Cape Verde

Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 179th
MPR SCORE: 145
MPR Index: 0.171 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9315 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.803 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

Cape Verde ranks 179th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. As a small Atlantic island nation, Cape Verde maintains a compact and functional military force under the Cabo Verdean Armed Forces (FACV). The FACV is structured around light infantry and a maritime component, with primary responsibilities in coastal defense, anti-smuggling operations, disaster response, and national sovereignty enforcement across its scattered archipelago.

While Cape Verde lacks the capability for high-intensity warfare or external power projection, it plays a strategic role in regional counter-narcotics surveillance, maritime security, and civil-military cooperation. Its defense is underpinned by partnerships with Portugal, the United States, the European Union, and ECOWAS, making it an essential node in Atlantic maritime governance.

Military Strengths

Overview

Cape Verde’s strengths lie in maritime enforcement, interagency coordination, and international security cooperation.

1. Maritime Security Across Island Chain

The FACV Maritime Military Component (formerly the Coast Guard) conducts routine patrols, boarding operations, and interdictions across Cape Verde’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
It operates small patrol vessels, radar stations, and fast-response boats, often with Portuguese and U.S. support.

2. Counter-Narcotics and Transatlantic Surveillance Role

Cape Verde is strategically located near transatlantic drug smuggling routes between West Africa and Europe.
It actively supports counter-narcotics operations, sharing intelligence with U.S. AFRICOM, INTERPOL, and the EU.
Houses surveillance systems, and engages in anti-trafficking patrols, with logistical and technical support from external partners.

3. Light Infantry for Civil and Border Support

The FACV Land Forces comprise light infantry companies, deployed for border observation, emergency security reinforcement, and civil support on different islands.
They assist with riot control, infrastructure protection, and ceremonial state duties.

4. International Partnerships and Peacekeeping Support

Cape Verde has strong military ties with Portugal (its former colonial ruler), Brazil, and the U.S., participating in joint exercises, training exchanges, and EU-led security initiatives.
Personnel have also served in UN and ECOWAS peacekeeping missions, enhancing interoperability and professionalism.

Why Cape Verde Is Still Ranked 179th

Very Small Force Size and Minimal Equipment
- The FACV comprises approximately 1,200–1,500 active personnel, with limited weapon systems, no armored vehicles, and no mechanized forces.
No Air Force or Long-Range Strike Capability
- The country has no combat aircraft, and only a small number of transport helicopters used for maritime surveillance and disaster response.
No Strategic Deterrent or Combat Doctrine
- Cape Verde’s military is defensive and reactive, with no missile systems, tanks, or offensive capabilities.
- It operates under a national security and civil support doctrine, rather than a warfare-based strategy.
Reliance on Foreign Support for Modernization and Coverage
- Many core functions, including surveillance, training, and equipment logistics, are funded or staffed by partners from Portugal, the U.S., and the EU.

Conclusion

Cape Verde’s military is a functionally specialized force tailored for maritime security, internal stabilization, and cooperative regional enforcement. Though lightly equipped and limited in scale, the Cabo Verdean Armed Forces (FACV) are a vital component of Atlantic counter-narcotics strategy, EEZ protection, and regional peacekeeping diplomacy. Its MPR score reflects minimal conventional capacity, offset by high regional relevance and strategic alignment with Western security frameworks.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: 1,300
Reserve Personnel: 600
Paramilitary Forces: 1,000 (National Guard and Police Tactical Units)
Army Personnel: 900
Navy Personnel: 300
Air Force Personnel: 100

Ground Forces

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 0
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 10+
Artillery Pieces (Towed & Self-Propelled): 6+
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 0

Air Force

Combat Aircraft: 0
Attack Helicopters: 0
Transport Aircraft: 2
Training Aircraft: 2

Aircraft Breakdown:

Light aircraft for reconnaissance and humanitarian response
No fixed-wing combat or air defense capability

Naval Forces

Warships: 4+
Submarines: 0
Frigates/Corvettes: 0
Patrol Boats: 4+

Naval Vessel Breakdown:

Coastal patrol vessels donated by Portugal and Spain
Primary mission: maritime policing, fisheries protection, and anti-trafficking

Missile Capabilities

Cape Verde does not operate any missile systems. The defense strategy emphasizes light, mobile units supported by maritime surveillance and foreign intelligence cooperation.

Strategic Partnerships

Cape Verde has strong military and security cooperation with Portugal, Spain, France, and the United States. It participates in joint maritime exercises and benefits from EU maritime security initiatives in West Africa. The country also contributes to ECOWAS security objectives and regional peacekeeping coordination.

Military History & Combat Experience

Cape Verde has no history of external war or military conflict. Its armed forces have evolved through post-colonial transformation, civil policing functions, and international cooperation missions.

Post-Independence Force Formation (1975–1990s):
After independence from Portugal in 1975, Cape Verde established the FACV with a focus on internal sovereignty, national policing, and border protection. The military was designed for stability and deterrence, not external operations.
Security Sector Reform and Professionalization:
In the 1990s and 2000s, Cape Verde began integrating its military and police under democratic civilian control. Reforms emphasized interoperability, human rights training, and anti-trafficking coordination, especially with European partners.
Maritime Security and Transnational Crime (2000s–Present):
Cape Verde emerged as a key node in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal fishing, conducting boarding operations, patrol coordination, and surveillance sharing with U.S. Navy, Portuguese Navy, and INTERPOL agencies.
Peacekeeping and Regional Engagement:
Cape Verde has contributed to ECOWAS security missions, African peacekeeping planning, and international disaster response protocols, gaining soft power influence despite its military limitations.

Cape Verde’s armed forces have never participated in full-scale combat, but their functional capability in law enforcement, coastal security, and international diplomacy make them an integral part of Atlantic security governance.

General Information

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~590,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~250,000
Geographic Area: 4,033 km²
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 965 km
Climate: Temperate; warm, dry summer; little rainfall
Terrain: Steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic islands with limited arable land
Natural Resources: Salt, basalt rock, limestone, clay, fish
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$35 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.3%
GDP (PPP): ~$4.9 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$8,300
External Debt: ~$2.2 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Stable; focused on maritime security and regional cooperation

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Maritime surveillance, search and rescue, national stability
Military Industry Base: None
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Minimal
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Armed Forces of Cape Verde (FACV) under Ministry of Defense; includes National Guard and Coast Guard
Missile Inventory Highlights: None; small arms and patrol boat weapons only
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; ~30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~2,000

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Intelligence branch under National Defense Directorate
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: Portugal, United States, ECOWAS
Airports (Total): ~7
Major Military Airports: Amílcar Cabral International Airport (dual-use)

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

Merchant Marine Fleet: Small
Major Ports: Praia, Mindelo
Naval Infrastructure: Operated by the Coast Guard with international support
Naval Replenishment Capability: Basic coastal support

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~1,650 km

Energy and Fuel Logistics

Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Fully dependent on imported fuels
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Limited

Defense Production and Strategic Forces

Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Praia, Mindelo, Sal
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Occasional NATO and U.S. training teams
Defense Alliances: Bilateral defense cooperation with Portugal, U.S.; participation in ECOWAS initiatives
Strategic Airlift Capability: None
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Very low