This Middle East Nation Has More Tanks Than the United States

The Middle East has long recognized the importance of armored warfare, especially tanks. For a region that has been characterized by intermittent conflicts and military posturing, having the biggest guns is fairly important, not only as a shield or a deterrent but also as a sword.

The vast deserts and rugged terrain of the region can prove difficult to tanks but there are distinct advantages as well. While the sand and weather can wear on tanks and create mechanical issues, the visibility and maneuverability in the open desert are unmatched, allowing for tactical plays and precision strikes.

Tank warfare in the region truly began in the post-World War II era. The Arab-Israeli War (1948-1949) showcased the effectiveness in armored units. Also, during the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yum Kippur War (1973), tanks played a pivotal role in offensive maneuvers as well as defensive posturing. (Russia maintains tank supremacy in Asia, China falls short.)

In the contemporary context, the role of tanks has changed with the times, but it still is central to military operations in the region. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt have invested heavily in modernizing their tank fleets, acquiring advanced models from their Western allies like the American M1 Abrams and the German Leopard 2.

Along this line, the geopolitical alliances of the region have influenced which tanks are being bought and from whom. This also plays a role in broader strategy. Either way, these nations buy these tanks as part of international defense agreements with global superpowers like the U.S. or Russia.

Tank warfare is an important component of the military dynamics and doctrine of the Middle East, historically and currently. The buildup of tank armies of the region has also propelled one of these nations to have a larger tank force than the United States. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the tank armies of the Middle East.

To identify the Middle Eastern countries with the most tanks, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed 2024 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. Countries were ranked on the total number of tanks in their arsenal. We included supplemental information regarding the total military vehicles, artillery and MLRS units, as well as each country’s overall military strength score. Nations that do not have any tanks in their arsenal were excluded.

Here is a look at the Middle Eastern countries with the largest tank armies:

Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the military dynamics in the Middle East is essential given the region’s historical and ongoing geopolitical tensions. For decades, the Middle East has been shaped by conflicts, religious divisions, and territorial disputes, making it a hotspot for conflict. Whether it’s Iran’s growing influence or the strategic role of countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel, the military forces in this region heavily influence global security and energy markets.

• Total number of tanks: 55
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 26
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 13
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 4,800
• Active duty military personnel: 66,700
• Military strength score: 1.4692 – #81 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Yemen has 177 military aircraft (including 23 attack aircraft, 53 fighter aircraft, and 61 helicopters). Yemen has 66,700 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 31.6 million.

Yemen is currently a warzone. The country has been in a civil war since 2014, while this conflict is fairly complex in terms of the breakdown, there is a religious aspect that simplifies it along Sunni and Shia lines. Also, countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran have been involving themselves in providing weapons or aid to the opposing factions.

• Total number of tanks: 99
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 58
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 16
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 5,544
• Active duty military personnel: 66,550
• Military strength score: 1.0789 – #63 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Qatar has 228 military aircraft (including 6 attack aircraft, 92 fighter aircraft, and 67 helicopters). Qatar has 66,550 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 2.5 million.

Qatar’s military history is largely shaped by its strategic position on the Arabian Peninsula, and its substantial natural gas and oil reserves. Since its independence from Britain in 1971, Qatar has rapidly modernized its military. This modernization has only ramped up as the country has gained much more economic power from the oil and gas trade.

It has procured advanced military technology from the U.S., France, and other nations, including state-of-the-art aircraft like the F-15 and Rafale jets. Qatar has also made moves to develop a naval force to protect its extensive coastline as well as its oil and gas interests.

• Total number of tanks: 154
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 165
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 0
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 5,019
• Active duty military personnel: 42,600
• Military strength score: 1.4448 – #78 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Oman has 128 military aircraft (including 10 attack aircraft, 29 fighter aircraft, and 31 helicopters). Oman has 42,600 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 3.8 million.

Oman was a powerful empire in the 17th and 18th centuries, with colonies around the Indian Ocean and enough naval strength to back it up. This allowed the country to resist the Portuguese and the Persians.

In the 19th century, Oman saw a drastic leap in its military capabilities following an alliance with the British Empire. Ultimately, this alliance helped Oman modernize its forces and keep pace with the West. In more recent years, Oman has remained neutral in regional conflicts, instead focusing on its national defense and maintaining a fairly modern force.

• Total number of tanks: 180
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 64
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 17
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 2,598
• Active duty military personnel: 18,400
• Military strength score: 1.7163 – #86 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Bahrain has 120 military aircraft (including 18 fighter aircraft and 74 helicopters). Bahrain has 18,400 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 1.6 million.

Bahrain is one of the lesser-known countries in the Middle East, many people can’t find it on a map. It has a much less tumultuous military history than its neighbors, but it occupies a strategic position in the Persian Gulf.

Looking back, this island nation was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century but later fell under Persian and then Ottoman control. In the 19th century, Bahrain was a British protectorate, which significantly bolstered its military and foreign policy. However, the country would gain independence in 1971 and establish its own military and national defense forces. Bahrain has maintained ties with Western powers which have improved its military capabilities over the years, especially its naval power.

