Military of the United Arab Emirates
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The Trucial Oman Scouts, long the symbol of public order on the coast and commanded by British officers, were turned over to the United Arab Emirates as its defense forces in 1971. The UAE armed forces, consisting of 65,000 troops, are headquartered in Abu Dhabi and are primarily responsible for the defense of the seven emirates.
The UAE military relies heavily on troop force from other Arab countries and Pakistan. The officer corps, however, is composed almost exclusively of UAE nationals.
The UAE air force has about 3,500 personnel. The air force agreed in 1999 to purchase 80 advanced U.S. F-16 multirole fighter aircraft. Other equipment includes French Mirage 3s and 5s and Mirage 2000s, British Hawk aircraft, and French helicopters. The air defense has a Hawk missile program for which the United States is providing training. The UAE has taken delivery of two of five Triad I-Hawk batteries. The UAE navy is small--about 1,500 personnel--and maintains 12 well-equipped coastal patrol boats and 8 missile crafts.
The UAE sent forces to assist Kuwait during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. In addition, it continues to contribute to the continued security and stability of the Gulf and the Straits of Hormuz. It is a leading partner in the campaign against terrorism, providing assistance in the military, diplomatic, and financial arenas. The UAE military provides humanitarian assistance to Iraq.
Military branches
- Army
- Navy
- Marines
- Coast Guard
- Air Force
- Air Defence Force
- Various paramilitary forces
- Federal Police Force
Military manpower
- Military Age
- 18 years
- Military availability
- Males age 15-49, including non-nationals
- Number fit for military service
- Males age 15-49
- Number reaching military age annually
- Males
Military expenditures
- 1999: $2,100,000,000 (.048 of Gross Domestic Product)
- 2000: $1,600,000,000 (.031 of Gross Domestic Product)
References and Links
- Some information in this article has been taken from the CIA World Factbook, 2003 edition.
- United Arab Emirates