INFOGRAPHIC: Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day in South Africa is scheduled to take place on the 21 February in the Mpumalanga province.
This day is about commemorating those who lost their lives when the SS Mendi sank in the English Channel during the First World War, and showcasing South Africa’s military strength by celebrating the contribution of the men and women in uniform.
Military website, Global Firepower, published its military strength ranking for 2022 featuring 140 countries.
South Africa is ranked as the 26th greatest military strength globally – up from 32nd in 2022.
As per the ranking, South Africa has 72,000 active personnel, 15,000 reserve personnel, and 14,130,701 citizens fit-for-service.
South Africa’s defence budget is estimated at $2.9 billion, and has a total aircraft strength of 225 assets, which include 17 fighter aircraft, seven special mission aircraft, 22 transport aircraft, 88 trainer aircraft and 91 total helicopters, of which 12 are attack helicopters.
South Africa has a total land strength of 2,935 assets, which include 195 combat tanks, 2,565 armoured fighting vehicles, 43 self-propelled artillery, 82 towed artillery and 50 rocket projectors. 
The country currently has no aircraft carriers, destroyers or corvette-class vehicles. But has a total naval strength of 47 assets, which include four frigates, three submarines, 31 patrol craft, two mine warfare vessels and 6 unspecified.