Egypt leads Africa with 1,088 military aircraft, followed by Algeria and Angola, as air power becomes increasingly central to continental security strategy.
Egypt, Algeria, and Angola emerge in 2026 as Africa’s strongest air powers, according to Global Firepower, showing how investment in aircraft fleets has become a key marker of military influence. Egypt leads with 1,088 aircraft ranking 9th globally, followed by Algeria’s 620 (16th globally) and Angola’s 278 (35th globally). Morocco, Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, and Ethiopia complete the top ten.
Rankings:
- Egypt (1,088) – Africa’s largest fleet, 9th globally; operates F-16s, Rafales, MiG-29s
- Algeria (620) – 16th globally; Russian-sourced Sukhoi and MiG aircraft
- Angola (278) – 35th globally; Cold War-era acquisitions
- Morocco (271) – 37th globally; modernized with F-16s
- Sudan (183) – 47th globally; Russian and Chinese sourced
- South Africa (181) – 48th globally; includes Gripen fighter jets
- Nigeria (159) – 54th globally; counter-insurgency focus
- Tunisia (155) – 56th globally; border security emphasis
- Kenya (154) – 57th globally; regional security operations
- Ethiopia (104) – 70th globally; Horn of Africa veteran force