United Arab Emirates Armed Forces
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The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces (Arabic القوات المسلحة لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة, DMG al-Quwāt al-Musallaḥa li-Dawlat al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah) consist essentially of the Union Defence Force (UDF), made up of the Army (44.000 troops), navy (2,500 troops), air force (4,500 troops), and presidential guard (12,000 troops). In this regard, the Emirate of Dubai has two mechanized infantry brigades that are not integrated into the UDF. The UAE had a military budget of $23.19 billion in 2021, with military spending accounting for 5.2% of GDP in 2017.
A Mirage 2000 of the United Arab Emirates Air Force (2009)
History
The United Arab Emirates has been a federation of seven autonomous emirates since 1971/72. The Union Defence Force was established in 1971. Three of the emirates additionally have their own armed forces, which the UDF calls regional commands:
- Abu Dhabi Defence Force: 15,000 troops with air force and navy, until 1976, now Western Command
- Dubai Defence Force: 20,000 infantry, until 1996, now Central Command
- Ras al Khaymah Defence Force: 9000 men, until 1996, now Northern Command
The Union Defence Force and the armed forces and emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ra's al-Khaima and Sharjah were officially merged in 1976, with the command established in Abu Dhabi. Dubai, however, retained virtually all of its independent forces.
In the Syrian Civil War (as of 2014), the UAE Air Force is supporting the US in bombing operations against positions of the terrorist organization "Islamic State".
In the civil war in Libya since 2014, the UAE Air Force has supported the troops of the internationally recognized government in 2014.
Organization
In absolute terms, the size of the UAE armed forces (approximately 63,000 troops in 2020) can be compared to the size of the armed forces of the Netherlands or Canada. Joining the army is voluntary; there is no compulsory military service. The almost entirely male personnel is about 70% local.
The commander-in-chief of the UDF is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Chalifa bin Zayid Al Nahyan. Since he suffered a stroke in January 2014, his brother Muhammad bin Zayid Al Nahyan has commanded the UDF. The defense minister is Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktum, the ruler of Dubai.
The USA plays a central role in the UAE's defence policy. An agreement ratified in 1996 allows them to store military material and use airfields. The USA, along with France, is also one of the main suppliers of weapons. Soldiers and officers from the UAE regularly train at US military facilities.
