Algeria Outpaces Egypt in Combat-Ready MiG Fighters

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24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• Algeria and Egypt dominate the North African region in terms of air power
• The MiG-29 Fulcrum is the most widely used MiG by both of the countries
• The MiG-29 can hit speeds over Mach 2.25 or 1,500 mph
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Algeria has emerged as a dominant air power in North Africa, passing up Egypt in the number of combat-ready MiG fighter jets. Although Egypt has the largest air force on the continent, Algeria comes in second with a fairly formidable force as well. Algeria’s investment in modernizing its air force fleet, particularly the MiG-29, is paying off. ( This country flies the most MiG fighter jets, and it's not even close. )

The MiG series was first developed in the early 1940s by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich. These were designed to fulfill a variety of roles including interception and ground attack. These fighter jets have come a long way since the 1940s and the MiG-29 Fulcrum is one of the world's most popular models. (These are the most widely used fighter jets on Earth. )

The Fulcrum is the most widely used MiG fighter jet by either Algeria or Egypt. This aircraft is known for its agility and speed, making it highly effective in a variety of missions. The MiG-29 can hit speeds over Mach 2.25 or 1,500 mph. It is outfitted with a 30mm autocannon standard and can also equip a variety of missiles depending on operational needs.

As Algeria and Egypt continue to lead North Africa in terms of air power, there are more nations across the continent that have formidable air forces as well. Countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco are competitors when it comes to air power in Africa.

24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at African air forces. To determine the African countries with the most military aircraft, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 military strength report from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. We ranked these countries according to which countries have the most aircraft. We included supplemental information regarding each country’s current air force and overall military strength ranking. Nations that did not have any military aircraft were excluded.

Here is a look at the African countries with the most military aircraft: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the military dynamics of Africa is important due to the continent's strategic geopolitical significance. The continent is known for some instability, and military power is one way of ensuring stability both political and economical. Many of these African nations are growing rapidly and the continued stability of this region is crucial.

• Total military aircraft: 3
• Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 0
• Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
• Total helicopters: 2
• Total attack helicopters: 0
• Military strength score and world rank: 3.8912 - #141 out of 145

• Total military aircraft: 4
• Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 0
• Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
• Total helicopters: 4
• Total attack helicopters: 2
• Military strength score and world rank: 3.5433 - #138 out of 145

• Total military aircraft: 5
• Total fighter and interceptor aircraft: 0
• Total strike and attack aircraft: 0
• Total helicopters: 5
• Total attack helicopters: 0
• Military strength score and world rank: 3.0655 - #133 out of 145

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