Portugal Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 57th
MPR SCORE: 568
MPR Index: 0.2294 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.348 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: +0.312 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Portugal ranks 57th globally in the 2024 Military Power Rankings (MPR). As a NATO member with a strong maritime tradition, Portugal focuses its military efforts on coastal defense, air security, and interoperability within NATO. Although relatively small, Portugal’s military benefits from its strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean and its involvement in NATO operations. The country is investing in modernizing its forces—particularly its naval and air capabilities—to ensure it can contribute to collective defense within the Alliance.
Strengths: Strategic Maritime and Alliance Integration
Portugal’s military advantages stem from its sea-lift capacity, alliance ties, and professional forces:
Modernized Fighter Fleet: Thirty upgraded F-16 jets with advanced avionics, enhancing air policing and regional deterrence.
Submarine Expertise: Two Tridente-class submarines provide covert patrol and intelligence-gathering in the Atlantic.
Expeditionary Logistics: C-130 transport aircraft and AW101 helicopters afford rapid sealift for NATO and UN missions.
Highly Trained Paramilitary: The National Republican Guard’s 22,000-strong force strengthens internal security and supports civil-military cooperation.
Interoperability: Frequent participation in NATO exercises (e.g., Steadfast Defender, Neptune Strike) ensures seamless integration with U.S., Spanish, and other allied forces.
Why Portugal Is Still Ranked Just 57th
Limited Force Size and Budget
Only 23,000 active personnel and a defense budget of $3 billion restricts large-scale deployments.
No aircraft carriers, strategic airlift beyond C-130s, or heavy armor formations.
2. No Independent Strategic Deterrent
Lacks nuclear, long-range ballistic, or hypersonic missile capabilities.
Relies entirely on NATO’s collective deterrence for high-end threats.
Industrial and Logistical Constraints
Domestic defense industry output is modest, requiring foreign procurement for major systems.
Limited pre-positioned stocks and sealift capacity hamper sustained operations far from Europe.
Conclusion
Portugal remains a capable middle‐tier power whose value lies in maritime security, rapid NATO interoperability, and professional forces rather than independent power projection. In the MPR framework—which rewards decisive, self-sustained warfighting capability—Portugal’s modest size, budgetary limits, and reliance on alliance deterrence place it at 57th despite high readiness and specialization.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 23,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 14,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 22,000 (National Republic Guard)
Army Personnel: 15,000
Air Force Personnel: 5,500
Navy Personnel: 2,500
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 37 (Leopard 2A6)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 300+
Artillery (Towed & SP): 150+
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 30+ (SIPRI 2023)
Helicopters: 25+
Transport Aircraft: 12+
Aircraft Breakdown:
F-16 Fighter Jets: 30 (modernized)
C-130 Hercules: 6 (transport)
AW101 Merlin Helicopters: 12
Naval Forces
Submarines: 2 (Tridente-class)
Frigates: 5 (Bartolomeu Dias- & Vasco da Gama-class)
Corvettes: 3
Patrol Vessels: 12
Mine Countermeasure Vessels: 2
Missile Capabilities
Portugal does not field strategic ballistic or hypersonic missiles. Focus remains on conventional air defense (e.g., NASAMS) and coastal security, relying on NATO for high-end missile defense.
Strategic Partnerships
Portugal’s defense posture is fully embedded in NATO, with particularly strong cooperation with the United States, Spain, and other Alliance members. Its Atlantic coastline makes it a linchpin for NATO’s maritime security and anti-piracy efforts.
Portugal – Military History & Combat Experience
Portugal’s military evolution spans from a global colonial empire to a modern NATO contributor, with operational experience in colonial conflicts, UN peacekeeping, and coalition interventions.
Portuguese Colonial War (1961–1974): Portugal fought insurgencies across Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, deploying over 200,000 troops in counterinsurgency operations until the Carnation Revolution ended the conflicts.
Operation Sharp Guard (1993–2001): Portuguese frigates and corvettes enforced UN embargoes in the Adriatic Sea, interdicting illicit arms shipments during the Yugoslav Wars.
Gulf Mine Countermeasure Deployment (1991–1992): Two Portuguese minehunters joined Operation Earnest Will, clearing mines in the Persian Gulf to safeguard shipping lanes.
IFOR/SFOR in Bosnia (1995–2004): Portugal provided engineering and logistic units to NATO’s Implementation Force and Stabilisation Force, supporting post-Dayton peace enforcement.
Afghanistan (2002–2014): Portuguese legionnaires and support troops served in ISAF, conducting base security, reconstruction, and training Afghan forces in Kabul.
East Timor (1999–2002): Portugal contributed observers and police to the UN’s UNTAET mission, aiding nation-building after Indonesian withdrawal.
