Comoros Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 172nd
MPR SCORE: 149
MPR Index: 0.0192(1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9295 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.792 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Comoros ranks 172nd in the 2024 Military Power Rankings. As a small island nation in the western Indian Ocean, Comoros does not maintain a conventional military force. Instead, national defense and security responsibilities are handled by the Comorian Defense Force (FCD), which functions as a gendarmerie-style service focused on internal stability, coastal patrol, and disaster response.
Due to its limited population, small budget, and strategic vulnerability, Comoros relies heavily on international assistance, especially in maritime security, counter-piracy operations, and civil protection. Its defense posture is non-offensive, rooted in territorial protection, regime security, and regional cooperation through organizations like the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and African Union.
Military Strengths
Overview
Comoros’ defense strength is based on its domestic security integration, regional naval support, and international partnerships rather than conventional capabilities.
1. Internal Security-Oriented Force Structure
The Comorian Defense Force includes a small land component, a coast guard, and a paramilitary gendarmerie, operating under civilian authority.
Tasks include internal policing support, VIP protection, riot control, and border surveillance.
2. Maritime Security Role Across Island Chain
The Comorian Coast Guard, with support from France, India, and the U.S., patrols the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to counter illegal fishing, piracy, and smuggling.
Comoros’ strategic location near the Mozambique Channel makes it a partner in regional maritime domain awareness initiatives.
3. Disaster Relief and Civil Defense Capabilities
The FCD plays a central role in cyclone response, evacuations, and post-storm logistics, working with international NGOs and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
4. External Military Training and Security Support
Comorian officers receive foreign training in Madagascar, France, and Morocco under regional defense pacts.
Participates in African Standby Force (ASF) planning and AU peacekeeping policy forums, though with no active deployment history.
Why Comoros Is Still Ranked 172nd
No Conventional Army, Air Force, or Navy
Comoros operates no heavy weaponry, no combat aircraft, and no formal naval fleet. Its defense is conducted by a light, multifunctional internal security force.Very Small Personnel Base
The FCD is believed to have fewer than 1,000 active personnel, with a focus on garrison duties, maritime watch, and urban control, not combat operations.No Strategic or Deterrent Capability
Comoros has no ballistic or anti-air systems, no armor, and no ability to project force beyond its own borders.High Dependence on External Aid and Security Partnerships
The defense sector relies on foreign donations, joint exercises, and surveillance support, particularly from France, which has basing rights in nearby Mayotte.
Conclusion
Comoros maintains a non-offensive, internal-security-driven defense model, emphasizing territorial sovereignty, civil stability, and disaster preparedness over traditional military roles. The Comorian Defense Force is structured to address domestic needs and regional maritime cooperation, supported by a web of international partnerships and aid-based modernization. Its MPR score reflects the absence of conventional warfighting power, but also recognizes its strategic role in regional coordination and internal resilience.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 500 (Comorian Defense Force)
Reserve Personnel: None
Paramilitary Forces: 300 (Police and Gendarmerie)
Army Personnel: 400
Navy Personnel (Coast Guard): 100
Air Force Personnel: None
Ground Forces
Comoros’ ground forces are focused on internal security and disaster response. The military lacks heavy equipment and relies primarily on light infantry and police forces.
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): None
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): None
Air Wing
Comoros does not have an air force, and air security is managed through cooperation with neighboring nations and international partners.
Naval Forces (Coast Guard)
The coast guard plays a critical role in maritime security, patrolling the nation’s waters and combating illegal fishing, smuggling, and piracy.
Patrol Boats: 2
Missile Capabilities
Comoros does not possess missile systems or nuclear capabilities. Its defense focus is primarily on maintaining internal security and conducting maritime patrols.
Strategic Partnerships
Comoros is a member of several regional organizations, including the African Union and the Indian Ocean Commission. These partnerships provide the country with assistance in security, maritime patrol, and counter-piracy operations. Comoros also receives military aid and training from France and other international partners.
Military History & Combat Experience
Comoros’ defense history is dominated by internal coups, foreign interventions, and regime change, not conventional warfare or external conflict.
Post-Independence Turmoil and Coup Culture (1975–2000):
Since gaining independence from France in 1975, Comoros experienced over 20 coups or attempted coups, many involving foreign mercenaries, including the infamous Bob Denard, a French soldier of fortune who orchestrated several regime changes between the 1970s and 1990s.
These events shaped a military culture focused more on internal control and presidential loyalty than external defense.Reform and Civil-Military Stabilization (2000s–Present):
A power-sharing agreement between the island territories and federal government led to military restructuring, with assistance from African Union peace monitors. The defense force was realigned to focus on border control, island stability, and non-combat support roles.Maritime Security and Regional Integration Efforts:
Since the 2010s, Comoros has increased participation in anti-piracy patrols, Indian Ocean maritime awareness programs, and counter-smuggling initiatives in partnership with France, India, and U.S. Africa Command.Disaster Response and Civic Operations:
The FCD is routinely mobilized during cyclones, volcanic alerts, and flooding, acting as a first-response institution and partnering with international NGOs and UN agencies for humanitarian logistics and shelter coordination.
Though Comoros has no traditional military combat experience, its civil defense orientation, historical volatility, and geopolitical position have produced a force adapted to internal sovereignty protection, regime continuity, and regional maritime support.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~870,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~350,000
Geographic Area: 2,235 km²
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 340 km
Climate: Tropical marine; rainy season (November to May), dry season (May to November)
Terrain: Volcanic islands with steep mountains and low coastal plains
Natural Resources: Spices, arable land, fish, possible offshore hydrocarbons
Proven Oil Reserves: None (exploratory studies ongoing)
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$25 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.4%
GDP (PPP): ~$2.1 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$2,400
External Debt: ~$900 million USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Flat; focused primarily on internal security and maritime enforcement
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Internal order, maritime surveillance, presidential protection
Military Industry Base: None
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: None
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Comorian Defense Forces under Ministry of the Interior and Defense
Missile Inventory Highlights: None; small arms and naval patrol weapons only
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Low; 60–90 days
Reservist Force Size: ~3,000
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Presidential Guard and military intelligence unit
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: France, AU, Indian Ocean Commission
Airports (Total): ~4
Major Military Airports: Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (dual-use)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: Very limited
Major Ports: Moroni, Mutsamudu
Naval Infrastructure: Basic patrol boats and a coastal surveillance force
Naval Replenishment Capability: Minimal
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~900 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Full dependence on imported petroleum products
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Very limited
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Moroni, Fomboni, Mutsamudu
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Occasional French and AU advisors
Defense Alliances: Indian Ocean Commission, African Union
Strategic Airlift Capability: None
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Extremely low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: None
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Agriculture, fisheries, inter-island shipping
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Moroni
Founding Date: July 6, 1975 (independence from France)
System of Government: Federal presidential republic
