Tunisia Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 68th
MPR SCORE: 496
MPR Index: 0.1933 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.7645 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: +0.122 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Tunisia ranks 66th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings (MPR). As a North African country with a focus on internal stability, counterterrorism, and border security, Tunisia fields a compact yet capable military. While not structured for power projection, its armed forces prioritize regional security and have received consistent modernization support from Western partners, particularly the United States. Tunisia’s defense policy centers on homeland protection, especially in the context of instability in neighboring Libya and jihadist threats in the Chaambi Mountains.
Strengths: Counterterrorism Focus and Western Training Support
Special Operations and Air Mobility: Tunisia has developed capable special forces, supported by US training and equipment, for operations in difficult terrain and urban environments. These units lead efforts in counterinsurgency and hostage rescue.
Modernized Air Wing: While small, the Tunisian Air Force operates F-5s, C-130s, and rotary-wing aircraft upgraded with Western support, enhancing border patrol, medevac, and counterterrorism response capabilities.
U.S. and NATO Partnerships: Tunisia is designated a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) of the United States, benefiting from military aid, joint training, and access to NATO-standard planning tools.
Internal Security Role: The military collaborates with the Ministry of Interior on domestic counterterrorism, operating jointly in mountainous regions and securing the Libya-Tunisia border.
Why Tunisia Is Still Ranked Just 66th
1. Small Force Size and Limited Conventional Strength
Tunisia fields a modest military focused on internal missions.
Around 35,000 active personnel across all services
Lacks heavy armor, artillery brigades, or large-scale mechanized formations
Ground forces geared toward light infantry and mobile response units
2. No Strategic Deterrence or Power Projection
Tunisia does not possess tools for extended or independent warfighting.
No long-range strike systems, strategic airlift, or naval warfare capability
Navy focused on coastal patrol with limited open-sea endurance
Air force lacks multirole combat depth or beyond-visual-range capability
3. Dependency on Foreign Support for Modernization
Tunisia relies on foreign donors for capability growth.
Defense industry is minimal; procurement depends on U.S. FMS, EU grants, and foreign advisors
Vulnerable to funding and supply-chain disruptions
Indigenous R&D and sustainment infrastructure remain underdeveloped
Conclusion
Tunisia fields a professional, counterterrorism-focused force with strong ties to Western partners and proven capability in asymmetric environments. However, in the context of the MPR—which prioritizes independent combat strength, modernization breadth, and strategic reach—Tunisia ranks 66th, constrained by its small size, lack of offensive capability, and reliance on external support for force development.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 36,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 12,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 20,000 (National Guard, Internal Security Forces)
Army Personnel: 27,000
Navy Personnel: 4,000
Air Force Personnel: 5,000
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 85 (M60, Leopard 1)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 500+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 100+
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 15+ (SIPRI 2023)
Helicopters: 30+
Transport Aircraft: 10+
Aircraft Breakdown:
F-5 Tiger Fighter Jets: 12
UH-1H Helicopters: 12 (utility helicopters)
C-130 Hercules: 2 (transport)
Naval Forces
Frigates: None
Fast Attack Craft: 5
Patrol Vessels: 10+
Missile Capabilities
Tunisia does not possess any ballistic or advanced missile systems. Its primary focus is on air and coastal defense, with a reliance on conventional weaponry.
Strategic Partnerships
Tunisia enjoys strong defense ties with Western nations, particularly the United States, which provides military assistance and training, especially in counterterrorism and border security. Tunisia also works closely with regional neighbors like Algeria on joint security operations and counterterrorism efforts.
Military History & Combat Experience
Tunisia’s military experience is shaped by its post-colonial development, counterinsurgency missions, and regional stabilization efforts. While not engaged in conventional interstate warfare in the modern era, its forces are seasoned in asymmetric conflict, border control, and internal security operations.
Post-Independence Military Formation (1956–1960s): Following independence from France in 1956, Tunisia established the Tunisian Armed Forces, focused on internal stability and the consolidation of state control. Early years involved limited skirmishes and border tensions with Algeria and Libya, but no major engagements.
Gafsa Raid and Internal Security (1980): In 1980, an armed insurgent group supported by Libya attacked the town of Gafsa, prompting a robust military response. The incident reinforced the army’s role in internal security and led to renewed investment in border surveillance and troop readiness.
Arab Spring and Regime Transition (2011): During the Tunisian Revolution, the military refused to fire on protestors, playing a stabilizing and professional role that earned public trust. The army protected key infrastructure and enabled a peaceful transition of power, distinguishing itself from security forces in other regional uprisings.
Chaambi Mountains Counterterrorism Operations (2013–Present): Tunisia has engaged in prolonged counterinsurgency campaigns against jihadist militants in the Chaambi Mountain region and along the Algerian border. Special forces and infantry units have conducted mountain patrols, ambush clearance, and IED removal, often with international logistical support.
Border Security and Anti-Smuggling (2010s–Present): In response to instability in Libya, Tunisia has hardened its eastern border, deploying ground and air surveillance, electronic fencing, and joint patrols. The military coordinates with U.S. and EU advisors in intelligence-sharing and anti-infiltration efforts.
Tunisia’s military experience is defined by its professional handling of internal crises, operational focus on asymmetric threats, and gradual modernization through international support. While lacking conventional warfighting depth, it remains a respected and stabilizing force within North Africa, capable of rapid deployment and civil-military coordination in complex environments.
General Information
Tunisia
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~12.5 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~4.5 million
Geographic Area: 163,610 km²
Land Boundaries: 1,495 km
Bordering Countries: Algeria, Libya
Coastline: 1,148 km
Climate: Mediterranean in north; desert in south
Terrain: Mountains in northwest; central plains; southern desert
Natural Resources: Petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt, arable land
Proven Oil Reserves: ~400 million barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~2.9 trillion cubic feet
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$1.1 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~2.1%
GDP (PPP): ~$165 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$13,200
External Debt: ~$42 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Relatively stable; used for internal security and counterterrorism
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Mandatory for men (1 year)
Primary Defense Focus: Internal stability, counterterrorism, border control
Military Industry Base: Small-scale production of uniforms, ammunition, vehicle repairs
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Basic; defensive in nature
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided into Northern, Central, and Southern military zones
Missile Inventory Highlights: MANPADS, unguided rockets, limited guided munitions
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–45 days
Reservist Force Size: ~35,000
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Launched one CubeSat (Challenge One); no military space assets
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: National Intelligence Center (under Ministry of Interior)
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: U.S., Algeria, France, counterterrorism networks
Airports (Total): ~29
Major Military Airports: Tunis, Sfax, Gabès
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~20 vessels
Major Ports: Tunis, Sfax, Bizerte
Naval Infrastructure: Coastal patrol fleet, aging corvettes, limited logistics
Naval Replenishment Capability: Regional only
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~2,100 km
Roadways: ~20,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: ~38,000 barrels per day
Energy Imports: Moderate; net energy importer
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintains small government reserves
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Limited; uniforms, ammunition, light equipment
Military Installations (Domestic): Key bases in Tunis, Bizerte, Sfax
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Limited U.S. and NATO training elements
Defense Alliances: Non-aligned; participates in African Standby Force
Strategic Airlift Capability: Limited; uses C-130 and CASA aircraft
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Minimal
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: ETAP (oil), national cement and phosphate industries, textiles
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Tunis
Founding Date: March 20, 1956 (independence from France)
System of Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
