Montenegro Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 149th
MPR SCORE: 193
MPR Index: 0.0410 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9088 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.677 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Montenegro ranks 149th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. As a NATO member since 2017, Montenegro maintains a small, professional military oriented toward collective defense, domestic security, and maritime sovereignty in the Adriatic Sea. Its defense doctrine emphasizes interoperability, rapid reaction, and support to multinational peacekeeping efforts, rather than independent combat capabilities.
Despite limited personnel and equipment, the Armed Forces of Montenegro (AFoM) play a strategic role in Balkan regional stability, benefiting from NATO training programs, EU defense cooperation, and a long-standing emphasis on military modernization in areas such as logistics, cybersecurity, and joint maritime operations.
Military Strengths
Montenegro’s military strengths lie in its NATO integration, coastal defense posture, and expeditionary peacekeeping contributions.
1. Full NATO Membership and Allied Integration
As a NATO member, Montenegro benefits from collective defense guarantees, multinational exercises, and access to strategic planning frameworks.
Participates in NATO’s Readiness Action Plan, enhancing interoperability with larger allied forces.
2. Maritime Defense and Coast Guard Capability
The Navy of Montenegro operates several patrol vessels and supports Adriatic Sea security, conducting anti-smuggling and territorial waters patrols.
Naval forces work jointly with NATO allies on coastal defense drills and search and rescue operations.
3. Expeditionary Peacekeeping Deployments
Contributes personnel to NATO, EU, and UN missions, including in Kosovo (KFOR), Bosnia (EUFOR ALTHEA), and Afghanistan (formerly RS).
Focus on light infantry, medical support, and logistics coordination.
4. Defense Modernization and Cybersecurity Investment
Ongoing upgrades in communications systems, cyber defense, and command infrastructure through NATO technical assistance.
Maintains a cyber defense unit integrated into national digital security policy.
Why Montenegro Is Still Ranked 149th
Very Small Force Size
With fewer than 3,000 active personnel, Montenegro has one of the smallest standing militaries in Europe, limiting independent operational capability.No Air Force or Heavy Equipment
The country operates no combat aircraft, main battle tanks, or self-propelled artillery. Air policing is delegated to NATO Integrated Air Defense (currently supported by Italy and Greece).Minimal Strategic Depth or Deterrent Capability
Montenegro lacks ballistic defense systems, long-range surveillance, or force projection assets, making it fully dependent on alliance frameworks for defense.Low Defense Budget and External Dependence
Though committed to increasing defense spending under NATO obligations, Montenegro remains dependent on foreign aid, equipment donations, and joint procurement.
Conclusion
Montenegro maintains a disciplined, professional military force oriented toward multilateral cooperation, coastal defense, and peacekeeping roles. While its limited size and equipment base constrain independent warfighting capability, its NATO integration, strategic Adriatic coastline, and commitment to allied missions ensure that it remains a valuable contributor to European security. Its MPR rank reflects limited national combat power, balanced by interoperability, reliability, and geographic relevance.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 2,400
Reserve Personnel: 1,000
Paramilitary Forces: 1,200 (military police, internal security)
Army Personnel: 1,400
Navy Personnel: 400
Air Force Personnel: 600
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 0
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 60+ (BOV, Iveco LMV)
Artillery Pieces (Towed & Self-Propelled): 20+
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 0
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 0
Attack Helicopters: 0
Transport Aircraft: 2+
Training Aircraft: 4+
Aircraft Breakdown:
Bell 412 and SA341 Gazelle Helicopters: In service
Utva 75 and Zlin trainers for pilot development
No fast-jet combat capability (NATO covers airspace policing)
Naval Forces
Warships: 5+
Submarines: 0
Frigates/Corvettes: 0
Patrol Boats: 5+
Naval Vessel Breakdown:
Kotor-class Missile Boats (modernized)
Patrol and support craft for coastal surveillance in the Adriatic Sea
Navy functions under NATO maritime integration
Missile Capabilities
Montenegro does not operate any missile systems. It relies entirely on conventional small arms, armored vehicles, and NATO’s integrated missile defense systems for airspace and strategic security.
Strategic Partnerships
Montenegro is a NATO member and participates in the alliance’s southern flank defense planning. It works closely with the United States, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia on training, cybersecurity, and equipment procurement. The country supports regional peacekeeping and disaster relief efforts under EU and UN auspices.
Military History & Combat Experience
Montenegro’s military history reflects a transition from Balkan nationalist wars to a modern NATO-aligned defense force, with no large-scale combat experience since independence.
Yugoslav People's Army (Pre-1992):
Montenegro was part of Socialist Yugoslavia and contributed troops to the JNA (Jugoslovenska Narodna Armija). Montenegrin officers and conscripts served across Yugoslavia’s military infrastructure.Yugoslav Wars and NATO Bombing (1990s):
While Montenegro avoided the worst of the Balkan wars, it participated in early operations alongside Serbia, including support for operations in Croatia and Bosnia.
In 1999, Montenegro was bombed during NATO’s Operation Allied Force, despite growing political distance from Belgrade.Post-2006 Independence and Military Rebuilding:
Following its peaceful separation from Serbia in 2006, Montenegro restructured its military into a non-conscript, professional force. The focus shifted to light rapid deployment, border protection, and NATO interoperability.Peacekeeping Deployments (2007–Present):
Montenegrin troops have served in KFOR (Kosovo), ISAF and Resolute Support (Afghanistan), and EUFOR (Bosnia), gaining experience in stabilization operations, patrol duties, and logistical missions. These roles emphasize discipline, cooperation, and non-combat contributions to multinational efforts.Joint Training and NATO Exercises:
Montenegro regularly participates in Balkan and Mediterranean drills, including Cyber Coalition, Defender Europe, and Adriatic Shield, improving command integration, cyber resilience, and maritime coordination.
While Montenegro’s forces have not seen large-scale combat, their involvement in peacekeeping, reform-era modernization, and strategic NATO drills reflect a trajectory of stability-focused military development, transitioning from Yugoslav legacy to European defense integration.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~617,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~260,000
Geographic Area: 13,812 km²
Land Boundaries: 625 km
Bordering Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Serbia
Coastline: 293 km (Adriatic Sea)
Climate: Mediterranean along the coast; continental in the interior
Terrain: Rugged mountains, narrow coastal plains, highland plateaus
Natural Resources: Bauxite, coal, hydroelectric potential, forests
Proven Oil Reserves: Offshore potential under exploration
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$120 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.7%
GDP (PPP): ~$15 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$24,000
External Debt: ~$4.1 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Gradual increase for NATO compliance and modernization
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Territorial integrity, NATO interoperability, crisis response
Military Industry Base: Very limited; reliant on foreign defense imports
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Limited but developing
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Unified Armed Forces under General Staff
Missile Inventory Highlights: Short-range man-portable systems and mortars
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~3,000
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Military Intelligence Department, National Security Agency (ANB)
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: NATO, EU, regional cooperation with Western Balkans
Airports (Total): ~2 major and 2 regional
Major Military Airports: Podgorica Airport (dual-use)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: Small; regional trade focused
Major Ports: Bar, Kotor
Naval Infrastructure: Modest coastal defense and patrol capabilities
Naval Replenishment Capability: Limited coastal resupply ability
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~250 km
Roadways: ~7,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Dependent on fuel imports, some hydroelectric self-sufficiency
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Low to moderate
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Danilovgrad, Golubovci, Bar
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: NATO advisors, trainers
Defense Alliances: NATO (member since 2017), EU candidate state
Strategic Airlift Capability: Minimal; relies on NATO pooled assets
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Very low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: None
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Construction, road maintenance, logistics
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Podgorica
Founding Date: June 3, 2006 (independence from State Union of Serbia and Montenegro)
System of Government: Parliamentary republic
