Solomon Islands Military Power Ranking 2026
Solomon Islands ranks 174th in the 2026 Military Power Rankings. The country does not maintain a conventional standing military, relying instead on the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to manage internal security, law enforcement, maritime policing, and paramilitary response.
Its strategic priorities center on internal stability, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and collaborative Pacific security, with defense and external security supported through regional partnerships with Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific partners.
MPR Overview
Solomon Islands ranks 174th in the 2026 Military Power Rankings. The country does not maintain a conventional standing military, relying instead on the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to manage internal security, law enforcement, and paramilitary response. A specialized unit within the RSIPF—the Police Response Team (PRT)—is tasked with handling high-risk threats, border monitoring, and limited civil defense roles.
Defense and external security are provided through bilateral partnerships, particularly with Australia and New Zealand, under the framework of regional cooperation. The Solomon Islands’ strategic priorities center on internal stability, disaster response, and collaborative Pacific security, with a focus on resilience over militarization.
Strategic Geography Schematic
- Honiara
- command
- Pacific approaches
- maritime patrol
- island chain
- police response
- partner support
- disaster route
- EEZ monitoring
- regional security
- Maritime patrol route
- Partner support link
- Capital command node
Core MPR Strengths
Police-Led National Security Force
The Police Response Team (PRT) operates with light weapons and riot gear and is the country’s de facto rapid deployment force. The RSIPF includes divisions trained in riot control, border security, maritime enforcement, and VIP protection.
Maritime Surveillance and Law Enforcement
Australia has donated Guardian-class patrol boats and provides technical and operational support for maritime policing. The RSIPF Maritime Division maintains patrol vessels for coastal surveillance, fisheries enforcement, and anti-smuggling operations within the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Regional Security Integration
The Solomon Islands is a participant in regional peacekeeping and stabilization frameworks, including partnerships with the Pacific Islands Forum, Australia, and New Zealand. Its modern security model was shaped by RAMSI and later bilateral security cooperation.
Disaster Relief and Crisis Response
The RSIPF works in tandem with civil defense units, NGOs, and foreign aid teams during natural disasters, especially cyclones, tsunamis, and flooding. Crisis response is one of the most important practical roles of the national security system.
Though it lacks a formal army, Solomon Islands benefits from a functional paramilitary force, regional backing, and strategic positioning in the Pacific.
The country was previously stabilized by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) following civil unrest in the early 2000s.
MPR Doctrine and Strategy
Solomon Islands follows a non-militarized security model built around police authority, maritime law enforcement, disaster response, and regional partnership. It does not maintain an army, navy, air force, missile force, or strategic deterrent.
The country's defensive posture is based on maintaining domestic order, protecting maritime resources, responding to civil unrest, coordinating with regional partners, and preserving sovereignty through diplomacy and security cooperation.
In practical terms, Solomon Islands' doctrine is police-led and partner-supported. The RSIPF provides the domestic security core, while Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and regional institutions provide additional support during major crises.
Force Profile
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is the central security institution. It provides law enforcement, internal security, maritime policing, VIP protection, riot control, disaster coordination, and national crisis response.
The Police Response Team gives the country a limited rapid-response capability, but it is not a conventional military unit and does not provide heavy combat power.
Ground Forces
Solomon Islands has no formal army and no heavy ground force. Ground security rests on police units, the Police Response Team, and support from regional partners during major emergencies.
The absence of tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, and military logistics prevents Solomon Islands from conducting conventional ground warfare. Its security system is designed for domestic order rather than combat operations.
Specialist police weapons
On July 5, 2022, RSIPF officers demonstrated Australian-supplied MK18 short-barrel rifles at Tenaru after training in Brisbane. The Solomon Islands government described the programme as limited police rearmament, with trained officers qualifying as both users and instructors. This is a specialist policing capability within the RSIPF, rather than a separate army.
Air Power
Solomon Islands does not have an air force or military aircraft. Civilian aircraft are used for humanitarian missions and disaster relief when required.
