- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the most rocket projectors in 2025.
- The list is courtesy of Global Firepower.
- Egypt has the largest number of multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) in Africa, with a total of 528 units.
Multiple rocket launchers rarely command attention in discussions about Africa’s military capabilities. Conversations tend to centre around drones, AK-47s, and armoured vehicles.
Top 10 African countries with the most rocket projectors in 2025
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Multiple rocket launchers rarely command attention in discussions about Africa’s military capabilities. Conversations tend to centre around drones, AK-47s, and armoured vehicles. Yet, these high-volume artillery systems have quietly become a potent asset in several African armed forces.
MRLs are designed to fire a barrage of unguided rockets in rapid succession, making them effective at saturating enemy positions, demolishing fortifications, and suppressing hostile forces.
Compared to precision-guided munitions, they’re significantly more affordable, an important advantage for militaries managing limited defence budgets.
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Across the continent, many nations are grappling with irregular warfare, insurgencies, militias, and extremist groups entrenched in remote or rugged terrain. In such environments, mobile rocket launchers like the Soviet-designed BM-21 Grad or various locally modified variants offer a flexible, hard-hitting solution.
Their mobility allows quick deployment, while their firepower can deliver devastating blows in short bursts.
Some African countries have even moved toward domestic production. South Africa, with its well-developed defence sector, manufactures the Bateleur multiple rocket launcher, an updated system inspired by older Soviet models.
Meanwhile, partnerships with nations like Russia, China, and Turkey have facilitated the acquisition of rocket artillery systems across the continent, deepening military cooperation and shaping modern doctrine.
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However, this growing reliance on MRLs comes with challenges. Their lack of precision has raised red flags when used in densely populated areas.
Human rights organizations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have documented civilian casualties resulting from indiscriminate rocket fire in conflict zones.
Egypt has the largest number of multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) in Africa, with a total of 528 units, making it the 8th largest operator of such systems globally.
Below are the top 10 African countries with the most rocket projectors in 2025:
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| Rank | Country | Multiple-launch rocket systems | Global rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 528 | 8th |
| 2 | Algeria | 266 | 17th |
| 3 | Sudan | 192 | 24th |
| 4 | Morocco | 129 | 31st |
| 5 | Angola | 113 | 32nd |
| 6 | South Africa | 101 | 35th |
| 7 | Ethiopia | 40 | 48th |
| 8 | Nigeria | 37 | 50th |
| 9 | Republic of Congo | 30 | 54th |
| 10 | Dem Rep of Congo | 25 | 60th |
