Union Defence Force (United Arab Emirates)
The Union Defence Force is the unified military of the United Arab Emirates, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. It combines land, air and naval components and has taken part in national and regional operations since 1971.
Overview
The Union Defence Force is the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates, responsible for defending the seven emirates and protecting national sovereignty. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the force brings together the UAE's army, air and naval capabilities under a unified command. It is a modern, professional force that draws personnel from voluntary recruits and national service programs; contemporary figures commonly cite around 65,000 active personnel.
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Organization and primary roles
The service is organized into distinct branches and specialized units tasked with both external defence and internal security support. Core responsibilities include territorial defence, airspace protection, maritime security, disaster response and contribution to multinational operations. Command and oversight are exercised through national defence ministries and senior government leadership.
- Land forces: mechanized and armoured units, support troops.
- Air component: combat and transport aircraft, air defence assets.
- Naval forces: patrol vessels, amphibious capabilities.
- Elite and support formations: special operations, logistics and training commands.
History and deployments
Formally established as a unified military force after the federation of the emirates in 1971, the Union Defence Force has been steadily modernized through training partnerships and arms procurements from a range of international suppliers. It has participated in multinational coalitions and peacekeeping missions, including contributions to operations in the Gulf region and beyond. There are records of deployments to assist with internal security in the emirates, including at least two notable interventions in Sharjah.
Equipment and modernization
The force emphasizes modern, interoperable equipment and professional training. Its inventory includes contemporary combat aircraft, armoured vehicles, helicopters and a variety of naval platforms, supported by advanced command-and-control and logistics systems. Ongoing reforms focus on force readiness, joint operations capability and integration with regional partners.
Notable facts
The headquarters in Abu Dhabi serves as the strategic center for planning and coordination: Abu Dhabi. The Union Defence Force plays a role in national resilience and civil support and is referenced in broader descriptions of the UAE state: United Arab Emirates. Documented deployments to Sharjah are noted in historical summaries and reports: Sharjah.
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.
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Author
AlegsaOnline.com Union Defence Force (United Arab Emirates) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/102899