Mexico Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 34th
MPR SCORE: 791
MPR Index: 0.3414 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.6242 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: 0.899 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Mexico ranks 34th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings (MPR). Its armed forces are primarily focused on internal security, counter-narcotics operations, and border defense. While not heavily engaged in global military operations, Mexico's strategic position in North America ensures cooperation with the United States on defense and security issues. The military also plays a significant role in civil defense, including disaster relief efforts.
Strengths: Internal Security and Regional Cooperation
Mexico’s military strength is characterized by its focus on domestic stability and regional partnerships:
Internal Security Operations: The military is heavily involved in combating organized crime and drug trafficking within the country, often taking on roles traditionally held by police forces.
Disaster Relief and Civil Defense: The armed forces are instrumental in responding to natural disasters, providing aid and maintaining order during emergencies.
U.S. Cooperation: Mexico maintains strong defense and security ties with the United States, including joint training exercises and intelligence sharing.
Why Mexico Is Still Ranked Just 34th
Despite its regional importance, Mexico's military faces several limitations:
1. Limited Power Projection
The military lacks significant capabilities for operations beyond its borders, focusing primarily on internal affairs.
2. Dependence on External Support
Mexico relies on foreign assistance, particularly from the United States, for advanced training and equipment.
3. Challenges in Modernization
Efforts to modernize the armed forces are ongoing but face budgetary and logistical constraints.
Conclusion
Mexico's military is adept at handling internal security challenges and plays a crucial role in regional stability through its partnership with the United States. However, its limited power projection and ongoing modernization efforts constrain its global military standing, placing it at 34th in the 2025 MPR.
Military Strength and Force Projection:
Active Military Personnel: 215,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 80,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 90,000 (Federal Police, National Guard)
Army Personnel: 180,000
Navy Personnel: 37,000
Air Force Personnel: 17,000
Ground Forces:
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 350 (IISS 2023)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 2,500+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 500+
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 50+
Air Force:
Combat Aircraft: 80+ (SIPRI 2023)
Helicopters: 120+
Transport Aircraft: 40+
Aircraft Breakdown:
F-5 Fighter Jets: 10 (modernized)
C-130 Hercules: 12 (transport)
Mi-17 Helicopters: 40 (transport)
Naval Forces:
Submarines: None
Frigates: 8 (Durango-class)
Patrol Vessels: 50+
Amphibious Assault Ships: 2
Fast Attack Craft: 10+
Missile Capabilities:
Mexico’s military does not possess advanced missile systems, as its focus is primarily on conventional defense and counter-narcotics operations.
Strategic Partnerships:
Mexico works closely with the United States on security issues, including counter-narcotics operations, border security, and intelligence sharing. While not part of NATO, Mexico maintains strong defense relations with its North American partners.
Mexico – Military History & Combat Experience
Mexico's military history is marked by a series of internal and external conflicts that have shaped its current defense posture:
Mexican War of Independence (1810–1821): A struggle against Spanish colonial rule that led to Mexico's independence.
Mexican-American War (1846–1848): A conflict with the United States resulting in significant territorial losses for Mexico.
Reform War (1857–1861): A civil war between liberals and conservatives over constitutional reforms.
French Intervention (1861–1867): France's attempt to establish a monarchy in Mexico, ultimately repelled by Mexican forces.
Mexican Revolution (1910–1920): A major social and political upheaval that led to significant changes in Mexican society and governance.
Cristero War (1926–1929): A conflict between the Mexican government and Catholic rebels over religious freedoms.
World War II: Mexico contributed to the Allied effort, including the deployment of the 201st Fighter Squadron, known as the "Aztec Eagles," to the Pacific theater.
Zapatista Uprising (1994): An indigenous rebellion in Chiapas highlighting issues of social inequality and indigenous rights.
War on Drugs (2006–present): The military has been heavily involved in combating drug cartels, leading to ongoing internal conflict.
Mexico's military has evolved from traditional warfare to focusing on internal security and counter-narcotics operations, reflecting the country's current defense priorities.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~129.2 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~54.5 million (males and females aged 18–49)
Geographic Area: 1,964,375 km²
Land Boundaries: 4,389 km
Bordering Countries: Belize, Guatemala, United States
Coastline: 9,330 km (Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea)
Climate: Varies from tropical to desert; temperate in the highlands
Terrain: High, rugged mountains; coastal plains; deserts in north; tropical forests in south
Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, timber, arable land
Proven Oil Reserves: ~7.3 billion barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~340 billion cubic meters
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$11.1 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~0.9%
GDP (PPP): ~$3.15 trillion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$24,400
External Debt: ~$510 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Steady; focused on internal security, cartel combat operations, and infrastructure development
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Mandatory for males (conscription lottery system; 12 months of service or alternative civic duties)
Primary Defense Focus: Internal security, organized crime suppression, territorial integrity, natural disaster response
Military Industry Base: Moderate; includes SEDENA and SEMAR-operated factories, Mexican arms license production
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Developing; cyber operations housed under intelligence and army signals branches
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: 12 Army Military Regions and multiple Naval Zones under SEDENA and SEMAR
Missile Inventory Highlights: MANPADS, ATGMs, Exocet (naval), some precision-guided munitions via U.S. FMS
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Reservist structure exists but limited operational use; activation could take 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: Estimated ~300,000 (largely inactive or untrained)
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Managed by AEM (Mexican Space Agency); operates Morelos and SATMEX satellites
Military Satellite Inventory: Limited; dual-use systems for communications and imagery
Intelligence Infrastructure: CISEN (civilian intelligence; recently folded into new National Intelligence Center), military intelligence under SEDENA
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: U.S., regional anti-cartel intelligence programs, UN security cooperation
Airports (Total): ~1,714 (civilian and military)
Major Military Airports: Santa Lucía (AIFA), Ixtepec, Zapopan, La Paz
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~230 vessels
Major Ports: Veracruz, Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Altamira
Naval Infrastructure: Strong patrol and coastal fleet; includes missile boats, frigates, and amphibious assets for domestic security
Naval Replenishment Capability: Regional only; focused on coastal patrol and humanitarian logistics
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~20,800 km
Roadways: ~400,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: ~1.9 million barrels per day
Energy Imports: Net oil exporter; imports gasoline and refined fuels due to limited domestic refining
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Estimated ~45–60 million barrels (combined government and PEMEX reserves)
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Capable of producing small arms, APCs, artillery, naval craft; limited aircraft servicing
Military Installations (Domestic): Extensive network of garrisons, airfields, and naval bases across all 32 federal entities
Military Installations (Overseas): None officially; participates in UN humanitarian and peacekeeping missions
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: None permanent; occasional joint training with U.S., France, and Latin American allies
Defense Alliances: No formal alliances; regional coordination with U.S., Guatemala, and Colombia on counternarcotics
Strategic Airlift Capability: Operates C-130 Hercules, Boeing 737, CASA 295s; limited heavy lift capability
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Moderate; supported by SEDENA manufacturing and state-owned defense-linked industries
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Modest; focused on domestic vehicle design, UAVs, small arms, and naval patrol vessels
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: PEMEX (energy), Ferromex (rail), Aeroméxico and VivaAerobus (transport), Altos Hornos de México (metals)
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Mexico City
Founding Date: September 16, 1810 (independence declared); September 27, 1821 (independence recognized)
System of Government: Federal presidential constitutional republic