• Total number of tanks: 204
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 458
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 30
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 4,522
• Active duty military personnel: 60,000
• Military strength score: 2.4283 – #118 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Lebanon has 81 military aircraft (including 9 attack aircraft and 69 helicopters). Lebanon has 60,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 5.3 million.

Located on the Mediterranean, Lebanon’s military history has placed it near the center of many regional conflicts. The country gained independence from the French in 1943, but with such an ethnically and religiously diverse population Lebanon has faced many challenges since.

The Lebanese Civil War, starting in 1975, saw multiple factions attempting to gain control and then foreign powers intervening as well. In the post-civil war years, Lebanon’s military has focused on rebuilding and modernization with considerable assistance from international powers.

Despite its smaller size, Lebanon’s military plays an important role in maintaining internal stability and contending with issues from non-state actors like Hezbollah and then border tensions with Israel.

• Total number of tanks: 354
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 282
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 162
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 12,253
• Active duty military personnel: 65,000
• Military strength score: 0.8083 – #51 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, the United Arab Emirates has 560 military aircraft (including 18 attack aircraft, 99 fighter aircraft, and 246 helicopters). The United Arab Emirates has 65,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 10.0 million.

The United Arab Emirates has a relatively brief but really dynamic military history. The country was formed in 1971 when 7 emirates combined forces, focusing on building a nation with a strong military geared towards advanced technology and modernization.

The U.S. and France are the main sellers of this tech to the UAE, and in turn, the UAE has been involved in regional operations in the Gulf War, Yemen, and against ISIS. The UAE’s power extends further beyond its relatively small territory in the Persian Gulf. In fact, the country has been projecting power abroad where it has established military bases in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

• Total number of tanks: 367
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 74
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 27
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 4,409
• Active duty military personnel: 72,000
• Military strength score: 1.4261 – #77 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Kuwait has 144 military aircraft (including 36 fighter aircraft and 60 helicopters). Kuwait has 72,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 3.1 million.

Kuwait’s location at the northern edge of the Persian Gulf has heavily influenced its military history over the years. The country was in the dominion of the Ottoman Empire before becoming a British protectorate in the early 20th century. Kuwait gained independence in 1961.

More recently, Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in 1990, which precipitated the Gulf War. Saddam Hussein’s push into Kuwait was largely driven by disputes over oil and debt. The international response from this served to liberate Kuwait, but Saddam was not removed from power for more than a decade.

• Total number of tanks: 848
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 1,727
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 425
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 39,872
• Active duty military personnel: 193,000
• Military strength score: 0.7441 – #45 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Iraq has 371 military aircraft (including 35 attack aircraft, 26 fighter aircraft, and 197 helicopters). Iraq has 193,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 41.3 million.

Iraq has been a country of contention in recent memory. Officially gaining independence in 1932 from the British, Iraq was still subject to Britain’s influence until the late 1950s. The country was marked by the rule of Saddam Hussein who rose to power in 1979 with the Ba’ath Party.

Hussein rapidly expanded the military during his time, even waging a war with Iran from 1980 to 1988. Saddam would later invade Kuwait in 1990, leading to the Gulf War. However, a U.S. led invasion in 2003 would ultimately topple the dictator and create instability within the country as well as the formation of multiple insurgent factions to the new government. Currently, Iraq is in the state of rebuilding its military to deal with internal threats.

• Total number of tanks: 1,365
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 283
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 88
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 24,148
• Active duty military personnel: 100,500
• Military strength score: 1.4651 – #80 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Jordan has 265 military aircraft (including 6 attack aircraft, 44 fighter aircraft, and 148 helicopters). Jordan has 100,500 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 11.1 million.

Jordan has a rich military history in a region that has been embroiled by conflict for decades. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was established after World War I from the breaking of the Ottoman Empire. It would gain its full independence from Britain in 1946.

Within the last century, Jordan’s main military engagements have included conflicts with Israel, notably during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and again in 1967 during the Six-Day War, where Jordan lost control of the West Bank. These conflicts ultimately shaped Jordan’s borders and its military strategies going forward.

Currently, Jordan maintains ties to Western powers that help with its military modernization efforts. Also, the country acts as a stabilizing power within the region, typically acting as a mediator in peace talks. It has also maintained a peace treaty with Israel since 1994.

• Total number of tanks: 1,370
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 950
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 150
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 43,407
• Active duty military personnel: 170,000
• Military strength score: 0.2596 – #17 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Israel has 612 military aircraft (including 39 attack aircraft, 241 fighter aircraft, and 146 helicopters). Israel has 170,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 9.0 million.

Israel’s military history is tied very closely with its national identity. This country has compulsory military service for its citizens (primarily Jewish). Israel was formed in 1948 and was plunged immediately into conflict with neighboring Arab states in an attempt to prevent its establishment. Over the coming decades, and even currently, Israel would be the central locale of conflict for this region.

Other notable conflicts that Israel has survived, and even in some expanded its territory, include the Suez Crisis, Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, and other conflicts with Lebanon. Its most recent engagement with Hamas has devastated the Gaza Strip, and the international community is concerned with the ongoing situation to say the least.

