The U.A.E. military relies heavily on troop forces from other Arab countries and Pakistan. The officer corps, however, is composed almost exclusively of U.A.E. nationals. The air force is linked into a joint air defense system with the other six national of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) aimed at protecting the airspace of the allied states.

The U.A.E. air force has about 4,000 personnel. The air force has begun receiving the first of its 80 advanced U.S. F-16 multirole fighter aircraft. Other equipment includes French Mirage 2000-9s, British Hawk aircraft, 36 transport aircraft and U.S. Apache and French Puma helicopters. The U.A.E. has taken delivery of two of five Triad I-Hawk batteries. The U.A.E. navy is small--about 2,500 personnel--and maintains 12 well-equipped coastal patrol boats and 8 missile crafts. Although primarily concerned with coastal defense, the navy is currently expanding and modernizing its force to include blue water capabilities.

The U.A.E. contributes to the continued security and stability of the Gulf and the Straits of Hormuz. It is a leading partner in the campaign against terrorism, providing assistance in the military, diplomatic, and financial arenas since September 11, 2001. The U.A.E. military currently provides humanitarian assistance to Iraq.