The extensive use of aerial combat during the Second World War ushered in a new era of possibilities, innovation, and opportunities that have shaped history and propelled the advancement of the human race.
The West undoubtedly takes the lead with its diverse and sophisticated creations in aerial combat. The United States particularly has an air fleet that comprises a variety of military aircraft from different manufacturers, including advanced fighters such as the F-15EX Eagle II, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, F-22A Raptor, and F-35A Lightning II from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics.
It is truly astounding and groundbreaking to witness an African nation enhancing its air combat capabilities and expanding its air-fighter fleet in this era of technological advancements, which demands an innovative approach to address new frontiers of warfare and ensure the security of its people.
According to a Global Firepower report, the fighter remains the frontline defender for any global power, with the 5th-generation fighter headlining the group and 4.0th / 4.5th Generation models still being fielded in number. More modern fighters/interceptors are equipped with powerful advanced radar systems coupled to air-to-air missile solutions.
These cutting-edge capabilities provide a fighter jet with exceptional precision in identifying, tracking, and engaging adversary aircraft. Examples of these extremely powerful fighters are the French Dassault Rafale, the Russian Mikoyan MiG-29, the American F-22 Raptor, and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Egypt has the biggest fleet of fighter/interceptor aircraft on the continent, with 238 units, ranking 11th worldwide, according to the Global Firepower study. Algeria comes next with 201 aircraft, ranking it 21st globally.
The defence environment has been quickly changing throughout Africa. A number of the continent’s nations are investing large sums of money and recruiting more troops to keep up with international standards in the area of military defence.
Below are the ten African nations with the strongest fleets of fighters and interceptors
- Egypt
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 238
Global rank – 11th
- Algeria
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 201
Global rank – 21st
- Morocco
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 83
Global rank – 26th
- Angola
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 57
Global rank – 35th
- Sudan
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 45
Global rank – 41st
- Ethiopia
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 23
Global rank – 60th
- Kenya
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 17
Global rank – 63rd
- Libya
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 17
Global rank – 64th
- Nigeria
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 14
Global rank – 67th
- Tanzania
Fighter/ interceptor aircraft fleet – 14
Global rank – 69th
