Solomon Islands

Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 174th
MPR SCORE: 147
MPR Index: 0.0182 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9304 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.797 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

Solomon Islands ranks 174th in the 2024 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.

Military Strengths

Overview

Though it lacks a formal army, Solomon Islands benefits from a functional paramilitary force, regional backing, and strategic positioning in the Pacific.

1. Police-Led National Security Force

The RSIPF includes divisions trained in riot control, border security, maritime enforcement, and VIP protection.
The Police Response Team (PRT) operates with light weapons and riot gear and is the country’s de facto rapid deployment force.

2. Maritime Surveillance and Law Enforcement

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).
Australia has donated Guardian-class patrol boats and provides technical and operational support for maritime policing.

3. Regional Security and Peacekeeping Integration

The Solomon Islands is a participant in regional peacekeeping and stabilization frameworks, including partnerships with the Pacific Islands Forum, Australia, and New Zealand.
The country was previously stabilized by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) following civil unrest in the early 2000s.

4. Disaster Relief and Crisis Management Role

The RSIPF works in tandem with civil defense units, NGOs, and foreign aid teams during natural disasters, especially cyclones, tsunamis, and flooding.

Why Solomon Islands Is Still Ranked 174th

No Standing Army, Navy, or Air Force
The Solomon Islands has no formal military institution, with defense responsibilities handled by police-based units and external partners.
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
There are no missile systems, air defense networks, or force projection capabilities. National defense is outsourced diplomatically and practically to allies.
High Dependence on Foreign Security Guarantees
The Solomon Islands depends on Australia, New Zealand, and regional organizations for airspace coverage, training, and national emergency security.

Conclusion

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.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: None (RSIPF serves security needs)
Reserve Personnel: None
Paramilitary Forces: 300 (Police Response Team - PRT)
Army Personnel: None
Navy Personnel: None
Air Force Personnel: None

Ground Forces

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): None
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): None

Air Wing

Solomon Islands does not have an air force or military aircraft. Civilian aircraft are used for humanitarian missions and disaster relief when required.

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: 2 (provided by Australia for maritime security)
Fast Attack Craft: None

Missile Capabilities

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.

Strategic Partnerships

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.

Military History & Combat Experience

Solomon Islands’ security history is characterized by civil unrest, peacekeeping missions, and international stabilization, not conventional warfare or external conflict.

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 and Papua New Guinean security personnel under new bilateral arrangements. The incident reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ 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.

General Information

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~740,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~300,000
Geographic Area: 28,896 km²
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 5,313 km
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
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$30 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.1%
GDP (PPP): ~$2.7 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$3,600
External Debt: ~$700 million USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Gradual increase focused on maritime enforcement and public order

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: No standing military; security provided by police and coast guard
Primary Defense Focus: Maritime policing, internal security, disaster response
Military Industry Base: None
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: None
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) includes Police Maritime Department
Missile Inventory Highlights: None
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Not applicable (no formal reserve structure)
Reservist Force Size: N/A

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: National Intelligence Division under RSIPF
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: Australia, New Zealand, China (limited), Pacific Islands Forum
Airports (Total): ~30 (including airstrips)
Major Military Airports: Honiara International Airport (dual-use)

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

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

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~1,400 km (many unpaved)

Energy and Fuel Logistics

Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Fully dependent on imported petroleum products
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Very limited

Defense Production and Strategic Forces

Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Honiara, Noro, Aola
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Australia (through bilateral agreement); China (police advisors, limited)
Defense Alliances: Bilateral security agreement with Australia; expanding security ties with China
Strategic Airlift Capability: None
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Extremely low