The country has no combat aircraft, military airlift, airborne surveillance platforms, air-defense network, or independent airspace-control capability. During major crises, it depends on regional partners for air support and emergency logistics.
Naval Forces
Solomon Islands does not maintain a formal navy, though the RSIPF operates a small maritime unit responsible for policing its waters and conducting fisheries surveillance.
Patrol boats provided through Australian support give Solomon Islands basic maritime policing capacity. These vessels are important for fisheries enforcement, anti-smuggling patrols, coastal security, and EEZ monitoring.
The maritime force is not designed for naval warfare. It lacks missiles, naval aviation, submarines, combat logistics, coastal defense systems, and large warships.
Merchant Marine Fleet: Small
Major Ports: Honiara, Noro
Naval Infrastructure: Police-operated patrol vessels and maritime base at Aola
Naval Replenishment Capability: Basic for coastal patrol craft
Guardian-class armament support
Australian Defence’s Pacific Maritime Security Program records a programme to arm Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class patrol boats with 12.7 mm machine guns, together with training and maintenance support. The change supports maritime law enforcement and does not turn the police vessels into missile-armed naval combatants.
Missile Systems
Solomon Islands does not possess missile systems. The country has no ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, strategic air-defense systems, or indigenous missile-development capability.
Its security posture is focused on internal stability, maritime law enforcement, police readiness, disaster response, and regional cooperation rather than strategic deterrence or long-range strike power.
Solomon Islands does not possess missile systems or nuclear capabilities. The focus of its security efforts is on internal stability and regional maritime cooperation rather than external defense.
Detailed Missile Inventory
| System Category | Status | Operational Role | MPR Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballistic missiles | None | Not applicable | No strategic strike capability |
| Cruise missiles | None | Not applicable | No long-range precision-strike force |
| Anti-ship missiles | None | Not applicable | No naval combat missile capability |
| Surface-to-air missiles | None | Not applicable | No military air-defense network |
| Man-portable air-defense systems | None reported | Not applicable | No confirmed tactical air-defense inventory |
Nuclear and Strategic Deterrence
Solomon Islands is a non-nuclear state and does not possess strategic weapons, nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missiles, or long-range delivery systems.
Its deterrence model is political and diplomatic rather than military. The country's security relies on regional cooperation, international partnerships, geographic dispersion, and the absence of an offensive military posture.
Cyber, Space, ISR, and Electronic Warfare
Solomon Islands has no military space program, no military satellite inventory, and no advanced electronic-warfare capability. Intelligence and surveillance activity is centered on police work, maritime monitoring, border awareness, and partner-supported security cooperation.
Maritime surveillance, port monitoring, fisheries protection, and domestic-security intelligence are the country's most relevant ISR functions. External partners provide additional support during major crises or regional security operations.
Partnerships and Alliances
Solomon Islands relies heavily on its regional partnerships for security. Australia and New Zealand are key partners, providing security assistance, training, and support during natural disasters. Australia’s Pacific Patrol Boat Program has provided patrol boats to the RSIPF for maritime security. Additionally, Solomon Islands is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, contributing to regional security initiatives.
Australia
Australia is a central security partner and has supported maritime patrol capacity through the Pacific Patrol Boat Program and Guardian-class patrol boats. Australia has also deployed security personnel during major unrest.
New Zealand
New Zealand supports Pacific security, disaster response, policing, and regional stabilization efforts. It has been involved in broader Pacific security frameworks affecting Solomon Islands.
Pacific Islands Forum
Regional institutions provide a framework for security coordination, disaster response, maritime awareness, and crisis support among Pacific states.
China
Solomon Islands has expanded security ties with China, including limited police cooperation and advisory support. This has added geopolitical sensitivity to the country's security relationships.
