The Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) is one of the most capable and politically influential militaries not just in Africa, but also in the Middle East. The EAF’s role and influence extend far beyond the traditional function of national militaries; while it remains the cornerstone of national defence, it also exerts significant influence in both the economic and political spheres of Egyptian society.
With a total strength of approximately 450 000 active-duty personnel and an estimated 480 000 reserves, the EAF is the region’s largest standing military.
Despite extensive US and European relations, Egypt continues to diversify its defence partnerships, pursuing modernisation with Russian, South Korean, and Chinese systems to reduce dependence and enhance strategic autonomy. The EAF continues to grapple with several significant and persistent security challenges, including insurgencies in the Sinai Peninsula, instability along the Libyan and Sudanese borders, as well as ongoing regional tensions linked to the Nile River and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
While enjoying a reputation for discipline and competence, Egypt’s military remains constrained by the country’s underperforming economy, transparency deficits, and the dual burden of both conventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations.
Click here to read the full African Military Profile on Egypt.
