El Salvador Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 115th
MPR SCORE: 253
MPR Index: 0.0713 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.8801 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.519 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
El Salvador ranks 115th globally in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. Its armed forces, the Armed Forces of El Salvador (Fuerza Armada de El Salvador, FAES), are structured primarily for internal security, counter-narcotics, and anti-gang operations. While modest in size and resources, the military plays a significant role in supporting domestic law enforcement, responding to natural disasters, and maintaining civil stability in a country long affected by organized crime and violence.
The FAES includes land, air, and naval components, though its capabilities are oriented more toward internal response than traditional military projection. El Salvador maintains a close defense partnership with the United States, receiving assistance for training, intelligence sharing, and equipment procurement, particularly in areas related to drug interdiction and transnational gang suppression. While not configured for external warfare, El Salvador remains one of the most security-active countries in Central America, especially within urban security dynamics.
Strengths
1. Operational Focus on Counter-Gang and Urban Security
El Salvador’s military is deeply embedded in the fight against MS-13, Barrio 18, and other criminal organizations, gaining experience in urban combat, intelligence-driven operations, and high-risk tactical missions alongside the police.
2. U.S. Assistance and Intelligence Cooperation
Through U.S. SOUTHCOM and other bilateral programs, El Salvador receives support in surveillance, counter-narcotics, and unit training, including assistance from the DEA, FBI, and U.S. Army Special Forces, enhancing FAES's tactical competency.
3. National Civil Support and Disaster Relief
FAES has a well-established record of supporting natural disaster response, particularly during earthquakes, floods, and hurricane recovery, using military engineering and logistics to assist with infrastructure rebuilding and mass civilian support.
Why El Salvador Is Still Ranked 115th
1. Limited Strategic Reach and Conventional Capability
El Salvador lacks tanks, long-range artillery, and air defense systems, and has only a light air force and coastal patrol navy, rendering it unable to respond to external threats or participate in regional deterrence operations.
2. Domestic Deployment Fatigue and Politicization
Long-term use of the military in internal policing roles has blurred civil-military boundaries, raising concerns over command accountability, overextension, and reliance on armed forces for domestic governance.
3. Aging Inventory and Logistical Gaps
Many military systems are outdated or donated, with persistent shortfalls in communications, armored vehicles, and interoperability platforms, limiting modernization despite high domestic operational demand.
Conclusion
El Salvador’s military is an internally focused, combat-ready force designed to address urban insecurity, gang conflict, and narcotics trafficking, rather than to project power or deter foreign aggression. Its strength lies in police-military fusion, specialized tactical units, and a close alliance with the U.S., making it effective within its domestic mission scope. The country’s global ranking reflects its small size, lack of conventional deterrence, and dependence on external support, but also recognizes its active operational posture and functional military discipline.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 21,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 5,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 10,000 (National Police and Border Patrol)
Army Personnel: 15,000
Navy Personnel: 3,000
Air Force Personnel: 3,000
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 100+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 40+
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 10+
Helicopters: 15+
Transport Aircraft: 5+
Aircraft Breakdown:
A-37 Dragonfly (Light Attack Aircraft): 5 (U.S.-supplied)
UH-1 Helicopters: 10 (utility)
Naval Forces
El Salvador's navy primarily focuses on coastal security, anti-narcotics operations, and patrolling the country's territorial waters.
Patrol Vessels: 10+
Fast Attack Craft: 5+
Missile Capabilities
El Salvador does not possess advanced missile systems or nuclear capabilities. Its military focuses on maintaining internal security, protecting its borders, and supporting regional counter-narcotics operations.
Strategic Partnerships
El Salvador maintains strong defense relations with the United States, receiving military assistance for training and equipment, particularly in the area of counter-narcotics and counter-gang operations. The country also cooperates with neighboring Central American countries on regional security issues.
Military History & Combat Experience
El Salvador’s military history includes a civil war, counterinsurgency operations, and a modern transition to domestic security roles, especially in post-war criminal violence containment.
El Salvador Civil War (1980–1992):
A protracted conflict between the FAES and the leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN). The war involved guerrilla warfare, U.S.-backed counterinsurgency, and widespread human rights controversies. The 1992 Chapultepec Peace Accords ended the conflict, leading to the reform and downsizing of the armed forces.Military Reform and Professionalization (1990s–2000s):
Post-conflict military restructuring focused on depoliticizing the armed forces, establishing civilian control, and redefining the FAES role toward disaster relief and supportive policing, removing it from partisan politics.Operation Iron Fist & Urban Security Campaigns (2010s–present):
In response to gang-related violence, the military was deployed in joint operations with police in initiatives such as “Mano Dura” (Iron Fist) and “Plan Control Territorial”, building combat readiness in urban environments and generating mixed results on civil liberties.Participation in Regional Peacekeeping and UN Missions:
El Salvador has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations, including in Haiti and Lebanon, with deployments often involving medical units, engineering support, and military police.
El Salvador’s military history is characterized by a shift from counterinsurgency to internal stabilization, with forces now centered on urban combat preparedness, anti-gang tactics, and civil disaster engagement, supported by enduring U.S. defense cooperation.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~6.4 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~2.2 million
Geographic Area: 21,041 km²
Land Boundaries: 545 km
Bordering Countries: Guatemala, Honduras
Coastline: 307 km
Climate: Tropical; wet and dry seasons
Terrain: Mountains, narrow coastal belt, central plateau
Natural Resources: Hydropower, geothermal energy, arable land
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$380 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.9%
GDP (PPP): ~$65 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$10,100
External Debt: ~$22 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Rising due to internal security, gang suppression
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Internal security, border control, counter-narcotics
Military Industry Base: Limited; small arms repair, uniforms
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Developing
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided under Salvadoran Armed Forces Command
Missile Inventory Highlights: Mortars, MANPADS, 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: Intelligence Directorate of the Armed Forces
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: U.S., regional SICA states
Airports (Total): ~75
Major Military Airports: Ilopango AB
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: Minimal
Major Ports: Acajutla, La Unión
Naval Infrastructure: Coastal patrol and fast response boats
Naval Replenishment Capability: Limited
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~100 km (mostly inactive)
Roadways: ~11,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: High fuel dependency
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintains emergency supply
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Light manufacturing and logistics
Military Installations (Domestic): San Salvador, Santa Ana, La Unión
Military Installations (Overseas): UN peacekeeping
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: U.S. cooperation (limited)
Defense Alliances: SICA, bilateral U.S. agreements
Strategic Airlift Capability: Small utility aircraft, rotary wing
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Minimal
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Ports, police logistics, energy distribution
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: San Salvador
Founding Date: September 15, 1821 (independence from Spain)
System of Government: Unitary presidential republic
