Djibouti Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 153rd
MPR SCORE: 582
MPR Index: 0.2364 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.348 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: 0.7236 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Djibouti ranks 153rd in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. Although its national military is small, Djibouti plays an outsized role in global military geopolitics due to its strategic location at the southern entrance of the Red Sea, adjacent to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints. The country hosts multiple foreign military bases, including from the United States, China, France, Japan, and others, making it a multi-aligned security hub vital for counter-piracy, anti-terrorism, and global shipping security.
Djibouti’s own Armed Forces (FAD – Forces Armées Djiboutiennes) are focused on internal security, border defense, and support to regional peacekeeping operations, particularly in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. The presence of foreign military forces also provides indirect protection, allowing Djibouti to focus its modest defense resources on domestic resilience and regional cooperation.
Military Strengths
Djibouti’s strength lies not in raw military capacity but in its unmatched strategic location, foreign base hosting, and integration into multilateral security frameworks.
1. Strategic Geopolitical Location
Situated at the Bab-el-Mandeb, where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti controls access to a chokepoint that sees over 10% of global maritime trade.
Its territory is used for naval resupply, reconnaissance, and force projection by multiple global powers.
2. Host to Major Foreign Military Installations
Camp Lemonnier (USA): Home to AFRICOM’s primary base on the continent, supporting counterterrorism, intelligence, and drone operations across East Africa and the Middle East.
Chinese PLA Support Base: Beijing’s only overseas base, offering logistics, naval support, and dual-use facilities.
French Forces (FFDj): Long-standing presence with capabilities for rapid intervention and training support.
Also hosts Japanese and Italian detachments focused on anti-piracy missions.
3. Regional Peacekeeping and Border Patrol
Djibouti contributes troops to AMISOM and IGAD missions, particularly in Somalia.
Maintains well-trained border units with support from international partners to monitor Eritrean, Somali, and Ethiopian frontiers.
4. Stable Military-Civil Governance
The FAD is tightly integrated into the state apparatus, with strong presidential oversight.
Focuses on counterterrorism cooperation, disaster response, and internal order in a volatile region.
Why Djibouti Is Still Ranked 153rd
Very Small Standing Force and Equipment Base
Djibouti’s armed forces are estimated at under 15,000 personnel, with limited armor, artillery, and no air force.No Strategic Deterrent or Heavy Equipment
Lacks air defense, missile systems, and long-range strike capabilities. Its defensive capacity is largely dependent on foreign partnerships.No Independent Naval or Air Power
Maritime operations are conducted with a small coastal patrol fleet, and air support is largely provided by foreign bases on its territory.Foreign Military Dependence
Djibouti’s national defense is implicitly guaranteed by the presence of external powers, rather than by an independent, full-spectrum military force.
Conclusion
Djibouti occupies a unique position in global military affairs—not because of its own force projection capabilities, but due to its geostrategic utility and foreign military footprint. As a host to some of the world’s most powerful militaries, it plays a pivotal role in Red Sea security, counterterrorism operations, and regional surveillance. Its MPR ranking reflects this critical importance, balanced against its limited sovereign military capability and reliance on foreign protection.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 10,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 3,000
Paramilitary Forces: 1,500 (National Police and Gendarmerie)
Army Personnel: 8,000
Navy Personnel: 1,500
Air Force Personnel: 500
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 30
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 50+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 25+
Air Wing
Djibouti’s air capabilities are limited but sufficient for transport, reconnaissance, and logistical support.
Helicopters: 8
Transport Aircraft: 4
Naval Forces
Djibouti's navy is modest but plays a critical role in safeguarding maritime traffic through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Patrol Boats: 8
Missile Capabilities
Djibouti does not possess missile systems or nuclear capabilities, as its defense focus is primarily on coastal defense and ensuring the security of foreign military installations.
Strategic Partnerships
Djibouti's strategic importance is reflected in its hosting of several foreign military bases. The U.S., China, and France maintain significant military presences, which bolster Djibouti’s security and contribute to its defense budget. Djibouti also participates in regional peacekeeping operations, particularly within the African Union.
Military History & Combat Experience
Djibouti’s military history is shaped by border tensions, post-independence stabilization, and regional counterinsurgency, rather than large-scale conventional warfare.
Independence and French Transition (1977–1980s):
After gaining independence from France in 1977, Djibouti retained a close military relationship with France, which continued to provide training, equipment, and defensive guarantees. The national military was focused on border defense and internal consolidation.Afars Rebellion and Internal Unrest (1991–1994):
The Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD), largely composed of the Afars ethnic group, waged an armed insurgency against the central government. The conflict involved guerrilla engagements, especially in the northwestern regions, and ended with a negotiated settlement and limited political inclusion.Border Skirmishes with Eritrea (2008):
A brief but serious confrontation occurred over the Ras Doumeira area along the Djibouti-Eritrea border. Fighting involved small arms, artillery exchanges, and fortification stand-offs. The military maintained defensive positions until a ceasefire was negotiated.Regional Deployments (2000s–Present):
Djibouti has contributed to AU and IGAD missions, especially in Somalia, focusing on logistics, military police, and border stabilization roles. These engagements have enhanced tactical readiness and international interoperability.Support Role in Global Operations:
Djibouti’s territory has been critical for U.S. drone strikes, French counterinsurgency in the Sahel, and anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Though not directly involved, Djiboutian forces have coordinated and secured infrastructure for foreign operations.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~1.2 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~500,000
Geographic Area: 23,200 km²
Land Boundaries: 516 km
Bordering Countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia
Coastline: 314 km (Gulf of Aden and Red Sea)
Climate: Arid; torrid and dry, with occasional coastal humidity
Terrain: Coastal plain and plateau; rugged mountains in the north
Natural Resources: Salt, geothermal energy, untapped mineral deposits
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$280 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~4.2%
GDP (PPP): ~$6.6 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$5,500
External Debt: ~$3.3 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Steady increase due to geostrategic partnerships and foreign base revenues
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Port security, regional counterterrorism, foreign base protection
Military Industry Base: Negligible; highly reliant on foreign military presence and support
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Limited
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Djibouti Armed Forces under centralized command
Missile Inventory Highlights: Light anti-air and short-range systems
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~6,000
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: National Security Service, Military Intelligence Directorate
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: France, U.S., China, regional African partners
Airports (Total): ~5
Major Military Airports: Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport (dual-use)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: Minimal
Major Ports: Port of Djibouti, Doraleh Container Terminal
Naval Infrastructure: Small national navy; hosts foreign naval operations
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moderate, supported by international partners
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~750 km (mainline to Ethiopia)
Roadways: ~3,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Fully reliant on petroleum imports
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Minimal; partly managed through foreign logistics hubs
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Djibouti City, Arta, Tadjourah
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Bases from the U.S., France, China, Japan, and Italy
Defense Alliances: Bilateral defense agreements with hosting nations
Strategic Airlift Capability: Minimal; relies on foreign basing and air logistics
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Very low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: None
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Port operations, logistics services, rail freight infrastructure
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Djibouti City
Founding Date: June 27, 1977 (independence from France)
System of Government: Presidential republic with strong centralized executive
