504 Pages
    by Routledge

    The Military Balance is an authoritative assessment of the military capabilities and defence economics of 171 countries. Detailed A–Z entries list each country’s military organisation, personnel numbers, equipment inventories, and relevant economic and demographic data. Regional and select country analyses cover the major developments affecting defence policy and procurement, and defence economics. The opening graphics section displays notable defence statistics, while additional data sets detail selected arms orders and military exercises, as well as comparative defence expenditure and personnel numbers. The Military Balance is an indispensable handbook for anyone conducting serious analysis of security policy and military affairs. The International Institute for Strategic Studies, founded in 1958, is an independent centre for research, analysis and debate on the problems of conflict, however caused, that have, or potentially have, an important military dimension.

    'Amid continuing conflict and broadening insecurity, The Military Balance provides essential facts and analysis for decision-makers and for better informed public debate.' - Dr Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense

    'Because military affairs are inevitably clouded in fog, the IISS Military Balance is an essential companion
    for those who seek to understand.' - Lord Roberton of Port Ellen, former Secretary-General of NATO

    'The Military Balance is widely recognised as the best unclassified source of defense information on personnel, equipment and budgets for every country.' - Leon Panetta, former U.S. Secretary of Defense

     

    Contents
    Indexes of Tables, Figures and Maps 4
    Editor’s Introduction 5
    Part One Capabilities, Trends and Economics
    Domain trends........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
    Chapter 1 Defence and military analysis .....................................................................................................................................................................9
    Sixty years of The Military Balance 9; Challenges in nuclear-arms control: past and present 13;
    Quantum computing and defence 18
    Chapter 2 Comparative defence statistics...............................................................................................................................................................21
    Defence budgets and expenditure 21; Soviet (VVS and PVO) and Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), 1989–2018 23;
    Brigade structures: China, Russia and the United States 24; Principal advanced anti-air-warfare surface combatants and
    operators, 1998–2018 25; Key defence statistics 26
    Chapter 3 North America.......................................................................................................................................................................................................28
    Regional trends in 2018 28; Armed forces data section 44;
    United States: defence policy and economics 30; Arms procurements and deliveries 63
    Canada: defence policy 42;
    Chapter 4 Europe.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................66
    Regional trends in 2018 66; UK: defence policy 82;
    Regional defence policy and economics 68; Armed forces data section 87;
    North Atlantic and the High North 77; Arms procurements and deliveries 163
    Sweden: defence policy and economics 78;
    Chapter 5 Russia and Eurasia ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 166
    Regional trends in 2018 166; Armed forces data section 184;
    Russia: defence policy and economics 168; Arms procurements and deliveries 219
    Belarus: defence policy and economics 178;
    Chapter 6 Asia ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 222
    Regional trends in 2018 222; Thailand: defence policy and economics 242;
    Regional defence policy and economics 224; Armed forces data section 247;
    China: defence policy and economics 232; Arms procurements and deliveries 317
    Japan: defence policy 241;
    Chapter 7 Middle East and North Africa................................................................................................................................................................ 320
    Regional trends in 2018 320; Gulf region: training and sustainability 329;
    Regional defence policy and economics 322; Armed forces data section 332;
    Iraq: rebuilding the armed forces 327; Arms procurements and deliveries 377
    Chapter 8 Latin America and the Caribbean...................................................................................................................................................... 380
    Regional trends in 2018 380; Mexico: defence policy 391;
    Regional defence policy and economics 382; Armed forces data section 393;
    Chile: defence policy and economics 387; Arms procurements and deliveries 436
    Chapter 9 Sub-Saharan Africa ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 438
    Regional trends in 2018 438; Armed forces data section 451;
    Regional defence policy and economics 440; Arms procurements and deliveries 501
    South Africa: defence policy and economics 446;
    Part Two Reference
    Explanatory notes........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 503
    Principal land definitions 507; Principal naval definitions 508; Principal aviation definitions 509
    List of abbreviations for data sections ............................................................................................................................................................................... 511
    International comparisons of defence expenditure and military personnel ........................................................................................... 513
    Index of country/territory abbreviations.......................................................................................................................................................................... 519
    Index of countries and territories ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 520

    Biography

    The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a world-leading authority on global security, political risk and military conflict. It is renowned for its annual Military Balance assessment of countries' armed forces and for its high-powered security summits, including the Shangri-La Dialogue. Its mission is to promote the adoption of sound policies to further global peace and security and maintain civilised international relations.

    'Because military affairs are inevitably clouded in fog, the IISS Military Balance is an essential companion for those who seek to understand.' - Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, former UK Defence Secretary and Secretary-General of NATO

    'Amid continuing conflict and broadening insecurity, The Military Balance provides essential facts and analysis for decision-makers and for better informed public debate.' - Dr Robert M. Gates, former US Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence