Micronesia Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 193rd
MPR SCORE: 123
MPR Index: 0.0061 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9418 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.860(standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) ranks 193rd in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. Comprising a vast archipelago in the western Pacific, FSM does not maintain a standing military force. Its national defense is fully provided by the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), which guarantees the U.S. will defend FSM’s territory and airspace. Domestically, the country focuses on internal security, maritime domain awareness, and disaster response, particularly across its expansive exclusive economic zone (EEZ). FSM’s security model is rooted in external military dependence, regional cooperation, and law enforcement-based sovereignty management.
Strengths
1. Guaranteed U.S. Military Protection under COFA
Under the Compact of Free Association, FSM receives unconditional defense guarantees from the United States, including access to American military infrastructure, airspace defense, and naval deterrence against external threats.
2. Large EEZ and Maritime Strategic Relevance
FSM controls an expansive EEZ spanning over 2.6 million square kilometers, placing it in a key strategic corridor between the Philippines, Guam, and Hawaii, giving it high geopolitical value to the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.
3. Internal Stability and Policing Capacity
FSM maintains organized state-level police forces and a National Police Division, which coordinate on law enforcement, emergency services, and local-level crisis management, particularly in outer islands.
4. Disaster Preparedness and Pacific Resilience Networks
Due to its climate vulnerability, FSM has built a strong disaster response system, with support from U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Pacific Islands Forum, and Japan’s civil assistance programs.
Why FSM Is Still Ranked 193rd
No Army, Navy, or Air Force: FSM possesses no military branches, combat infrastructure, or weapons platforms, and cannot conduct any independent defense operation.
Zero Strategic Deterrence: With no missiles, air defenses, or mechanized assets, FSM lacks the ability to deter or respond to threats, relying entirely on U.S. strategic capabilities.
Complete External Dependency: National defense and security sovereignty are delegated to the United States, meaning all external defense decisions are made abroad, not by FSM authorities.
Limited Enforcement Capability: FSM’s law enforcement agencies are designed for internal policing and fisheries patrols, and lack the training, size, and equipment for any form of military engagement.
Conclusion
FSM’s ranking at 137th reflects its position as a non-militarized, externally protected Pacific nation. While it lacks any capacity for independent warfighting or deterrence, the country benefits from one of the most robust defense guarantees in the world through its Compact of Free Association with the United States. Its focus on maritime law enforcement, disaster resilience, and internal policing forms a modest but stable security framework supported by geostrategic importance and foreign military guardianship.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: None (defense provided by the United States)
Reserve Personnel: None
Paramilitary Forces: 500 (Police and Maritime Surveillance Unit)
Army Personnel: None
Navy Personnel (Maritime Surveillance Unit): 150
Air Force Personnel: None
Ground Forces
Micronesia does not maintain a traditional military force. Ground security is managed by local police forces and disaster response teams, with external defense provided by the United States.
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): None
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): None
Air Wing
Micronesia does not have an air force. The U.S. military provides air defense under their security arrangement.
Naval Forces (Maritime Surveillance Unit)
The Maritime Surveillance Unit, with a few patrol boats, is responsible for patrolling Micronesia’s vast maritime territory and combating illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking.
Patrol Boats: 2
Missile Capabilities
Micronesia does not possess any missile systems or advanced weaponry. The nation relies on its relationship with the United States for any missile defense or military capabilities.
Strategic Partnerships
Micronesia has a strong defense relationship with the United States under the Compact of Free Association, which guarantees U.S. defense of the island nation. This agreement ensures Micronesia’s territorial integrity and provides assistance for disaster relief and economic development.
Military History & Combat Experience
The Federated States of Micronesia has no history of military conflict or indigenous armed forces. Its modern defense structure is entirely based on external protection by the United States, while its internal security forces have operated in law enforcement, maritime patrol, and disaster response scenarios across its remote island states.
U.S. Compact of Free Association – Defense Framework (Since 1986)
Under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), FSM relinquished all military responsibilities to the United States, in return for full military protection and access to U.S. economic aid, disaster relief, and immigration benefits. This agreement gives the U.S. strategic military access and the right to deny other nations' military presence within FSM territory.Internal Security – Police and Maritime Enforcement (Ongoing)
The FSM National Police, in cooperation with state-level departments, manages criminal enforcement, customs, and coastal surveillance. While unarmed in the military sense, these forces conduct regular patrols and arrests related to illegal fishing, smuggling, and unlicensed vessel activity.Disaster Response Operations
FSM’s internal forces have repeatedly been deployed during cyclones, tsunami threats, and infrastructure emergencies, especially following Typhoon Maysak (2015) and Typhoon Wutip (2019). These events demanded logistics coordination, civil evacuation, and international aid management, offering practical experience in crisis operations.Joint U.S. Training and Civil Assistance Programs
Through U.S. Navy's Pacific Partnership, Coast Guard deployments, and military civic action exercises, FSM law enforcement units have trained in maritime boarding, disaster drills, and joint interagency communication. These engagements offer low-level operational exposure in non-combat military contexts.
FSM’s security forces have no combat history, and their training and responsibilities remain within policing, disaster relief, and U.S.-backed patrol support. Its security is entirely shaped by American defense infrastructure, regional diplomacy, and a long-term commitment to non-militarization under international treaty protections.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~113,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~45,000
Geographic Area: 702 km² (distributed over 607 islands)
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 6,112 km
Climate: Tropical; heavy rainfall, consistently warm temperatures year-round
Terrain: Mountainous high islands and low coral atolls
Natural Resources: Fish, timber, phosphate, deep seabed minerals
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$0 (defense responsibility managed by the United States)
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~0%
GDP (PPP): ~$400 million USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$3,500
External Debt: ~$125 million USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): None; U.S. provides defense under Compact of Free Association
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: No standing military; public safety and border control through National Police
Primary Defense Focus: Internal policing, maritime surveillance, disaster response
Military Industry Base: None
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: None
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Division of National Police; U.S. military assistance available if requested
Missile Inventory Highlights: None
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Not applicable
Reservist Force Size: N/A
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Domestic intelligence capacity is limited; external reliance on the U.S.
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: United States
Airports (Total): ~6 international and regional airports
Major Military Airports: None (U.S. military has access under Compact provisions)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: Small
Major Ports: Kolonia (Pohnpei), Weno (Chuuk), Yap
Naval Infrastructure: Patrol boats operated by the Division of Maritime Surveillance
Naval Replenishment Capability: Basic port facilities with foreign logistical support
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~240 km (across islands)
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Full dependence on imported petroleum products
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Minimal
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): None
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: U.S. defense guarantee under Compact; no permanent base
Defense Alliances: Compact of Free Association with the United States
Strategic Airlift Capability: None
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: None
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: None
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Fisheries, shipping logistics, emergency services
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Palikir
Founding Date: November 3, 1986 (independence in free association with the United States)
System of Government: Federal parliamentary republic in free association with the U.S.
