2026 military data comparison
United Arab Emirates vs South Africa Military Power
Compare United Arab Emirates and South Africa across 21 available personnel, equipment and spending indicators. MilitaryDex ranks United Arab Emirates #47 and South Africa #59 in the 2026 edition.
United Arab Emirates
3.9Strength Score
10 indicators higher
South Africa
2.8Strength Score
8 indicators higher
Comparison at a glance
Higher MSS score
United Arab Emirates
3.9 vs 2.8
Indicators higher
10–8
3 tied
Global ranks
#47 / #59
of 145 profiles
Defense budgets
$23.5B
vs $2.9B
Category scorecard
Manpower1 – 0 – 2
Air force5 – 0 – 0
Navy0 – 2 – 3
Army and ground forces2 – 0 – 3
Financial and strategic2 – 1 – 0
Largest reported differences
Attack aircraft: United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates 40 · South Africa 0
Submarines: South Africa
United Arab Emirates 0 · South Africa 3
Frigates: South Africa
United Arab Emirates 0 · South Africa 4
Fighter aircraft: United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates 99 · South Africa 2