Palestine Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 142nd
MPR SCORE: 203
MPR Index: 0.0461 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9040 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.651 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Palestine ranks 142nd in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. It does not maintain a conventional military, but operates a series of security forces primarily tasked with internal security, law enforcement, and civil order—particularly in the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority (PA) retains limited administrative control. The lack of sovereign control over airspace, borders, and strategic infrastructure severely restricts any potential for force projection or conventional military development.
Palestine’s security institutions exist under the framework of the Oslo Accords, leading to a fragmented command structure between the PA in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The result is a dual governance model, where Hamas maintains de facto military power in Gaza, and the PA controls police and paramilitary-style forces under the oversight of Israel and international monitors.
Military Strengths
Overview
Palestine’s limited security apparatus has strengths in urban crowd control, territorial policing, and civil defense, supported by international training missions.
1. Extensive Urban Policing Network
The Palestinian Civil Police and Preventive Security Organization are well-developed in the West Bank, focused on civil unrest control, community security, and intelligence gathering.
Cooperation with international donors and UN-backed training has improved professionalism in recent years.
2. Specialized Security Units
The PA operates General Intelligence, National Security Forces, and Presidential Guard units focused on anti-smuggling, riot control, and regime protection.
These units are lightly equipped but maintain discipline and urban deployment readiness.
3. International Support & Training
Security forces have received training from the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) and the EU Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS).
Emphasis is placed on rule of law, public order, and de-escalation tactics.
4. Gaza Strip Irregular Force Capabilities (Hamas)
Though not under PA control, Hamas operates a structured militant wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, with capabilities for asymmetric warfare, rocket fire, tunnel operations, and urban combat.
These forces have engaged in direct armed confrontation with Israeli forces and are considered irregular yet organized military actors within the region.
Why Palestine Is Still Ranked 142nd
No Conventional Armed Forces
Palestine lacks a sovereign army, navy, or air force, and possesses no tanks, aircraft, or missile systems under government control.Split Military Governance and Territorial Fragmentation
Security and armed power are divided between Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza, preventing unified command, doctrine, or institutional military development.Total Dependence on Foreign Political Agreements
Military and security operations are heavily constrained by Israeli oversight, international diplomacy, and donor-state restrictions.Minimal Strategic Deterrence or Power Projection
Security forces operate in a non-sovereign environment, without access to external borders or independent intelligence assets, negating any capacity to deter or wage external conflict.
Conclusion
Palestine’s ranking reflects the absence of a conventional military, the internal division of armed authority, and the severe geopolitical restrictions under which its security forces operate. Despite these limitations, the Palestinian Authority maintains a functional internal security force with international recognition, while Hamas in Gaza operates a separate and contentious military structure. Palestine’s overall military posture is defined by internal policing, irregular warfare, and reactive defense measures within a highly constrained security environment.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 45,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: None
Paramilitary Forces: 10,000 (Security Forces, Presidential Guard)
Army Personnel: None (Security forces only)
Navy Personnel: None
Air Force Personnel: None
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 30+ (light vehicles, supplied by donors)
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): None
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: None
Helicopters: None
Transport Aircraft: None
Naval Forces
As a landlocked entity (with Gaza having coastal access), Palestine does not maintain a navy. In Gaza, limited coastal defense efforts exist, but these are not officially classified as a naval force.
Missile Capabilities
Palestine does not possess advanced missile systems or nuclear capabilities. However, militant groups in Gaza, such as Hamas, have used makeshift rockets in the conflict with Israel. These capabilities are not part of the formal security forces of the Palestinian Authority.
Strategic Partnerships
Palestine relies heavily on international aid and diplomatic relations with the Arab League, European Union, and various NGOs for assistance in maintaining its security forces. While not having formal military alliances, Palestine receives political support from countries like Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey. International organizations also assist in training and equipping the security forces under the Palestinian Authority’s control.
Military History & Combat Experience
Palestine’s military history is characterized by irregular warfare, asymmetric resistance, and urban conflict, largely in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
First Intifada (1987–1993):
A widespread civil uprising in the West Bank and Gaza, marked by stone-throwing, mass protests, and civil disobedience. Though largely unarmed, the movement established popular committees and built grassroots resilience, influencing the eventual creation of the Palestinian Authority through the Oslo Accords.Second Intifada (2000–2005):
Marked by urban warfare, suicide bombings, and Israeli military incursions. Palestinian groups engaged in asymmetric combat, especially in Nablus, Jenin, and Gaza, facing significant civilian and militant casualties. The period transformed various militant organizations into hardened urban combatants.Gaza Wars (2008–2009, 2012, 2014, 2021):
A series of conflicts between Israel and Hamas, with Hamas deploying rockets, mortars, and tunnel-based infiltration tactics. These confrontations involved heavy use of urban combat, civilian shielding, and asymmetric engagements, with Israel conducting airstrikes and ground operations in response. Hamas demonstrated organized military tactics, including command-and-control systems and localized battlefield zones.Ongoing Low-Intensity Conflict (Post-2015):
Regular outbreaks of clashes, protests, and border incidents in both East Jerusalem and Gaza, often involving light arms, IEDs, kites, rockets, and raids. The IDF frequently conducts targeted operations, while militant groups respond with limited indirect fire or ambushes.
Though Palestine lacks a state-level army, its population and factions have been extensively engaged in conflict with Israel, gaining considerable experience in guerrilla tactics, civil resistance, and irregular warfare. However, the absence of central command and fragmentation of authority severely limits the strategic efficacy of these capabilities.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~5.4 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~1.8 million
Geographic Area: 6,020 km²
Land Boundaries: 625 km
Bordering Countries: Israel, Egypt, Jordan
Coastline: 40 km (Gaza Strip)
Climate: Temperate; mild winters, dry summers
Terrain: Coastal plain (Gaza), central highlands (West Bank), Jordan Valley
Natural Resources: Limestone, agricultural land
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~1 trillion cubic feet (Gaza Marine, undeveloped)
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$120 million USD (West Bank security)
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~2.2%
GDP (PPP): ~$20 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$3,600
External Debt: ~$3.2 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Steady; focused on internal security
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Internal policing, border management, paramilitary operations
Military Industry Base: None; all arms imported or smuggled
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Limited (developing in Gaza)
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear entity)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided between Palestinian Authority (West Bank) and Hamas (Gaza)
Missile Inventory Highlights: Short-range rockets (Gaza), small arms (West Bank)
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Varies by faction; 15–30 days (Hamas); ad hoc (PA)
Reservist Force Size: ~25,000 (combined irregulars and auxiliaries)
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: PA Intelligence Services; Hamas Internal Security
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: Regional coordination (limited), non-state actors
Airports (Total): 0 operational
Major Military Airports: None (Gaza airport non-functional)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: None
Major Ports: Gaza port (non-functional), West Bank has no sea access
Naval Infrastructure: Coastal guard units in Gaza
Naval Replenishment Capability: Minimal (smuggling-based)
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~4,500 km (West Bank and Gaza combined)
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Heavily dependent on Israel and Egypt
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: None
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Improvised weapons in Gaza
Military Installations (Domestic): Ramallah (PA), Gaza City (Hamas)
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: None officially; indirect advisors present
Defense Alliances: Hamas with Iran and Hezbollah; PA aligned with Western donors
Strategic Airlift Capability: None
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Minimal (Hamas developing asymmetric capabilities)
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Civil resistance logistics, improvised manufacturing
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: East Jerusalem (claimed); Ramallah (PA administrative center)
Founding Date: November 15, 1988 (declaration of independence)
System of Government: Divided authority — PA (West Bank), Hamas (Gaza Strip)