Portugal’s military record reflects a shift from imperial counterinsurgency to alliance-led peace enforcement and stabilization operations, cementing its role as a reliable NATO partner.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~10.2 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~3.4 million (males and females aged 18–49)
Geographic Area: 92,090 km²
Land Boundaries: 1,224 km
Bordering Countries: Spain
Coastline: 1,793 km
Climate: Maritime temperate; cool and rainy in the north, warmer and drier in the south
Terrain: Mountainous north; rolling plains in the south; extensive coastline with natural harbors
Natural Resources: Fish, cork, iron ore, copper, zinc, tungsten, uranium, marble, arable land, lithium
Proven Oil Reserves: Negligible
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: Negligible
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$3.1 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.4%
GDP (PPP): ~$430 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$42,000
External Debt: ~$580 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Gradual increase to meet NATO modernization goals
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary; conscription abolished in 2004
Primary Defense Focus: NATO obligations, Atlantic security, peacekeeping, expeditionary logistics
Military Industry Base: Moderate; includes shipbuilding, electronics, maintenance, and repair facilities
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Developing; supported by EU and NATO cyber integration
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state); supports NATO deterrence posture
Major Military Districts / Commands: Army, Navy, and Air Force under Portuguese Armed Forces General Staff
Missile Inventory Highlights: Stinger, Mistral, Spike, AIM-9 Sidewinder, NASAMS, Exocet
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate readiness; mobilization possible within 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~100,000 trained reservists and civilian support forces
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Member of ESA; operates Portuguese Space Agency (Portugal Space)
Military Satellite Inventory: None; relies on NATO, ESA, and commercial services
Intelligence Infrastructure: Serviço de Informações Estratégicas de Defesa (SIED), Serviço de Informações de Segurança (SIS)
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: NATO, EU, bilateral agreements with U.S., France, Spain, and UK
Airports (Total): ~65
Major Military Airports: Monte Real AB, Beja AB, Lajes Field (Azores), Ovar AB
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~730 vessels
Major Ports: Lisbon, Leixões, Sines, Setúbal
Naval Infrastructure: Strong Atlantic presence; Vasco da Gama-class frigates, patrol vessels, submarines
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moderate regional support; linked to NATO maritime logistics
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~2,530 km
Roadways: ~82,900 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: Minimal (~16,000 barrels/day from offshore blocks and imports)
Energy Imports: High dependence on imported oil and gas; diversified LNG terminals
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintains ~90-day reserves per IEA obligations
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Includes UAVs, small arms, electronics, ship repair, and armored vehicles (via OGMA, INDEP)
Military Installations (Domestic): Key bases in Lisbon, Porto, Azores, and Algarve regions
Military Installations (Overseas): Lajes Air Base (Azores); historic presence in Africa no longer active
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: U.S. presence at Lajes Field; NATO joint usage agreements
Defense Alliances: NATO member, EU CSDP, bilateral pacts with U.S., France, and Spain
Strategic Airlift Capability: Moderate; operates C-130 and KC-390 transport aircraft
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Limited but NATO-aligned; supported by European defense sector
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Modest; focus on cybersecurity, aerospace components, and EU-coordinated defense initiatives
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: GALP (energy), Efacec (electrical), OGMA (aerospace), CP (rail), Port of Sines logistics
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Lisbon
Founding Date: October 5, 1910 (Republic established)
System of Government: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~10.2 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~3.4 million (males and females aged 18–49)
Geographic Area: 92,090 km²
Land Boundaries: 1,224 km
Bordering Countries: Spain
Coastline: 1,793 km
Climate: Maritime temperate; cool and rainy in the north, warmer and drier in the south
Terrain: Mountainous north; rolling plains in the south; extensive coastline with natural harbors
Natural Resources: Fish, cork, iron ore, copper, zinc, tungsten, uranium, marble, arable land, lithium
Proven Oil Reserves: Negligible
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: Negligible
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$3.1 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.4%
GDP (PPP): ~$430 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$42,000
External Debt: ~$580 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Gradual increase to meet NATO modernization goals
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary; conscription abolished in 2004
Primary Defense Focus: NATO obligations, Atlantic security, peacekeeping, expeditionary logistics
Military Industry Base: Moderate; includes shipbuilding, electronics, maintenance, and repair facilities
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Developing; supported by EU and NATO cyber integration
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state); supports NATO deterrence posture
Major Military Districts / Commands: Army, Navy, and Air Force under Portuguese Armed Forces General Staff
Missile Inventory Highlights: Stinger, Mistral, Spike, AIM-9 Sidewinder, NASAMS, Exocet
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate readiness; mobilization possible within 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~100,000 trained reservists and civilian support forces
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Member of ESA; operates Portuguese Space Agency (Portugal Space)
Military Satellite Inventory: None; relies on NATO, ESA, and commercial services
Intelligence Infrastructure: Serviço de Informações Estratégicas de Defesa (SIED), Serviço de Informações de Segurança (SIS)
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: NATO, EU, bilateral agreements with U.S., France, Spain, and UK
Airports (Total): ~65
Major Military Airports: Monte Real AB, Beja AB, Lajes Field (Azores), Ovar AB
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~730 vessels
Major Ports: Lisbon, Leixões, Sines, Setúbal
Naval Infrastructure: Strong Atlantic presence; Vasco da Gama-class frigates, patrol vessels, submarines
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moderate regional support; linked to NATO maritime logistics
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~2,530 km
Roadways: ~82,900 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: ~16,000 barrels per day
Energy Imports: High dependence on imported oil and gas; diversified LNG terminals
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintains ~90-day reserves per IEA obligations
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Includes UAVs, small arms, electronics, ship repair, and armored vehicles (via OGMA, INDEP)
Military Installations (Domestic): Key bases in Lisbon, Porto, Azores, and Algarve regions
Military Installations (Overseas): Lajes Air Base (Azores); historic presence in Africa no longer active
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: U.S. presence at Lajes Field; NATO joint usage agreements
Defense Alliances: NATO member, EU CSDP, bilateral pacts with U.S., France, and Spain
Strategic Airlift Capability: Moderate; operates C-130 and KC-390 transport aircraft
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Limited but NATO-aligned; supported by European defense sector
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Modest; focus on cybersecurity, aerospace components, and EU-coordinated defense initiatives
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: GALP (energy), Efacec (electrical), OGMA (aerospace), CP (rail), Port of Sines logistics
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Lisbon
Founding Date: October 5, 1910 (Republic established)
System of Government: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
