Mozambique Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 117th
MPR SCORE: 251
MPR Index: 0.0704 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.8810 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.523 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

Mozambique ranks 117th globally in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. Its armed forces, the Mozambican Armed Defense Forces (Forças Armadas de Defesa de Moçambique, FADM), are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations, especially in the northern Cabo Delgado province, where Islamist militants have destabilized communities and threatened the country’s vast natural gas reserves. The military is also tasked with border security, maritime sovereignty, and support to civil authorities, despite being modest in size and facing persistent equipment and logistics challenges.

Mozambique’s defense doctrine is defensive and domestic-focused, emphasizing the protection of critical infrastructure, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG) installations along the Indian Ocean coast, and the containment of internal threats. Due to limited capacity, Mozambique relies on foreign military assistance—notably from Rwanda, South Africa (SANDF), and SADC’s SAMIM mission—as well as training and equipment from Portugal, the EU, and the U.S. to maintain operational effectiveness.

Strengths

1. Active Combat Engagement in Asymmetric Warfare

Mozambique’s military has gained direct experience in jungle warfare, counterinsurgency, and urban clearance operations against insurgent groups such as Ansar al-Sunna and ISIS-affiliated militants, particularly in Cabo Delgado.

2. Strategic Importance of Energy Infrastructure Protection

The FADM plays a critical role in protecting offshore gas platforms, onshore LNG projects, and related economic zones, elevating its relevance to both national security and foreign investment stability.

3. Regional and International Military Support

Mozambique receives combat assistance and capacity building from Rwandan troops, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and European Union Training Missions (EUTM), enhancing its special operations, intelligence, and tactical coordination.

Why Mozambique Is Still Ranked 117th

1. Equipment Deficiencies and Poor Logistics

The FADM struggles with aging Soviet-era equipment, non-standardized small arms, and limited air or armored mobility, heavily constraining sustainment capacity, rapid deployment, and force protection.

2. Small Professional Core and Limited Reserve Depth

Mozambique’s military is understrength, with a small active force and limited reservist infrastructure, leaving rural provinces under-defended and dependent on foreign forces for extended security operations.

3. Weak Naval and Air Capabilities

Mozambique lacks a functional air force and operates a light coastal navy, making it vulnerable to maritime insecurity, smuggling, and the inability to patrol offshore LNG corridors without external surveillance or naval partnership.

Conclusion

Mozambique’s military is a light but combat-engaged force, playing a pivotal role in internal security, counterinsurgency, and the protection of strategic natural gas infrastructure. While constrained by logistics, training, and equipment shortfalls, it is increasingly supported by foreign missions, regional alliances, and Western advisory programs. Its global ranking reflects limited conventional capability and strategic autonomy, but also recognizes the FADM’s evolving function in one of Africa’s most strategically contested regions.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: 15,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 5,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 7,000 (Gendarmerie and Border Patrol)
Army Personnel: 12,000
Navy Personnel: 2,000
Air Force Personnel: 1,000

Ground Forces

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 20 (Older Soviet models)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 200+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 50+

Air Force

Combat Aircraft: 10+
Helicopters: 12+
Transport Aircraft: 5+

Aircraft Breakdown:

MiG-21 Fighter Jets: 3 (Soviet-era)
Mi-17 Helicopters: 6 (transport and utility)

Naval Forces

Mozambique’s naval capabilities are small and focused on protecting its vast coastline and rich offshore gas reserves. The country’s navy plays a vital role in securing maritime borders and countering piracy in the Indian Ocean.

Patrol Vessels: 12+
Fast Attack Craft: 5+

Missile Capabilities

Mozambique does not possess advanced missile systems or nuclear capabilities. Its military is focused on securing its borders, countering insurgency, and protecting its natural resources rather than external military projection.

Strategic Partnerships

Mozambique receives military assistance from South Africa, Portugal, and the United States, particularly in counter-insurgency training and logistical support. The country also participates in regional security organizations, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and receives international aid for counter-terrorism efforts.

Military History & Combat Experience

Mozambique’s military history is defined by liberation struggle, civil war, and more recently, a low-intensity insurgency in the north, with growing international security collaboration.

Mozambican War of Independence (1964–1974):
Fought between the FRELIMO liberation movement and Portuguese colonial forces, this guerrilla conflict established the foundation for Mozambique’s post-independence military, built around asymmetric warfare, terrain adaptation, and political-military fusion.
Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992):
A brutal conflict between the ruling FRELIMO government and the RENAMO insurgency, supported by apartheid-era South Africa and Rhodesia. The war caused over 1 million deaths and shaped a military doctrine focused on internal defense, militia integration, and rural mobilization.
Counter-Insurgency in Cabo Delgado (2017–present):
Since 2017, Islamist militants in Cabo Delgado have attacked villages, military bases, and gas projects, prompting a national emergency response. Mozambique’s forces, alongside Rwandan troops and SAMIM forces, have launched joint clearance operations, regaining key towns such as Palma and Mocímboa da Praia.
Foreign Training and Capacity-Building Missions (2019–present):
The EU, Portugal, and the United States have provided training for special forces, command units, and logistics teams. These missions aim to modernize the FADM and develop self-sustaining tactical units for future national control.

Mozambique’s military experience is centered on internal warfare, with cycles of guerrilla combat, low-intensity insurgency, and foreign-assisted recovery. Though under-resourced, the FADM remains at the operational heart of the country’s state security apparatus and resource defense strategy.

General Information

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~35.4 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~13.2 million
Geographic Area: 801,590 km²
Land Boundaries: 4,571 km
Bordering Countries: Eswatini, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Coastline: 2,470 km
Climate: Tropical to subtropical
Terrain: Mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, mountains in west
Natural Resources: Natural gas, coal, titanium, hydropower, arable land
Proven Oil Reserves: Minimal (undeveloped)
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~100 trillion cubic feet (major LNG projects underway)

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$850 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~2.2%
GDP (PPP): ~$65 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$1,800
External Debt: ~$14 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Increased due to Cabo Delgado insurgency

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: Mandatory (2 years)
Primary Defense Focus: Counterinsurgency, LNG site protection, coastal defense
Military Industry Base: Basic; some maintenance and small arms
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Minimal
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided into regional zones under Defense Ministry
Missile Inventory Highlights: Mortars, MANPADS, short-range rockets
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~50,000

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: State Security and Military Intelligence Directorate
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: SADC, bilateral partnerships with Rwanda, EU
Airports (Total): ~98
Major Military Airports: Maputo, Beira, Nampula

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

Merchant Marine Fleet: ~25 vessels
Major Ports: Maputo, Beira, Nacala
Naval Infrastructure: Coastal patrol boats, training and support craft
Naval Replenishment Capability: Limited regional capability

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: ~3,100 km
Roadways: ~30,000 km

Energy and Fuel Logistics

Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Imports refined products; future LNG exports planned
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Developing in support of LNG sector

Defense Production and Strategic Forces

Domestic Defense Production: Ammunition, uniforms, vehicle maintenance
Military Installations (Domestic): Maputo, Pemba, Nacala
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Rwandan forces, EU training mission
Defense Alliances: SADC, AU, bilateral ties with Portugal, Rwanda
Strategic Airlift Capability: Light aircraft, rotary wing; regional airlift support
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Low

Research and Industry Support