Fiji Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 151st
MPR SCORE: 190
MPR Index: 0.0397 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9101 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.685 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

Fiji ranks 151st in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) are primarily tasked with national defense, internal stability, and a long-standing commitment to international peacekeeping operations, particularly under the United Nations. Despite its small size and limited military equipment, Fiji's armed forces are well-regarded for their discipline, professionalism, and global deployment experience.

Located in the South Pacific, Fiji faces no direct military threats, and its doctrine centers on territorial integrity, civil defense, and support for regional stability. The RFMF is a key instrument of state authority, with historical involvement in both international missions and domestic political developments.

Military Strengths

Fiji’s military strengths lie in its peacekeeping reputation, internal security capacity, and Pacific regional support operations.

1. Renowned UN Peacekeeping Contributor

Fiji has long served in UN missions across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including Lebanon (UNIFIL), Sinai (MFO), and South Sudan (UNMISS).
The RFMF has developed institutional expertise in civilian protection, post-conflict stabilization, and multinational coordination.

2. Internal Security and Civil Order Role

The RFMF plays a dual role in military and political stability, including past interventions in domestic crises and state restructuring.
Units are trained for riot control, infrastructure protection, and disaster relief.

3. Strategic Maritime Responsibility

Fiji oversees a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and supports maritime patrols, fisheries enforcement, and anti-smuggling operations with a small naval element.
Collaborates with partners like Australia, New Zealand, and France for maritime security.

4. Disaster Response and National Resilience

Fiji’s military is central to cyclone recovery, infrastructure repair, and emergency logistics during natural disasters—frequent in the Pacific region.

Why Fiji Is Still Ranked 151st

Minimal Heavy Equipment or Air Power
Fiji does not operate combat aircraft, tanks, or artillery systems, and has only basic light infantry weapons and patrol boats.
No Strategic Deterrence or Regional Projection Capability
The RFMF cannot conduct operations beyond national borders without foreign logistical support or UN infrastructure.
Small Force Size and Budget
With approximately 3,500–4,000 personnel, Fiji’s military is among the smallest globally. Its defense budget is constrained and depends heavily on international partnerships and peacekeeping reimbursements.
Domestic Political Entanglement History
The RFMF has played controversial roles in Fijian coups, affecting its perception as a neutral force, despite reforms in recent years.

Conclusion

Fiji’s military plays a unique role in balancing internal stability, regional responsibility, and international peacekeeping. Though it lacks conventional warfighting capabilities, the RFMF’s professionalism, humanitarian role, and UN deployment record grant it global visibility far beyond its size. Its MPR rank reflects its low strategic capacity, but also its significance in non-traditional security roles, making Fiji a reliable contributor to global peace architecture.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: 3,500 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 6,000
Paramilitary Forces: 500 (Police Tactical Units)
Army Personnel: 3,000
Navy Personnel: 400
Air Force Personnel: 100 (small logistical unit)

Ground Forces

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 20+ (light armored vehicles)
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): None

Air Force

Combat Aircraft: None
Helicopters: 3 (transport)
Transport Aircraft: 5 (small cargo planes)

Aircraft Breakdown:

Bell 412 Helicopters: 3 (transport)

Naval Forces

Fiji maintains a small naval force to protect its vast maritime territory, with a focus on ensuring coastal and maritime security, particularly against illegal fishing and smuggling.

Patrol Boats: 8
Fast Attack Craft: None

Missile Capabilities

Fiji does not possess advanced missile systems or nuclear capabilities. Its military is oriented toward defense and internal security, with no significant capacity for force projection beyond its borders.

Strategic Partnerships

Fiji enjoys strong defense ties with Australia and New Zealand, which provide training, military aid, and logistical support. The country is a member of various regional organizations such as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and contributes significantly to UN peacekeeping missions, which bolsters its international presence and partnerships.

Military History & Combat Experience

Fiji’s military experience is shaped by UN deployments, internal political crises, and regional partnerships, rather than conventional warfare.

Early UN Deployments (1978–1990s):
Fiji began its peacekeeping tradition with deployments to Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Sinai (MFO). These missions marked Fiji as a dependable troop-contributing nation, especially in volatile environments with limited infrastructure.
1990s–2000s: Expanding UN Footprint:
RFMF troops served in Kosovo, Iraq, East Timor, and Sierra Leone, with roles in logistics, base security, and community engagement.
Fijian soldiers became known for their calm demeanor, adaptability, and ability to work with diverse UN contingents.
Domestic Military Coups (1987, 2000, 2006):
The RFMF intervened in three coups, including a military-led government takeover in 2006. These events positioned the military at the center of Fijian politics, drawing criticism and prompting international sanctions.
Since the 2013 constitutional reforms, the RFMF has focused on professionalism, with reduced overt political interference.
Peacekeeping in the Middle East (2013–Present):
Fijian troops have played critical roles in Golan Heights (UNDOF) and South Sudan (UNMISS), including combat exposure, hostage crises, and refugee protection. Their performance under pressure has been widely praised by UN leadership.
Disaster Relief Operations:
The RFMF has led national recovery efforts during Cyclone Winston (2016) and other Pacific disasters. These operations include engineering detachments, food distribution, and critical infrastructure restoration.

While Fiji has no modern experience with state-on-state warfare, its record in multinational peacekeeping, civil defense, and humanitarian operations is extensive. The RFMF’s reputation as a disciplined, reliable force remains one of the strongest in the Pacific.

General Information

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~940,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~380,000
Geographic Area: 18,274 km²
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 1,129 km
Climate: Tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: Mostly mountains of volcanic origin and coastal plains
Natural Resources: Timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower
Proven Oil Reserves: None (exploration ongoing)
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$95 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.6%
GDP (PPP): ~$11 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$11,700
External Debt: ~$4.3 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Modest increase tied to peacekeeping and maritime security

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Peacekeeping, territorial security, disaster response
Military Industry Base: None; fully reliant on imports
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Minimal
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) organized under Land Force Command and Strategic Unit Command
Missile Inventory Highlights: None; limited to light anti-armor and infantry weapons
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~5,000

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Military Intelligence Division under RFMF, National Security and Defence Council
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: Australia, New Zealand, UN
Airports (Total): ~25 (including airstrips)
Major Military Airports: Nadi International Airport (dual-use), Nausori Airport

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

Merchant Marine Fleet: Small
Major Ports: Suva, Lautoka
Naval Infrastructure: Coastal patrol fleet, naval base at Walu Bay
Naval Replenishment Capability: Basic resupply for coastal patrol missions

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: ~600 km (industrial use only)
Roadways: ~7,000 km

Energy and Fuel Logistics

Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Heavily reliant on imported refined fuels
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Limited

Defense Production and Strategic Forces

Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Suva, Lautoka, Labasa
Military Installations (Overseas): Peacekeeping deployments only
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Australian and New Zealand advisors
Defense Alliances: Regional cooperation with Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands Forum
Strategic Airlift Capability: Limited; relies on partner nations
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Very low