numbers and operability of the armies.
7. Rwanda
In 2024, Rwanda allocated approximately $175.9 million for its military spending, representing 1.27% of its GDP and 4.55% of the national budget. This portfolio, although modest on a global scale, has been increasing steadily for a decade, reflecting a desire to modernize and professionalize the armed forces. The Rwandan Defense Forces (FRD) have around 30,000 active soldiers according to the Military Balance 2024a stable figure for several years. Despite this relatively small size, Rwanda is one of the main contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with more than 5,000 troops deployed in the Central African Republic, Mozambique and South Sudan, strengthening its regional influence.
Rwandan Forces recognized for their professionalism
FRDs are recognized for their professionalism and operational efficiency. They notably have two tank battalions, four infantry divisions and an artillery brigade. In terms of equipment, their arsenal has around thirty battle tanks. However, their air component is relatively weak with only a few helicopters, a transport plane and a few Turkish drones.
6. Ethiopia
In 2024, Ethiopia spent approximately $2.1 billion on its defense, marking a significant increase from previous years. The Ethiopian National Defense Forces have approximately 500,000 active military personnel in 2025, making it one of the largest armies in Africa in terms of manpower. Ethiopia’s land equipment is mainly of Russian, Ukrainian, Chinese and North Korean origin. According to the Military Balance 2024the country has more than 200 tanks and around thirty combat helicopters. In January 2024, Addis Ababa also received Russian Sukhoi Su-30K “Flanker” fighter jets.
The Ethiopian military, officially known as the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (EDF), is engaged in several internal and regional military operations. In particular, in November 2020, it launched an offensive against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in the same region, supported by Eritrean forces and militias. Reports have documented serious human rights violations, notably in Bora in January 2021, where the FDNE is accused of killing more than a hundred civilians.
5. Chad
In 2024, Chad’s military spending reached approximately $557.7 million, or 4.2% of GDP. This increase reflects the desire of the authorities to strengthen their capacities in a context of withdrawal of foreign partners. The Chadian Armed Forces have around 30,000 active soldiers according to The Military Balance 2024. The army constitutes the main component, with 27,000 soldiers. Chad also has an air force and a gendarmerie. It is recognized for its high rate of militarization.
The Chadian army is known for its capacity for rapid and effective intervention, particularly against terrorism and jihadist armed groups. The country, led by General Mahamat Idriss Déby, plays a central role in the fight against Boko Haram in the Sahel. In October 2024, an attack by the terrorist group on a Chadian base caused the death of 40 soldiers. In 2024, Chad ended its military cooperation agreements with France, leading to the gradual withdrawal of French troops.
4. Nigeria
The continent’s leading demographic power, Nigeria has been facing the terrorist nebula Boko Haram, as well as the Islamic State, for several years. With a defense budget of $3.1 billion in 2025, according to the Global Fire Power Index, the country has the most powerful army in West Africa. It has 143,000 active military personnel distributed between the three armies. It also counts on a gendarmerie and paramilitary forces bringing together more than 80,000 men, according to The Military Balance 2024. On the equipment side, it has 66 combat helicopters, 330 tanks and more than 8,000 armored vehicles. On the naval level, Abuja has a frigate and around ten patrol boats. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), with approximately 147 aircraft and 18,000 personnel, is one of the most powerful in sub-Saharan Africa.
Two Maghreb countries in the top 3
Nigeria has special forces such as the Special Boat Service (SBS), which specializes in amphibious operations. The country is also present on the international scene, notably through the operation Restore Democracy in Gambia in 2017, where it deployed reconnaissance aircraft and the NNS Unity warship, illustrating its role for regional stability.
3. Morocco
The Moroccan Armed Forces have around 200,000 active soldiers, supported by 150,000 reservists and 50,000 paramilitaries, which places Morocco among the leading armies in Africa in terms of numbers. In terms of armaments, Rabat also stands out for its arsenal. The army has 900 tanks, more than 7,000 armored vehicles, nearly 400 self-propelled artillery units, 150 towed artillery pieces and around 130 mobile rocket launchers. The Air Force has 260 aircraft, including 83 fighter planes, 2 tanker planes and 78 helicopters. At sea, the Royal Navy has 6 frigates, 1 corvette and 105 patrol boats.
The budget allocated to defense for 2025 is 133.45 billion dirhams (around $13.5 billion), up from 124 billion for 2024. This budget targets the acquisition, modernization and repair of equipment, as well as support for the national defense industry. Morocco also participates in UN peacekeeping missions (MONUSCO, MINUSCA) and conducts joint exercises with France and the United States.
2. Algeria
In 2025, Algeria is devoting a record budget of $25 billion to defense, or 3,349 billion dinars, representing 5.6% of GDP. This amount exceeds those allocated to Education and Health, illustrating the strategic importance given to the army in a tense context with Morocco. According to the Military Balance 2024the National People’s Army (ANP) is made up of 140,000 active soldiers, 187,000 paramilitaries and gendarmes, and 150,000 reservists.
The Algerian army has an essentially Russian arsenal: T-90SA, T-72 tanks, BMP-1 and BMP-2 vehicles. Algiers reportedly has around 1,500 tanks. The navy fields six submarines and five frigates. On the air side, more than 120 fighter planes and 70 combat helicopters are operational. But above all, the country led by Abdelmadjid Tebboune possesses the Russian Iskander-E ballistic missile. With a range of around 500 kilometers, it was acquired in 2024 by Algiers.
1. Egypt
French Rafale fighter jets, American F-16 fighters, amphibious helicopter carriers and even frigates designed by Naval Group… the Egyptian Armed Forces have one of the most sophisticated arsenals on the African continent. Egypt has around 300 combat aircraft (including 55 Rafale), eight submarines, twelve frigates and more than 3,000 tanks. In terms of human resources, the FAE will have approximately 836,000 personnel in 2025, including active forces and paramilitaries. This figure, stable for several years, places Cairo among the most important military forces in Africa and the Middle East.
Its operational experience also plays in its favor to claim first place in this ranking. The FAE has acquired solid experience through counter-terrorism operations in the Sinai against groups affiliated with the Islamic State, their participation in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, and interventions in Libya alongside the United Arab Emirates against Islamist militias. Finally, they frequently exercise with international partners, notably France, the United States and China.
