Chad Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 96th
MPR SCORE: 290
MPR Index: 0.0899 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.8625 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.421 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Chad ranks 96th globally in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. The Chadian National Army (Armée Nationale Tchadienne) is a compact but battle-hardened force built for internal security, border defense, and regional counterterrorism. Given Chad’s geographic position in the Sahel, bordered by conflict zones such as Libya, Sudan, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic, the military serves as both a national stabilizer and a regional frontline actor against insurgency.
While Chad’s military lacks significant technological depth or heavy equipment, its combat experience, highly mobile desert troops, and specialized counter-insurgency units give it an edge in regional operations. Chad maintains strong military ties with France, which provides training, air support, and maintains a forward operating base in N’Djamena as part of broader anti-terror operations in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
Strengths
1. Extensive Real-World Combat Experience
Chad’s armed forces have operated in hostile environments against terrorist groups, rebels, and cross-border insurgents, particularly in the Lake Chad region, northern Mali, and Sudan’s Darfur. This has produced battle-proven light infantry and mobile mechanized units.
2. Regional Power Projection in the Sahel
Despite its small size, Chad frequently deploys troops to multinational operations, including MINUSMA, G5 Sahel, and CEN-SAD frameworks. Its troops are respected for discipline, operational tempo, and ability to fight in desert and semi-arid zones.
3. Strategic French Military Partnership
France provides ongoing military assistance, logistics, and air support, especially through Opération Barkhane (now replaced by successor missions). This relationship helps sustain Chad’s air surveillance, tactical planning, and training infrastructure.
Why Chad Is Still Ranked 96th
1. Limited Equipment and Air Support
The Chadian military operates mostly with aging Soviet and French light vehicles, with limited armor, artillery, and rotary-wing support. Chad lacks a modern air force, relying heavily on France for airlift and ISR capabilities.
2. Politicized Command and Internal Divisions
The army remains deeply tied to internal power structures, particularly the Déby family dynasty, which has led to a politicized officer corps, command favoritism, and occasional military factionalism.
3. Economic Constraints and Logistics Challenges
Chad’s economy places strict limits on defense investment, and the vast desert terrain makes logistics difficult and fuel-intensive. Units often operate in austere environments with limited communications and supply support.
Conclusion
Chad’s military is a lean, agile, and combat-hardened force, best suited for regional counterterrorism and internal stabilization, rather than high-intensity or conventional warfare. Its effectiveness in desert operations, coupled with strong French military support, allows it to punch above its weight in the Sahel security architecture. However, its rank reflects structural weaknesses, including minimal airpower, economic limitations, and continued dependency on foreign partners for sustained military operations.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 30,350 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 10,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 5,000 (Gendarmerie and Republican Guard)
Army Personnel: 27,000
Navy Personnel: 0 (landlocked)
Air Force Personnel: 3,350
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 50+ (T-55, T-72)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 200+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 100+
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 5+ (SIPRI 2023)
Helicopters: 10+
Transport Aircraft: 5+
Aircraft Breakdown:
MiG-21 Jets: 4 (older combat aircraft)
Mi-24 Helicopters: 5 (attack helicopters)
Naval Forces
As a landlocked nation, Chad does not have a navy. Its defense is focused on securing land borders and maintaining air and ground superiority in its region.
Missile Capabilities
Chad does not possess strategic missile systems, focusing instead on conventional ground and air defense capabilities. The country relies heavily on foreign assistance for its military infrastructure.
Strategic Partnerships
Chad receives military support from France, particularly in the form of training, equipment, and logistics. French forces are stationed in Chad as part of Operation Barkhane, an anti-terrorism initiative in the Sahel. Chad also collaborates with regional organizations such as the G5 Sahel to combat insurgent groups and protect its borders.
Military History & Combat Experience
Chad’s military has evolved through civil wars, external invasions, and regional deployments, producing one of Africa’s most experienced counterinsurgency forces. Its engagements span both internal suppression and transnational conflict participation.
Chadian–Libyan Conflict (1978–1987):
Chad fought a series of wars against Libyan forces under Muammar Gaddafi, who attempted to annex the Aouzou Strip. With French air support, Chadian troops used Toyota-mounted technicals to rout Libyan armored columns during the famous Toyota War. These victories highlighted Chad’s mastery of light mechanized desert warfare.Chadian Civil Conflicts (1965–2009):
Chad experienced multiple civil wars, rebel uprisings, and regime challenges, particularly in the north and east. The military frequently suppressed rebellions, with external backing from France, Libya, and later Sudan. These conflicts shaped the army into a force geared for internal suppression and rapid redeployment.Darfur and Eastern Border Operations (2000s):
Chad’s military clashed with Sudanese-backed militias and Janajaweed forces operating near its eastern border. Operations involved desert skirmishes, rebel chases, and refugee camp protection, contributing to Chad’s border-hardened posture.Intervention in Mali (2013):
As part of the French-led Operation Serval, Chad deployed 2,000 troops to northern Mali to fight al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Ansar Dine. Chadian units earned praise for their combat effectiveness in mountain terrain near the Adrar des Ifoghas, though they later withdrew due to casualties and logistical strain.Lake Chad Basin Campaign (2015–present):
Chad remains a core participant in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Lake Chad region. It conducts cross-border raids, quick reaction patrols, and border fortification, often supporting Nigerian and Cameroonian units.Support to Central African Republic (CAR) Missions:
Chadian forces have operated in and around the CAR, providing support to peacekeeping and stabilization missions. However, political tensions with local populations and alleged abuses have sometimes complicated these operations.
Chad’s military history reflects a force forged in desert combat, internal rebellion suppression, and counterterrorism deployments. Despite limited equipment, the army’s mobility, combat experience, and foreign alignment make it one of the most operationally seasoned militaries in Central Africa.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~18.4 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~6.4 million
Geographic Area: 1,284,000 km²
Land Boundaries: 5,968 km
Bordering Countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Climate: Tropical in south, desert in north
Terrain: Broad arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest
Natural Resources: Petroleum, uranium, natron, gold, limestone, sand
Proven Oil Reserves: ~1.5 billion barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~0.2 trillion cubic feet
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$310 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~2.8%
GDP (PPP): ~$36 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$1,950
External Debt: ~$3.8 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Relatively high; focused on counterinsurgency and regime protection
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Mandatory for men (12 months)
Primary Defense Focus: Internal stability, border control, counterterrorism
Military Industry Base: Minimal
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Basic
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided into geographic sectors under the Chadian National Army
Missile Inventory Highlights: MANPADS, mortars, short-range rockets
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–45 days
Reservist Force Size: ~25,000
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: National Security Agency, Military Intelligence
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: France, G5 Sahel
Airports (Total): ~59
Major Military Airports: N'Djamena, Abéché, Moundou
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: None
Major Ports: None
Naval Infrastructure: Not applicable
Naval Replenishment Capability: Not applicable
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~44,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: ~130,000 barrels/day
Energy Imports: Minimal; mostly self-sufficient
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintains modest national reserve
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None; relies on foreign procurement
Military Installations (Domestic): N'Djamena, Faya-Largeau, Sarh
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: French counterterrorism forces
Defense Alliances: G5 Sahel, AU
Strategic Airlift Capability: C-130, Il-76 support from allies
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Very low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Negligible
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Oil logistics, French-supported infrastructure, basic logistics corps
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: N'Djamena
Founding Date: August 11, 1960 (independence from France)
System of Government: Unitary transitional military regime
