In terms of strength and size, here are the top African countries with the largest military aircraft fleet.
The question about the strength and size of African countries’ military aircraft can theoretically be answered by the number of combat aircraft at the disposal of the country’s air force.
However, the 2023 statistics provided by Global Firepower and the World Directory of Military Aircraft in ranking countries’ armed air services do not only consider the quantity of aircraft but also their quality and general mix of inventory.
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So, in terms of strength and size, here are the top 10 African countries with the largest military aircraft fleet.
Egypt
Egypt has the largest military aircraft fleet in Africa, and arguably the most powerful on the continent.
The North African country currently has a total of 1,122 units in its active aircraft inventory. The country has 333 fighter jets and 318 helicopters in its fleet.
Algeria
Founded in 1962, the Algerian Air Force has the second largest combat aircraft fleet in Africa with 541 total units in its active aircraft inventory.
In its fleet, Algeria has 125 fighter jets and 252 helicopters.
Angola
With a total of 307 units of combat aircraft, Angola occupies the third position among African countries with significant military aircraft fleets. The country ranks 55th in the world.
Morocco
In terms of military aircraft fleet strength, Morocco ranks fourth in Africa with 244 total units in its active aircraft inventory.
Morocco’s combat aircraft fleet includes 83 fighter jets, 61 helicopters, and two tankers. The North African country also has over 13,500 personnel.
South Africa
According to Global Firepower, South Africa has a total of 226 combat aircraft, while the statistics by the World Directory of Military Aircraft indicate that the country has 228 total units in its active aircraft inventory.
The fleet includes 17 fighter jets, 87 helicopters, and 88 trainers.
Sudan
With a total of 191 units of combat aircraft, Sudan is rated sixth in Africa by the Global Firepower.
The country also ranked 75 out of 145 countries considered for the 2023 rating.
