Middle East's Largest Armies
The recent war between Israel and Hamas has ignited concerns that the conflict could potentially extend to other regions of the Middle East.
While Israel enjoys the backing of the United States, which boasts the world's most technologically advanced army, Hamas is supported by Iran, which is among the world's top 15 military powers.
The following chart illustrates the top 10 Middle Eastern countries in terms of total military personnel as of August 2024. The data, sourced from GlobalFirepower.com, includes both active and reserve personnel.
Egypt and Iran: The Region's Largest Armies
Both Egypt and Iran possess the largest armies in the Middle East, with each country having over 1 million personnel.
Turkey holds the third position with over 800,000 personnel. Israel, in the fourth place, has a force comprising 170,000 active personnel and over 465,000 in reserve, as military service is mandatory for all Israelis upon reaching the age of 18.
In addition to its substantial force, Iran owns the largest missile arsenal in the Middle East and the fifth-largest rocket artillery worldwide. Furthermore, Iran has the largest standing military in the Middle East, with over 500,000 active-duty forces.
For more information on this subject, you can refer to this graphic about the world's largest armies.
Bottom Line
The military strength of a country can often be a determining factor in regional conflicts. With the current tensions in the Middle East, the size and capabilities of the armies involved could significantly influence the outcome. What are your thoughts on this topic? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
Middle East's Largest Armies
The recent war between Israel and Hamas has ignited concerns that the conflict could potentially extend to other regions of the Middle East.
While Israel enjoys the backing of the United States, which boasts the world's most technologically advanced army, Hamas is supported by Iran, which is among the world's top 15 military powers.
The following chart illustrates the top 10 Middle Eastern countries in terms of total military personnel as of August 2024. The data, sourced from GlobalFirepower.com, includes both active and reserve personnel.
Egypt and Iran: The Region's Largest Armies
Both Egypt and Iran possess the largest armies in the Middle East, with each country having over 1 million personnel.
Turkey holds the third position with over 800,000 personnel. Israel, in the fourth place, has a force comprising 170,000 active personnel and over 465,000 in reserve, as military service is mandatory for all Israelis upon reaching the age of 18.
In addition to its substantial force, Iran owns the largest missile arsenal in the Middle East and the fifth-largest rocket artillery worldwide. Furthermore, Iran has the largest standing military in the Middle East, with over 500,000 active-duty forces.
For more information on this subject, you can refer to this graphic about the world's largest armies.
Bottom Line
The military strength of a country can often be a determining factor in regional conflicts. With the current tensions in the Middle East, the size and capabilities of the armies involved could significantly influence the outcome. What are your thoughts on this topic? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
