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Comparison of Nigeria and the United States’ Military Capabilities in 2025: Strength, Strategy, and Global Reach”
1. Global Ranking:
– Nigeria 31st globally (3rd in Africa)
– United States: 1st globally
2. Active Military Personnel:
– Nigeria: Approx. 230,000
– United States: Approx. 1.3 million
3. Reserve Personnel:
– Nigeria: Approx. 50,000
– United States: Approx. 770,000
4. Defence Budget (2024):
– Nigeria: Around 3.1 billion
– United States: Around886 billion
5. Main Battle Tanks:
– Nigeria: Approx. 330
– United States: Approx. 4,640
6. Armoured Vehicles:
– Nigeria: Approx. 8,900
– United States: Approx. 391,963
7. Artillery (Towed & Self-Propelled):
– Nigeria: Around 380
– United States: Over 3,400
8. Combat Aircraft (Fighter & Multirole):
– Nigeria: Around 14
– United States: Over 2,800
9. Total Military Aircraft (All Types):
– Nigeria: Around 163
– United States: Over 13,000
10. Helicopters (Attack & Utility):
– Nigeria: Approx. 66
– United States: Over 5,500
11. Naval Strength:
– Nigeria: Approx. 109 patrol vessels
– United States: 12 aircraft carriers, 92 destroyers, 68 submarines
12. Nuclear Weapons:
– Nigeria: None
Air Defence Systems:
Nigeria:
– Air Defence Capability: Limited
– Known Systems:
– Strela-2 (man-portable air-defense systems – MANPADS)
– Chinese-made air defence systems (like the FN-6)
– Some radar coverage, but limited integrated network
– Strengths: Tactical, short-range air defence for base and unit protection
– Weaknesses: Lacks layered or long-range integrated air defence systems
United States:
– Air Defence Capability: World-class, multi-layered
– Key Systems:
– PATRIOT missile system (medium to long-range)
– THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence – long-range)
– Aegis Combat System (naval-based missile defence)
– Iron Dome (in testing/deployment support role)
– NORADb(North American Aerospace Defence Command – integrated early warning & defence)
– Advanced radar, satellites, and interceptors
– Strengths: Global, integrated, and redundant air defence system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft at various altitudes and ranges
Conclusion:
– Nigeria’s air defence is basic, geared toward tactical defence and internal threats.
The U.S. system is strategic, layered, and capable of defending against high-tech threats, including intercontinental missiles.
References: Our Heritage Reporter
