Top 10 Military Forces in the Middle East — A Strategic Defense Assessment
Published on June 15, 2025 by Renuka Bangale
Israel – High-Tech Dominance in the Sky
Israel fields one of the world’s most advanced and battle-hardened air forces, leveraging cutting-edge U.S. technology like the F-35 stealth fighter, precision-guided munitions, and the multi-layered Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems. Its prowess in cyber warfare and real-time intelligence gathering gives it a decisive edge in asymmetric conflicts. With a doctrine focused on preemptive strikes and rapid-response operations, Israel maintains air superiority and deterrence. The IDF’s integration of AI, drone swarms, and electronic warfare showcases its leap into next-gen warfare. Despite its small size, Israel’s qualitative edge makes it a dominant military force in the region.
Iran – Manpower, Missiles & Proxy Reach
Iran commands a massive military apparatus with over a million personnel, including the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its elite Quds Force. Its missile arsenal, with over 3,000 ballistic and cruise missiles, poses a strategic threat to U.S. bases and regional rivals. Iran’s strength lies in asymmetry — deploying proxy militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shia militias in Iraq and Syria to extend its influence without direct confrontation. It employs a strategy of hybrid warfare, blending conventional arms with cyber attacks, psychological operations, and guerrilla tactics to project power across the region.
Saudi Arabia – Petrodollar Power Meets Modern Warfare
Fueled by vast oil wealth, Saudi Arabia has transformed its armed forces with billions spent on American and European weaponry. Its Royal Saudi Air Force operates F-15 Strike Eagles, Eurofighter Typhoons, and Apache helicopters, supported by advanced Patriot missile systems. While operational capability and training gaps remain, Riyadh’s defense budget ranks among the top five globally. The kingdom has also built up its naval forces and air defenses in response to regional threats, particularly from Iran and Yemen. Despite setbacks in Yemen, Saudi Arabia continues to modernize with U.S. and British partnerships driving its Vision 2030 defense goals.
Turkey – NATO’s Wild Card with Regional Muscle
As a NATO member with a powerful domestic defense industry, Turkey blends Western military standards with indigenous innovation. Its Bayraktar TB2 drones have redefined modern warfare, proving effective in Syria, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh. The Turkish Armed Forces operate German Leopard 2 tanks, F-16 jets, and are developing the Altay MBT and new-generation fighters. Ankara projects regional power through bases in Qatar, Somalia, and Northern Iraq, while balancing complex ties with NATO, Russia, and the Middle East. Turkey’s assertive foreign policy and military interventions have positioned it as a key — and sometimes unpredictable — actor in regional conflicts.
UAE – Small Force, Global Impact
The United Arab Emirates punches far above its weight in military affairs. With a professional, tech-savvy military, it fields elite special forces, F-16E/F Block 60 “Desert Falcons,” Apache helicopters, and has invested heavily in cyber and stealth capabilities. The UAE has played a leading combat role in Yemen and maintains military bases in the Horn of Africa, Libya, and even training agreements in Central Asia. Close partnerships with the U.S. and France provide additional training and logistics support. Despite its small population, the UAE's force projection, modernization, and geopolitical ambition make it one of the most capable Arab militaries.
Egypt – Arab World’s Largest Standing Army
Egypt’s military is the largest in the Arab world, with 450,000 active personnel and a diverse arsenal including U.S.-supplied M1 Abrams tanks, F-16 fighter jets, and Russian Su-35s. Its navy and air force are undergoing modernization, with recent acquisitions from France, Germany, and Russia. Egypt’s strategic control of the Suez Canal gives it unique geopolitical leverage. The military is deeply embedded in Egypt’s political and economic systems, often acting as a stabilizing force. With a history of conventional warfare and counterterrorism operations in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt remains a central military pillar in the Arab region.
Qatar – Rich, Ready, and Rapidly Modernizing
Qatar may be small in size, but it hosts Al Udeid Air Base — the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East — and has poured billions into defense modernization. Its purchases include Rafale jets from France, Apache helicopters, and Patriot missile systems. Qatar has cultivated close military ties with Turkey, allowing joint drills and the establishment of a Turkish base in Doha. Its focus is on agility, deterrence, and diplomatic balancing. Despite its limited manpower, Qatar leverages high-tech platforms and strategic alliances to ensure regional security and project soft power.
Jordan – Desert Warfare Experts with Elite Units
Jordan’s military is compact but highly professional, with a strong reputation for desert warfare and peacekeeping. Its special forces are among the best in the region, frequently partnering with U.S. and British forces for training and operations. With F-16 jets, armored vehicles, and modern surveillance systems, Jordan maintains defensive readiness along its volatile borders with Syria and Iraq. The kingdom plays a quiet but critical role in intelligence sharing, border security, and counterterrorism. Despite economic constraints, its strategic geography and reliability as a Western ally make Jordan a linchpin of regional stability.
Iraq – Rebuilding from the Ashes
Iraq’s military is in a complex rebuilding phase following years of war, sectarian strife, and the battle against ISIS. With assistance from the U.S.-led coalition, Baghdad has restructured its conventional forces and counterterrorism units. However, internal divisions persist due to the parallel influence of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), complicating command structures and national unity. The country fields U.S.-supplied tanks, aircraft, and artillery, but operational capacity remains uneven. Iraq’s security apparatus reflects a fragile balance of power, with both Western and Iranian influences shaping its evolving defense landscape.
Syria – Wrecked but Not Done
Syria’s military, once a formidable regional force, has been decimated by over a decade of civil war. However, the regime still maintains elite units like the Republican Guard and key missile forces, bolstered by direct support from Russia and Iran. Russian air power, Iranian militias, and Hezbollah have helped Bashar al-Assad regain control over major territories. Syria retains a network of air defense systems and chemical weapons, although much of its infrastructure is degraded. Despite staggering losses, Syria’s military remains active in defending regime strongholds and deterring opposition forces.