UAE Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 51st
MPR SCORE: 592
MPR Index: 0.2415 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.375 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: +0.7189 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks 50th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings (MPR), reflecting its status as a small but highly modernized and regionally assertive Gulf power. Backed by vast financial resources and access to cutting-edge Western technology, the UAE has developed a technologically advanced, professional military with a focus on air dominance, missile defense, and expeditionary reach.
Its strategic role as a bridge between the West and the Arab Gulf states places the UAE at the heart of Middle East defense dynamics, often functioning as a forward-operating partner in joint operations with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the U.S. Despite its small size, the UAE has become a key actor in regional security, power projection, and hybrid warfare operations.
Strengths: High-Tech Arsenal and Strategic Alignment
The UAE’s military strength is rooted in its strategic geography, financial power, and doctrine of forward defense:
Air Superiority and Missile Integration
The UAE operates advanced F-16 Block 60 "Desert Falcons", Mirage 2000-9s, and is slated to receive Rafale fighters, placing its air force among the most capable in the Arab world.
Integrated air and missile defense systems—including THAAD, Patriot PAC-3, and Barak-8—form a robust layered defense network across the Gulf.
Naval Power and Littoral Defense
The UAE Navy, while modest in size, is equipped with stealth corvettes, fast attack craft, and advanced mine countermeasure vessels tailored for Gulf maritime security.
Its strategic bases in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea (Assab, Eritrea), and logistical access to East Africa support regional sea lane protection and limited forward projection.
Expeditionary Capability and Hybrid Warfare
The UAE has deployed forces to Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, often using special forces, drones, and proxy militias in coordinated hybrid operations.
Its presidential guard, trained by Western contractors and special operations veterans, is one of the most capable light infantry formations in the Arab world.
Why the UAE Ranks 50th in 2025
Despite its modernization, the UAE remains limited in key MPR criteria that affect sustained warfighting capability:
1. Small Force Size
Active military personnel number only around 65,000, with limited reserves
While elite and well-trained, the force lacks depth for prolonged or multi-theater warfare
Reliance on foreign contractors, advisors, and expatriate recruits adds long-term sustainability risk
2. No Indigenous Deterrent or Strategic Depth
The UAE is non-nuclear and fully dependent on U.S. security guarantees
It lacks strategic missiles, long-range artillery, or autonomous deep-strike capability
Without U.S. logistics and satellite coordination, its air force and missile defense network would be significantly impaired
3. Limited Industrial and Logistical Base
The UAE imports nearly all of its high-end platforms and munitions
It lacks a domestic military-industrial complex capable of sustaining war production or adapting to combat attrition
Logistics chains are externalized, and the military is designed more for short-duration interventions than protracted conflict
Conclusion
The United Arab Emirates represents a new model of military power in the Middle East: high-tech, highly mobile, strategically aligned, but externally dependent. Its role in NATO-aligned operations, its growing regional assertiveness, and its technological sophistication make it one of the most capable non-nuclear militaries in the Arab world.
However, its ranking of 50th reflects the structural limits of size, strategic autonomy, and industrial self-sufficiency. The UAE is optimized for coalition warfare, strategic denial, and rapid-response operations, but not for prolonged or high-intensity peer conflict.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 65,000
Reserve Personnel: 40,000
Paramilitary Forces: 30,000
Army Personnel: 45,000
Navy Personnel: 7,000
Air Force Personnel: 13,000
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 436 (Leclerc, BMP-3, others)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 2,200+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 300+
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 135+
Helicopters: 120+
Transport Aircraft: 40+
Aircraft Breakdown
F-16E/F Block 60 Desert Falcon: 80
Mirage 2000-9: 60
C-17 Globemaster III (Transport): 8
AH-64 Apache (Attack Helicopter): 30+
Naval Forces
Submarines: 0 (Limited underwater capabilities)
Frigates: 2 (Baynunah-class)
Corvettes: 6
Patrol Vessels: 25+
Fast Attack Craft: 10+
Missile Capabilities
The UAE has a robust missile defense network, including:
Patriot PAC-3 Missile Systems
THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)
SCALP-EG Air-Launched Cruise Missiles
Yabhon UAVs for strike operations
While the UAE lacks strategic intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), its missile defense and precision-strike capabilities provide a strong deterrence factor in the Gulf region.
Strategic Partnerships
The UAE maintains strong military alliances with the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia. It is a major buyer of Western defense technology and frequently participates in joint exercises with NATO members.
The UAE also invests in domestic defense production, focusing on UAVs, armored vehicles, and missile systems. Its collaboration with South Korea, China, and Turkey has further diversified its military supply chain.
United Arab Emirates – Military History & Combat Experience
The UAE’s military history is characterized by its transition from a newly formed federation in the 1970s to a modern regional force actively involved in coalition warfare, counterinsurgency, and power projection across the Middle East and North Africa. While the UAE has not fought in a conventional state-on-state war, its armed forces have gained considerable combat experience through intervention campaigns, particularly in Yemen and Libya.
Formation and Early Development (1971–1990s): Following independence and unification in 1971, the UAE began building its armed forces with British and American support. Its military remained small and defensive, focused on protecting key infrastructure and asserting sovereignty, especially in disputed areas with Iran.
