战略与国际研究中心-The-Military-Balance-in-the-Gulf_76页_294kb

The Military Balance in the Gulf: Summary

Core Content

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the military capabilities, expenditures, and arms transfers of Gulf states in the early 2000s, with a particular focus on Iran and Iraq. It is structured into nine parts, each addressing a different aspect of the Gulf's military landscape, including demographics, manpower, combat equipment, and expenditures.

Main Points

Military Demographics and Forces in 2001

• Gulf Military Demographics:

  • The population of the Gulf states varies significantly, with Iran having the largest population at around 65.6 million.
  • The number of males reaching military age each year is also varied, with Iran having the highest at 801,000.
  • The number of males between the ages of 13 and 49 is also a key demographic factor, with Iran having the highest total at 17.762 million.

• Military Manpower:

  • Total active military manpower in 2001 for the Gulf states ranges from 11,000 (Bahrain) to 162,500 (Saudi Arabia).
  • Iran has the largest active military force with 545,600 personnel, followed by Iraq with 429,000.
  • The presence of national guard and other forces is significant in several states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
  • Reserve forces are also substantial, with Iran having 350,000 and Iraq having 650,000.
  • Paramilitary forces are notable, especially in Yemen and the UAE.

Combat Equipment Strength in 2001

• Main Battle Tanks (MBTs):

  • Iran has 1,410 MBTs, while Iraq has 2,700.
  • The UAE has the most with 237, and Saudi Arabia has 1,055.

• Other Armored Fighting Vehicles (OAFVs):

  • Iran has 1,105 OAFVs, and Iraq has 3,400.
  • The UAE has the most with 1,138, and Saudi Arabia has 4,285.

• Artillery Weapons:

  • Iran has 3,224 artillery weapons, and Iraq has 2,200.
  • The UAE has 289, and Saudi Arabia has 568.

• Combat Aircraft:

  • Iran has 304 combat aircraft, and Iraq has 353.
  • Saudi Arabia has the most with 432, and the UAE has 99.

• Armed Helicopters:

  • Iran has 100, and Iraq has 120.
  • Saudi Arabia has 33, and the UAE has 49.

• Air Defense Systems:

  • Iran has 155 major SAM launchers, and Iraq has 340.
  • Saudi Arabia has 128, and the UAE has 36.

• Naval Forces:

  • Iran has 40,600 naval personnel, while Saudi Arabia has 13,500.
  • The UAE has 1,500, and Kuwait has 1,800.
  • Iran has the most major surface combatants with 3 missile ships, and Saudi Arabia has 8.
  • Iran also has the most patrol craft with 40 boats, and Saudi Arabia has 17.

Military Expenditures (1997-2001)

• Military expenditures in the Gulf states increased significantly from 1997 to 2001, with Iran having the highest at $4,730 million.
• Iraq's military expenditures decreased due to UN sanctions, but remained relatively high at $2,680 million.
• Saudi Arabia's expenditures rose to $2,110 million, and the UAE's to $2,310 million.
• Other Gulf states like Qatar and Bahrain had lower expenditures, with Qatar reaching up to $976 million.

Arms Transfers (1987-1999)

• Arms Buys by Supplier:
  • The US and Russia were the major suppliers of arms to Gulf states.
  • Iran's arms purchases were primarily from Russia, with some from China and other European countries.
  • Iraq's arms purchases were mainly from Russia and China, with some from the US and other Western European countries.
  • The UAE and Saudi Arabia had significant arms purchases from the US, with some from Russia and China.
  • Other Gulf states, such as Oman and Qatar, had smaller arms purchases, primarily from the US and Russia.

Key Information

• The Gulf region has a diverse range of military capabilities, with Iran and Iraq having the largest and most complex military forces.
• Military expenditures in the region have been influenced by geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and regional security concerns.
• Arms transfers have been dominated by the US and Russia, with China and other European countries also playing a role.
• The document highlights the importance of military balance in the Gulf, with a focus on the potential for conflict and the need for regional stability.

Summary Table

Conclusion

The Gulf region's military landscape is characterized by a mix of large and small states, with Iran and Iraq being the most significant in terms of military manpower and equipment. The region has seen fluctuations in military expenditures, with Iran and Saudi Arabia leading in spending. Arms transfers have been dominated by the US and Russia, with other countries also contributing. The document underscores the importance of understanding these dynamics for assessing regional security and potential for conflict.