2026 military data comparison
South Africa vs United Arab Emirates Military Power
Compare South Africa and United Arab Emirates across 21 available personnel, equipment and spending indicators. MilitaryDex ranks South Africa #59 and United Arab Emirates #47 in the 2026 edition.
South Africa
2.8Strength Score
8 indicators higher
United Arab Emirates
3.9Strength Score
10 indicators higher
Comparison at a glance
Higher MSS score
United Arab Emirates
2.8 vs 3.9
Indicators higher
8–10
3 tied
Global ranks
#59 / #47
of 145 profiles
Defense budgets
$2.9B
vs $23.5B
Category scorecard
Manpower2 – 0 – 1
Air force0 – 0 – 5
Navy3 – 2 – 0
Army and ground forces3 – 0 – 2
Financial and strategic0 – 1 – 2
Largest reported differences
Attack aircraft: United Arab Emirates
South Africa 0 · United Arab Emirates 40
Submarines: South Africa
South Africa 3 · United Arab Emirates 0
Frigates: South Africa
South Africa 4 · United Arab Emirates 0
Fighter aircraft: United Arab Emirates
South Africa 2 · United Arab Emirates 99