First Gulf War (1991): The UAE participated in the U.S.-led coalition to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait, deploying ground and air units. Though limited in size, this marked the UAE’s first external combat deployment and strengthened its integration with Western forces.
Yemen Civil War (2015–Present): The UAE launched one of its most significant combat campaigns as part of the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels. Emirati forces conducted ground, naval, and special operations, particularly in southern Yemen and along the Red Sea coast. UAE units demonstrated high operational capability, seizing key territory and training allied militias, but suffered casualties and withdrew most ground forces by 2020.
Libya Conflict (2014–2020s): The UAE provided air support, weapons, and funding to the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar. While not officially declared, UAE drones and aircraft were widely reported to have conducted air strikes during the civil war, showcasing the country’s growing role in proxy warfare and long-range operations.
Counterterrorism and Peacekeeping Roles: UAE special forces have participated in counterterrorism operations with U.S. units in Afghanistan and Somalia. The country has also sent troops to humanitarian and stabilization missions in Lebanon and Kosovo.
The UAE’s military has evolved from a defensive force into a regional expeditionary actor, gaining real-world experience in coalition operations, proxy warfare, and urban combat support. While it lacks large-scale war experience against a peer adversary, its combat record in Yemen and Libya demonstrates a doctrine focused on precision force application, rapid deployment, and coalition leadership in the Arab world.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~10.2 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~4.1 million (males and females aged 18–49)
Geographic Area: 83,600 km²
Land Boundaries: 867 km
Bordering Countries: Oman, Saudi Arabia
Coastline: 1,318 km (Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman)
Climate: Desert; hot, dry summers and mild winters
Terrain: Flat, barren coastal plains merging into rolling sand dunes of the desert interior; mountains in the east
Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, aluminum, and strategic port access
Proven Oil Reserves: ~111 billion barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~6.1 trillion cubic meters
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$25.4 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~4.0%
GDP (PPP): ~$950 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$91,200
External Debt: ~$190 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Significant and consistent; tied to regional projection and modernization
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Mandatory for males (11–16 months); optional for females
Primary Defense Focus: Regional power projection, counterterrorism, air and naval dominance, deterrence against Iran
Military Industry Base: Rapidly expanding; EDGE Group consolidates national defense manufacturing in UAVs, missiles, cybersecurity, and armored vehicles
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Advanced; integrated under Signal Intelligence Agency and EDGE Group’s electronic warfare divisions
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state); possesses civilian nuclear energy program
Major Military Districts / Commands: Structured under the General Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; operational theaters include homeland, Gulf, and expeditionary
Missile Inventory Highlights: Patriot PAC-3, THAAD, MICA VL, Crotale NG, BMP-3-based Kornet systems, Barak-8 (co-developed with Israel)
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Rapid mobilization system linked to conscription registry; readiness within 15–30 days
Reservist Force Size: ~100,000 (trained conscripts, reserves, and auxiliary forces)
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Advanced; includes Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), KhalifaSat, and reconnaissance satellite programs
Military Satellite Inventory: Yes; includes Falcon Eye high-resolution surveillance satellites
Intelligence Infrastructure: UAE Signals Intelligence Agency, State Security Department, Military Intelligence Command
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: U.S., Israel, France, Saudi Arabia; participates in GCC joint security platforms
Airports (Total): ~43 (civilian and military)
Major Military Airports: Al Dhafra AB (hosts U.S. forces), Al Minhad, Sweihan
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~60 vessels
Major Ports: Jebel Ali (largest in the Middle East), Fujairah, Khalifa Port
Naval Infrastructure: Operates corvettes, OPVs, submarines (planned), and missile boats; strong in coastal defense and maritime surveillance
Naval Replenishment Capability: Strong regional capability; logistical and amphibious reach across Gulf and Horn of Africa
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~1,200 km (under construction – Etihad Rail project)
Roadways: ~17,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: ~3.2 million barrels per day
Energy Imports: Net energy exporter; among the world’s top crude exporters
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Extensive; managed via Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Advanced and expanding; EDGE Group leads in drones, guided weapons, air defense, and cybersecurity
Military Installations (Domestic): Dozens of bases, airfields, naval stations, and special operations training centers
Military Installations (Overseas): Bases or access in Yemen, Eritrea (Assab, previously), and rumored presence in Libya and Somaliland
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Hosts U.S., French, and other NATO forces under bilateral defense agreements
Defense Alliances: Strategic partnerships with U.S., France, Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia; GCC military integration
Strategic Airlift Capability: Operates C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J, and A330 MRTT; high expeditionary lift capacity
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: High; domestic defense ecosystem capable of producing drones, vehicles, and munitions rapidly
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Substantial; focused on UAVs, missile systems, AI, autonomous systems, and EW through EDGE and Tawazun Council
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: ADNOC (energy), DP World (logistics), Emirates SkyCargo (airlift), Mubadala (investment in defense/tech), Etihad Rail
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Founding Date: December 2, 1971 (union of 7 emirates)
System of Government: Federal absolute monarchy with presidential council (each emirate retains significant autonomy)