• Total number of tanks: 1,485
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 3,253
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 490
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 20,694
• Active duty military personnel: 257,000
• Military strength score: 0.3235 – #23 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Saudi Arabia has 914 military aircraft (including 81 attack aircraft, 283 fighter aircraft, and 262 helicopters). Saudi Arabia has 257,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 36.0 million.

Saudi Arabia has a very rich military history that goes back centuries. The modern country we know was founded in 1932. This came decades after Abdulaziz Al Saud (Ibn Saud) unified the Saudi state after conquering Riyadh in 1902.

The discovery of oil in the 1930s catapulted the Kingdom to prominence on the world stage. Through this oil trade, Saudi Arabia has profited incredibly with many of its Western trading partners like the United States.

Along with the oil trade, Saudi Arabia has procured advanced weaponry and aircraft from these Western powers, making it one of the more dominant military powers in the region. Saudi Arabia would also play an important role in the Gulf War as part of the coalition that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

• Total number of tanks: 1,996
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 2,630
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 775
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 65,765
• Active duty military personnel: 610,000
• Military strength score: 0.2269 – #14 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Iran has 551 military aircraft (including 23 attack aircraft, 186 fighter aircraft, and 129 helicopters). Iran has 610,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 87.6 million.

Iran is another country that traces its military history far back in time, to the days of the Persian Empire. The country has a rich history in that regard. However, many Western powers currently consider Iran an antagonist in the region which have led to sanctions against the country, hampering military modernization. Despite efforts by Western powers to contain Iran, the country still has a formidable military force with nuclear aspirations.

• Total number of tanks: 2,231
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 2,785
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 286
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 55,104
• Active duty military personnel: 355,200
• Military strength score: 0.1697 – #8 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Turkey has 1,069 military aircraft (including 205 fighter aircraft and 502 helicopters). Turkey has 355,200 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 83.6 million.

Turkey’s military history is deeply rooted in its role as the seat of power during the Ottoman Empire. Also, its strategic location, bridging Europe and Asia, is central to its military history and the composition of its forces as well. In part, Turkey largely owes its NATO membership to this fact.

The dissolution of the Ottoman Empire in the wake of World War I and the subsequent Turkish War of Independence were important events that not only established the boundaries of the new nation but also created a strong military tradition that continues to influence Turkey today.

• Total number of tanks: 2,720
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 2,695
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 614
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 14,550
• Active duty military personnel: 170,000
• Military strength score: 1.0026 – #60 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Syria has 452 military aircraft (including 57 attack aircraft, 168 fighter aircraft, and 153 helicopters). Syria has 170,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 22.9 million.

Syria’s military history is marked by its strategic location, which has made it a point of contention for regional and international conflicts. Historically Syria has been part of major empires due to its position between the Mediterranean and the Arab world. The country gained independence from France in 1946, and since then it has been involved in several wars with Israel and the Lebanese Civil War.

The most recent chapter in Syria’s military history began in 2011 with the Syrian Civil War, which was brought on by Arab Spring protests. This was hotly contested by multiple factions including ISI, Kurdish forces, as well as foreign military powers like Russia and the U.S., Turkey and others. As of 2023, the civil war has largely subsided in what many are calling a stalemate.

• Total number of tanks: 3,742
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 3,990
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 602
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 50,523
• Active duty military personnel: 654,000
• Military strength score: 0.1711 – #9 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Pakistan has 1,434 military aircraft (including 90 attack aircraft, 387 fighter aircraft, and 352 helicopters). Pakistan has 654,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 247.7 million.

Pakistan’s military history is deeply tied with its formation in 1947, when it separated from India. This division would set the stage for India and Pakistan to slug it out in the decades to come.

The first Indo-Pakistani War was waged over Kashmir which each nation claimed as their own. There would be subsequent wars in 1965 and 1971. The conflict in 1971 was a severe loss for Pakistan and ultimately culminated in the creation of Bangladesh.

Pakistan has also participated in other regional conflicts like the Soviet-Afghan War, where it supported Afghan mujahideen groups with the aid of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

The Pakistani military has also played a significant role in the country’s politics, having directly ruled Pakistan during various periods through military coups. Currently, its military ranks as one of the top 10 strongest in the world.

• Total number of tanks: 5,340
• Total count of artillery (self propelled and towed): 3,046
• Total inventory of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS): 1,119
• Total military vehicles currently in active service: 77,596
• Active duty military personnel: 440,000
• Military strength score: 0.2283 – #15 out of 145

Apart from the ground forces, Egypt has 1,080 military aircraft (including 88 attack aircraft, 238 fighter aircraft, and 338 helicopters). Egypt has 440,000 active-duty personnel out of a total population of 109.5 million.

Straddling the Middle East and Africa, Egypt is in control of one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, the Suez Canal. This crossroads has historically helped Egypt rise to prominence as a military power. From the days of the Pharaohs millennia ago to now, Egypt has been a perennial military powerhouse.

Just over a decade ago, the Egyptian military played a significant role in the Arab Spring, particularly in the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 and President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

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