Combat History
Solomon Islands’ security history is characterized by civil unrest, peacekeeping missions, and international stabilization, not conventional warfare or external conflict.
| Conflict or Operation | Period | Military Significance |
|---|---|---|
| World War II legacy | 1942-1943 | The islands were the site of major Pacific Theater battles, including Guadalcanal. This legacy remains important to strategic geography and historical awareness, though it predates the modern state. |
| The Tensions | 1998-2003 | Ethnic and political conflict between communities on Guadalcanal and Malaita led to militia activity, police collapse, and the need for foreign intervention. |
| Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands | 2003-2017 | RAMSI, led by Australia and supported by New Zealand and Pacific partners, restored order and helped rebuild the RSIPF, judiciary, and governance institutions. |
| Honiara riots and regional support | 2021 | Major unrest triggered deployment of Australian and Papua New Guinean security personnel, reaffirming reliance on external stabilization during crises. |
While Solomon Islands has no military combat experience, its security institutions have played critical roles in civil conflict recovery, riot control, and regional peacekeeping preparation, shaped by partnership-based defense frameworks and a commitment to non-militarized sovereignty.
World War II Legacy (1942–1943)
The Solomon Islands were the site of some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including the Battle of Guadalcanal. While not part of the modern military history of the Solomon Islands, this legacy still defines its strategic awareness and infrastructure layout.
Tensions and Civil Conflict (1998–2003)
Ethnic and political tensions between communities on Guadalcanal and Malaita led to a prolonged period of unrest known as “The Tensions.” The national police force collapsed, and armed militias emerged, prompting the need for foreign intervention.
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
In 2003, RAMSI—a multinational stabilization force led by Australia and supported by New Zealand and Pacific partners—was deployed to restore law and order. RAMSI remained active until 2017, helping to rebuild the RSIPF, judiciary, and governance institutions. The Police Response Team was developed under RAMSI guidance.
Civil Security and Riots (2021)
In 2021, major riots in Honiara triggered the deployment of Australian, Papua New Guinean, Fijian and New Zealand personnel in the Solomons International Assistance Force under regional and bilateral arrangements. The incident reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ reliance on external stabilization during crises.
From RAMSI to SIAF (2017–2024)
RAMSI concluded on June 30, 2017. Australia and Solomon Islands then established a bilateral treaty, effective June 13, 2018, allowing police, defence and civilian deployments with both governments’ consent. It was first activated after the November 2021 Honiara unrest. Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand contributed to the Solomons International Assistance Force, which supported the Pacific Games and the 2024 national elections before concluding on August 18, 2024.
Geography, Economy, and Infrastructure
Solomon Islands has a tropical climate, with hot and humid conditions year-round and significant rainfall. Its terrain includes rugged mountains, thick forests, coastal zones, and low coral atolls.
The country's geography creates a major maritime-security challenge. Its dispersed islands, long coastline, and wide maritime zone require patrol capacity, port security, and partner-supported surveillance.
Natural resources include timber, fish, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, and nickel. Solomon Islands has no proven oil or natural gas reserves and remains dependent on imported petroleum products.
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid year-round with significant rainfall
Terrain: Mostly rugged mountains and thick forests with some low coral atolls
Natural Resources: Timber, fish, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickel
National Metrics
| Metric | Estimate or Status |
|---|---|
| Capital | Honiara |
| Founding date | July 7, 1978, independence from the United Kingdom |
| System of government | Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy |
| Military Expenditure | Approximately $30 million USD (MPR estimate; reference year not stated) |
| Military Expenditure / GDP | Approximately 1.1% (MPR estimate; reference year not stated) |
| GDP, PPP | Approximately Int$2.7 billion (MPR estimate; reference year not stated) |
| GDP Per Capita, PPP | Approximately Int$3,600 (MPR estimate; reference year not stated) |
| External Debt | Approximately $700 million USD (MPR estimate; reference year not stated) |
| Spending Trend | No complete recent five-year SIPRI numeric series is used here. Retained MPR assessment: Gradual increase focused on maritime enforcement and public order |
| Airports | Approximately 30, including airstrips |
| Roadways | Approximately 1,400 km, many unpaved |
| Railway network | None |
Proven Oil Reserves: None. Recorded in the 2025 MPR profile.
