🇿🇲 Zambia Military Strength 2026
In the 2026 ArmySimulator Power Index, Zambia places #83 of 180 countries — a mid-tier military. Its armed forces field 17,100 active personnel plus 3,000 in reserve. The defense budget stands at $350 million (2024), about 1.3% of GDP.
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Personnel & budget
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Active military personnel | 17,100 | #101 |
| Reserve personnel | 3,000 | |
| Paramilitary forces | 1,400 | |
| Defense budget (2024) | $350 million | #116 |
| Budget share of GDP | 1.33% | |
| Population | 21.9M | |
Land forces
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Main battle tanks | 30 | #101 |
| Attack helicopters | 5 | |
Air power
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Combat aircraft | 32 | #66 |
| Military satellites | 0 | |
Naval forces
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Aircraft carriers | 0 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Destroyers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 0 | |
| Corvettes | 0 | |
| Amphibious warfare ships | 0 | |
| Nuclear submarines | 0 | |
| Conventional submarines | 0 | |
| Fleet strength score | 0 | — |
Data years vary by indicator (latest available, 2023–2026). See methodology and sources.