The Emirati Minister of State for Defence Affairs said that such a high level of preparation is only possible thanks to the support and leadership directives of President Khalifa bin Zayed

The UAE is prepared for any kind of threat

photo_camera PHOTO/AP - File photo, an Emirates Airline A-380 leads the "Al Fursan", or the Knights, an aerobatic display team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force

Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Bowardi, the UAE's Minister of State for Defence Affairs, said yesterday that the UAE Armed Forces are fully prepared to deal with threats to their national security that may arise from changes in the regional and global geopolitical landscape, the UAE state news agency reported.

During an exclusive interview with WAM, the minister said the state would not hesitate to take the necessary measures to protect its national interests, including greater flexibility in arms procurement "because the security challenges imposed by the latest developments in the region and the world demand it". He added: "The option to strengthen the local defence industry is no longer a luxury, but a strategic choice required by the data that governs the global scenario," he added. "The UAE Armed Forces will continue to contribute to enhancing regional and global security through international partnerships aimed at countering terrorism and extremism, under the umbrella of international legitimacy and consensus."

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During the celebration of the 46th anniversary of the Armed Forces Unification Day, the Defence Minister wished to highlight "the exemplary status that our Armed Forces have achieved since the decision to unify them in 1976, and their ranking as one of the best armies in the region in terms of training, professionalism and weapons, is not a product of chance. Rather, it is a manifestation of the vision of our wise leadership and tremendous efforts to provide all forms of support and care to these forces," according to Asharq Al-Awsat.  

In the statement, Al-Bowardi explained that the industry sector has become a key sector, and recalled that the great goals achieved in defence have led his armed forces to a top position in the world.

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Before concluding his speech, the minister highlighted the external participation of his armed forces in joint missions with countries interested in collaborating within a framework of international consensus.

 A growing army

The UAE Armed Forces currently have 77,000 soldiers, 65,000 of whom are active. In terms of armaments and forces belonging to the land army, the Gulf country owns 354 tanks, 9,255 armoured vehicles, 183 self-propelled guns and 76 field guns and rocket launchers. 

Despite the large numbers of the land army, the air force is the jewel in the crown of the UAE Armed Forces: 554 aircraft, of which 100 are attack interceptors, 39 transport aircraft, 146 training aircraft, 23 special mission aircraft and three more aircraft to refuel the others. Not to mention 223 regular helicopters and 30 attack helicopters. 

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 In addition, the UAE Armed Forces have 79 naval units, including 9 cruisers, 38 patrol boats and 2 minesweepers that make up the UAE Navy.

These figures make the UAE the 36th best armed country and the fifth best armed country in the Arab world according to this year's Global Fire Power ranking, a portal that collects military. These figures make the UAE the 36th best armed country and the fifth best armed country in the Arab world according to this year's Global Fire Power ranking, a portal that collects military information from 140 countries and assesses their ability to respond in the event of war by land, sea and air.

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The army's high level of preparation, as well as its weapons potential, has enabled the country to respond well to terrorist attacks, such as those carried out in January in Abu Dhabi by Yemen's Houthis.

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