Korean People’s Army Ground Force (KPAGF)
The Korean People’s Army Ground Force (KPAGF) is the major arm of North Korea’s Korean People’s Army. Established in August 1947, the KPAGF is estimated to have a current strength of 950,000 troops.
The North Korean ground force holds the arsenal of 4,300 tanks, 2,500 armoured vehicles, 8,600 field artillery systems and 5,500 multiple rocket launchers, according to latest estimates.
Most of the artillery and missile systems are positioned close to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) dividing North and South Korea.
Next: Pakistan
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army was formed in 1947 after independence from the British Empire. The army currently employs approximately 560,000 active forces, making it one of the world’s biggest armed forces.
The Pakistan Army engaged in three major wars against India. Most of the weapons used by the armed forces are of Chinese, European or American origin. The inventory mainly comprises small arms, armoured vehicles, artillery, helicopters and air defence systems.
Republic of Korea Army (ROK Army)
The South Korean Army was formed in 1948 after Korea divided into two nations. The Republic of Korea Army (ROK Army) is the ground-based force of the South Korean armed forces. With the strength of 464,000 troops, the ROK Army is the largest of three divisions.
The army has been going through rapid modernisation, resulting in the induction of a range of advanced weapons and military technologies. The inventory of land forces is believed to comprise 2,300 tanks, 2,700 armoured vehicles, as well as more than 5,800 artillery pieces and multiple rocket launching systems.
Ground Forces of the Russian Federation
The Ground Forces of the Russian Federation, also known as the Russian Army, is the major component of the Russian Armed Forces.
The Russian Army was established in May 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The ground force is controlled by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The Ground Forces withdrew a large number of troops aboard the former Soviet garrisons and also simplified the command and control structures. The Ground Forces of the Russian Federation currently deploys 350,000 to 400,000 troops.
Egyptian Army
The Egyptian Army is the largest service within the Egyptian Armed Forces, with 350,000 troops excluding reserved forces. It formed the second biggest contingent of allied troops, which were deployed in Operation Desert Storm.
The Egyptian Army is largely equipped with US-made weapons and holds an inventory of Soviet-era arms and Chinese weapons, as well as indigenous combat systems. Egypt receives $1.6bn in military aid from the US each year, making it the second largest recipient of military aid after Israel.
Turkish Army
The Turkish Army, also known as the Turkish Land Forces, is organised into the Western Army, Eastern Army, 3rd Army and Aegean Army. The land forces of Turkey reportedly employs 350,000 personnel.
The Turkish armed forces saw a massive modernisation after joining the Nato in 1952. Altay tank, T-LORAMIDS air-defence missile system, T-70 utility helicopter and T129 attack helicopter are some of the modern combat platforms being inducted into the Turkish military.
Islamic Republic of Iran Army (IRIA) Ground Forces
The Islamic Republic of Iranian Army (IRIA) was established in 1925. The Iranian Army Ground Forces are currently estimated to field 350,000 active personnel. The IRIA relied on US weapons until the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Iran manufactured a range of weapons and combat systems since 1979. The current inventory constitutes tanks such as the locally produced Zulfiqar, armoured personnel carriers and motorised and towed artillery pieces.
The world’s biggest military bases
All five of the world’s biggest military bases belong to the US, with Fort Bragg housing a staggering 52,280 active-duty soldiers.
Iran military and what’s in its arsenal
Iran has the largest inventory of ballistic missiles in the Middle East and is developing indigenous weapon systems such as long-range missiles.
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