The country’s military has fared considerably well in the list of most powerful militaries in Africa. But on the global scene, not a good news!
In an assessment done by a Swedish private firm, the country’s military was ranked 68th out of the 126 countries that were sampled.
KDF was however ranked 5th on the continent behind South Africa, Egypt, Libya and Nigeria. At least we still have a upper hand against our neighbours. (South Africa dominates in everything in Africa!)
Global superpower, The United States, leads on the world’s list followed by Russia, China, India, United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Japan and Turkey respectively.
Down is the breakdown of KDF’s arsenal:
MANPOWER
Active Frontline Personnel: 24,120
Active Reserve Personnel: 5,000
LAND SYSTEMS
Tank value includes Main Battle Tanks, light tanks and tank destroyers, either wheeled or tracked. AFV value includes Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).
Tanks: 76
Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 591
Self-Propelled Guns (SPGs): 30
Towed-Artillery: 25
Multiple-Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs): 0
AIR POWER
Includes both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft from all branches of service.
Total Aircraft: 127
Fighters/Interceptors: 17
Fixed-Wing Attack Aircraft: 17
Transport Aircraft: 41
Trainer Aircraft: 27
Helicopters: 64
Attack Helicopters: 0
NAVAL POWER
Aircraft Carrier value does not include dedicated “helicopter carrier” vessels. Total naval strength includes all known auxiliaries as well.
Total Naval Strength: 19
Aircraft Carriers: 0
Frigates: 0
Destroyers: 0
Corvettes: 0
Submarines: 0
Coastal Defense Craft: 7
Mine Warfare: 0