Do you know the rankings of the Middle Eastern Armies?

2015-11-29T11:21:14-05:00

The last three years of civil uprising (Arab spring) and the rise of Islamic terrorists in the middle east has led to a change in how governments in the area are financing their militaries. The change has led to a change in the balance of power in the area. Every country in the region is reinforcing or building their military in the attempt to deter attack by using presence.

In 2013 was a record year, Oman (ever hear of that place), is up 115% and Saudi Arabia is up 300% in defense spending, according to IHS Jane.

Attached here is a ranking of 15 country's militaries in the area by Business Insider.

http://www.businessinsider.com/15-most-powerful-middle-east-militaries-2014-12

The 15 Most Powerful Militaries In The Middle East

The Middle East has been racked by turmoil for...

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 29 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-11-29T11:26:16-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Awesome article and discussion. Saudi has the money to spend, but what are they spending it on? I don't know if I agree with the chart based in spending, personnel, etc. I would think that Isarel is the most powerful in the region - just an opinion. Very cool table though - thanks for sharing!

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Nov 29 at 2015 11:28 AM

2015-11-29T11:28:26-05:00

Never figured Turkey was #1. Thanks Capt!

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Nov 29 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-11-29T12:20:33-05:00

Great article! Thanks for sharing!

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 29 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-11-29T12:31:06-05:00

Great information. I do wonder about the quality of the equipment (tanks/aircraft) compared to the numbers in inventory. Having 300 M-60 era tanks may equal 60 M-1 era tanks. The article doesn't rate the military on quality, just on numbers. Despite that, its still good info to know, thanks for posting.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 29 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-11-29T12:36:27-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Wow... I was surprised to see Saudi at 5th, especially with it's budget, until I looked at the break down of what they have, and? Wow... I'm still surprised...
Very interesting post...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-11-29T12:37:20-05:00

Great information Ma'am. It is understandable why these countries have to build up their militaries. The whole region is like a chain of active volcanoes.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 29 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-11-29T12:51:54-05:00

When America abandons its role of protecting weaker nations, those nations must build up their own defense capabilities. This creates the same sort of Balkanized landscape that led to WWI.

When the Sheriff lays down on the job every gunslinger in the region has to be prepared to fight to hold what is his. The unarmed then have no rights or protection at all.

American elections have consequences.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Nov 29 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-11-29T14:54:11-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Faascinating article, thanks for posting. Gave me some interesting perspectives.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 29 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-11-29T16:31:06-05:00

Funny how Saudi is up there in the rankings but they don't really go out and fight. ...hence the numbers for presence I suppose.
Interesting article

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 29 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-11-29T17:20:20-05:00

What is missing here is the qualitative measurement. I think when you look at that, Israel easily tops the list. When you look at how they have been able to defeat their Arab neighbors in their major wars, that clearly comes out. Their superior training and experience proved to be a difference over better equipped and larger foes. They face an existential threat every day so they have a real reason to be the best. I think it is also interesting that they do not take nuclear stockpiles into the consideration. Clearly that makes a difference. One thing though that we have learned is that there are limits to what superior military power can do (e.g. US in Iraq and Israel in Lebanon in 2006). It is amazing to see what Saudi Arabia spends and what they are getting for it.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Nov 30 at 2015 4:00 AM

2015-11-30T04:00:22-05:00

it leaves out measuring leadership and training strategy

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2015 4:10 AM

2015-11-30T04:10:11-05:00

COL Jeff Williams COL Jon Thompson COL Mikel J. Burroughs I started to use this one which is far more specific...The GFP is my preferred site for gathering more detailed info.
http://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing-middle-east.asp

CPT Ahmed Faried You might like to see this one.

2015 Middle East Military Power

Military forces of the Middle East ranked by strength for 2015.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Nov 30 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-11-30T15:45:23-05:00

Interesting article but I'd make a few switches. Israel has the qualitative edge in terms of weapons and also has its own nuclear armament in addition to the protective umbrella of our own. I'd put them at number one. In a hypothetical war where they face the Turks and if it stays conventional they have the manpower to make it a difficult engagement for Israel. But I'd point out the fact that as a NATO member Turkey could potentially call on its 27 allies to come to it's aid. With NATO backing Turkey wins hands down. With NATO backing sans the United States, harder to say. I'd also put Iran at number 3 and Egypt at number 4.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 30 at 2015 8:48 PM

2015-11-30T20:48:07-05:00

Relatively easy to find.

http://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing-middle-east.asp

2015 Middle East Military Power

Military forces of the Middle East ranked by strength for 2015.