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?
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
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
| Rank | Nation | Active | Reserves | Tanks | Air Force | Navy |
| 1. | USA | 1 328 000 | 799 500 | 4 657 | 13 209 | 472 |
| 2. | Russia | 1 320 000 | 2 000 000 | 14 777 | 3 304 | 781 |
| 3. | China | 2 035 000 | 510 000 | 5 000 | 3 284 | 730 |
| 4. | India | 1 455 550 | 1 155 000 | 4 614 | 2 296 | 294 |
| 33. | South Africa | 71 235 | 29 350 | 195 | 194 | 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.