An estimate of the relative military strength of Egypt and Israel published by the Guardian today gave Israel a slight numerical edge in ground forces but placed Israel’s numerical air strength at little better than half of Egypt’s and less than a third of the combined numerical strength of the Egyptian, Syrian, Iraqi and Jordanian Air Forces.
According to the Guardian’s assessment, Israel has eight armored brigades and 22 infantry brigades plus 800 tanks against six Egyptian armored brigades, 15 infantry brigades and 600 tanks. Egypt, however, possesses 400 aircraft against 223 Israeli aircraft. The Iraqi, Syrian and Jordanian Air Forces were estimated to possess 173, 158 and 21 aircraft respectively. Egypt in addition was said to have 100 surface-to-surface missiles. None were listed for Israel.
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