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None. Recorded in the 2025 MPR profile.
Oil Production: None. Recorded in the 2025 MPR profile.
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Key domestic security locations include Honiara, Noro, and Aola. The RSIPF Maritime Division operates police patrol vessels and maritime support facilities for coastal security and EEZ enforcement.
Honiara International Airport is the most important dual-use aviation node, though Solomon Islands does not operate military aircraft. Crisis airlift and external-response mobility depend on regional partners.
Readiness is strongest in policing, maritime enforcement, riot response, disaster coordination, and regional-security coordination. It is weakest in conventional combat, air defense, heavy mobility, and strategic logistics.
Major Military Districts / Commands: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) includes Police Maritime Department
Missile Inventory Highlights: None
Major Military Airports: Honiara International Airport (dual-use)
Military Installations (Domestic): Honiara, Noro, Aola
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign security support: Australian and regional assistance is available under bilateral arrangements; SIAF concluded on August 18, 2024. China has supplied police advisers through separate cooperation.
Defense Alliances: Bilateral security agreement with Australia; expanding security ties with China
Defense Industry
Solomon Islands has no domestic defense-industrial base. It does not produce military vehicles, aircraft, ships, missiles, sensors, heavy weapons, or advanced communications systems.
Equipment sustainment, maritime patrol capacity, training, communications, and crisis support depend heavily on external partners. This limits independent readiness but fits the country's non-militarized defense model.
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Extremely low
Why Solomon Islands Ranks 174th
No Standing Army, Navy, or Air Force
No Standing Army, Navy, or Air Force Solomon Islands has no formal military institution. Defense responsibilities are handled by police-based units and external partners rather than conventional armed forces.
Limited Force Size and Tactical Capability
Limited Force Size and Tactical Capability The Police Response Team is lightly armed and lacks armored vehicles, combat aviation, or heavy weapons. Its operational role is strictly internal and defensive.
No Strategic or Deterrent Assets
No Strategic or Deterrent Assets Solomon Islands has no missile systems, air-defense network, force-projection capability, or strategic deterrent. National defense is supported diplomatically and practically by external partners.
High Dependence on Foreign Security Support
High Dependence on Foreign Security Support The Solomon Islands depends on Australia, New Zealand, and regional organizations for airspace coverage, training, and national emergency security. The country depends on Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, regional organizations, and other partners for training, emergency support, airspace coverage, and major crisis response.
Solomon Islands maintains a civilian-led national security model anchored in police professionalism, disaster response readiness, maritime law enforcement, and regional cooperation.
Its low MPR rank reflects the absence of conventional military forces, heavy equipment, combat aviation, naval warfare assets, strategic weapons, and independent force projection.
Solomon Islands maintains a civilian-led national security model anchored in police professionalism, disaster response readiness, and regional cooperation. While it ranks low due to the absence of conventional military forces, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force—particularly the PRT and Maritime Division—plays a vital role in maintaining domestic peace, border integrity, and maritime law enforcement. Its MPR position reflects its non-militarized defense approach, balanced by strong external partnerships and internal resilience mechanisms.
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Research Trail
Economic figures retain their displayed years and statistical coverage. PPP figures are expressed in international dollars; SIPRI military-expenditure shares use its own GDP denominator. Retained MPR estimates are separate from the dated source observations. World Bank population profile.
This country profile draws on military personnel estimates, police and maritime-security reporting, government information, regional security history, economic data, geographic indicators, defense publications, and the Military Power Rankings analytical framework.
Figures are estimates and may vary by reporting period, source methodology, operational availability, partner support, and the distinction between police, paramilitary, maritime-security, reserve, and military forces.
Country-Specific Sources- Solomon Islands Government: MK18 police training, July 8, 2022
- DFAT: Australia–Solomon Islands bilateral security treaty
- Australian Defence: Pacific Maritime Security Program
- DFAT: RAMSI, one year on, June 15, 2004
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