SANDF deployment
President Ramaphosa extends the deployment of the SANDF. Image: File

Home » How does the SANDF rank globally in 2024?

How does the SANDF rank globally in 2024?

How does the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) fare compared to the rest of the world’s military superpowers?

19-01-24 11:09
SANDF deployment
President Ramaphosa extends the deployment of the SANDF. Image: File

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has not fought an all-out conflict since 1989 and the SA Border War. Nevertheless, we’re still curious to find out how our military might fare against those from around the world should we ever find ourselves in a fight.

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Interestingly, it’s understood that SANDF special forces have been involved in nearly half a dozen overseas conflicts since the South African Border War ceased in 1989. This makes the Global Firepower Index – featured in a Business Tech report – more than just a curiosity.

HOW SANDF RANKS GLOBALLY IN 2024

SANDF soldiers
Stock photo of SANDF soldiers. Image: Dyllz Mohlala via Flickr

The Global Firepower Index features 145 countries, using upwards of 60 factors to determine a nation’s ranking. Budget, weapon diversity, total number of weapons, geographical factors like logistical flexibility and natural resources all influence the rankings.

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Before we get to where the SANDF places, up top the United States is number one, Russia in second, China third, India in fourth and South Korea rounding up the top five. Those placings show the relative might of the BRICS+ nations of which South Africa is a part.

MIGHTIEST MILITARIES

RankNationActiveReservesTanksAir ForceNavy
1.USA1 328 000799 5004 65713 209472
2.Russia1 320 0002 000 00014 7773 304781
3.China2 035 000510 0005 0003 284730
4.India1 455 5501 155 0004 6142 296294
33.South Africa71 23529 350195194 47

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The SANDF is ranked 33 in global military strength, in between Greece and the Philippines. This also places us third in Africa behind Egypt and Algeria. Not too shabby when you compare our estimated defence budget of just $2.7 billion (R142 billion) versus $832 billion of the US.

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How do you think the SANDF has fared globally? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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