Tuvalu Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 202
MPR SCORE: 111
MPR Index: 0.0001 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9475 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.892 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Tuvalu ranks 202nd in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. As one of the smallest and most remote island nations in the world, Tuvalu does not maintain a standing military. Instead, national security responsibilities fall to the Tuvalu Police Force, which includes a Maritime Surveillance Unit responsible for EEZ protection, law enforcement, and disaster response coordination. Tuvalu’s external defense is provided through international partnerships, particularly with Australia and New Zealand, under regional security arrangements. Its national defense strategy is shaped by climate vulnerability, diplomatic engagement, and maritime resource protection, not traditional military development.
Strengths
1. Defense and Security Support from Australia and New Zealand
Tuvalu relies heavily on Australia and New Zealand for defense assistance, including the provision of maritime patrol vessels, surveillance, and capacity-building support under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.
2. Focused Maritime Enforcement Structure
The Maritime Surveillance Unit operates a Guardian-class patrol boat, conducting regular EEZ patrols, anti-poaching operations, and interdictions of illegal fishing vessels.
3. Stability and Strong Regional Diplomacy
Tuvalu enjoys domestic political stability, low crime rates, and a firm diplomatic commitment to non-alignment, giving it a low-threat security profile and high regional trust.
4. Emphasis on Civil Resilience and Disaster Readiness
Due to its extreme vulnerability to sea-level rise and natural disasters, Tuvalu has prioritized disaster preparedness, community resilience, and international aid coordination, with its internal forces trained for rapid emergency mobilization.
Why Tuvalu Is Ranked 202nd
No Military Force or Combat Capability: Tuvalu does not operate any army, navy, or air force, nor does it possess any military-grade infrastructure or personnel capable of conventional defense.
No Strategic Deterrence Assets: The country lacks weapons systems, air defenses, or combat mobility, and cannot defend itself independently from external threats.
Heavy Reliance on External Actors: All high-level defense support comes from Australia, New Zealand, and other regional partners, meaning Tuvalu has no sovereign warfighting ability or strategic autonomy.
Minimal Operational Scope: The Tuvalu Police Force, while disciplined and effective, is small in number and focused entirely on law enforcement, coastal monitoring, and disaster response, not combat readiness.
Conclusion
Tuvalu’s ranking of 142nd reflects its complete demilitarization, external defense dependency, and domestic focus on climate security, maritime resource protection, and disaster relief coordination. While it has no military force of its own, Tuvalu plays an important role in regional stability through its maritime stewardship, diplomatic reliability, and civil security infrastructure. Its national security rests on trust-based regional integration, not conventional force projection.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: None (defense provided by international partners)
Reserve Personnel: None
Paramilitary Forces: 100 (Police and Maritime Surveillance Unit)
Army Personnel: None
Navy Personnel (Maritime Surveillance Unit): 50
Air Force Personnel: None
Ground Forces
Tuvalu does not maintain a standing army. Internal security and law enforcement are the responsibility of the police force, which also assists in managing maritime security.
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): None
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): None
Air Wing
Tuvalu has no air force, and aerial patrol and defense are conducted by partner nations, primarily Australia and New Zealand.
Naval Forces (Maritime Surveillance Unit)
The Maritime Surveillance Unit operates a small number of patrol boats to safeguard the nation's vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and protect against illegal fishing and smuggling.
Patrol Boats: 1
Missile Capabilities
Tuvalu does not have missile capabilities, relying on regional defense cooperation and international agreements to ensure its security.
Strategic Partnerships
Tuvalu’s defense is provided through partnerships with countries such as Australia and New Zealand, as well as through regional security frameworks like the Pacific Islands Forum. These alliances ensure that Tuvalu is protected from external threats, although the nation focuses primarily on environmental and maritime challenges.
Military History & Combat Experience
Tuvalu has no military history and has never engaged in warfare. Its national security operations are limited to domestic law enforcement, maritime patrols, and civil disaster response, supported by foreign security partnerships.
Post-Independence Security Structure (Since 1978)
After gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1978, Tuvalu chose not to establish a military, instead creating the Tuvalu Police Force, which has jurisdiction over all law enforcement and internal security responsibilities.Maritime Surveillance and EEZ Enforcement (Ongoing)
Tuvalu’s Maritime Surveillance Unit operates a Guardian-class patrol vessel provided by Australia, allowing the country to patrol its vast EEZ, conduct anti-illegal fishing operations, and assert limited sovereignty over marine resources. These patrols are often coordinated with the Forum Fisheries Agency and U.S. Coast Guard under Pacific surveillance initiatives.Disaster Response and Civil Protection Deployments
Tuvalu’s forces have been mobilized during cyclones, tidal surges, and drought emergencies, playing a lead role in evacuation, infrastructure repair, and aid distribution. These operations have helped develop practical skills in emergency logistics, public safety, and multilateral coordination.Participation in Regional Policing Initiatives
Tuvalu sends personnel to Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police programs and collaborates with Australia’s AFP, New Zealand Police, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for training in community policing, border management, and crisis planning.No Combat or Military Engagement Record
Tuvalu has never participated in international conflict, peacekeeping, or war-related missions. Its constitution and governance model reinforce its non-militarized, climate-focused, and cooperative defense posture.
Tuvalu’s defense identity is rooted in civil responsibility, regional trust, and external alliance frameworks. Though unable to project or sustain military force, its internal forces are operationally relevant in the domains of disaster response, maritime policing, and humanitarian coordination, aligned with its role as a vulnerable but diplomatically proactive Pacific state.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~11,500 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~4,500
Geographic Area: 26 km² (comprising 9 low-lying atolls and reef islands)
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 24 km
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid with monsoon rains and frequent cyclones
Terrain: Low-lying coral atolls, maximum elevation under 5 meters
Natural Resources: Fish, copra, marine biodiversity
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$5 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.6%
GDP (PPP): ~$300 million USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$25,000
External Debt: ~$60 million USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Stable; focused on maritime enforcement and disaster relief
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: No standing military; security provided by Tuvalu Police Force and Maritime Surveillance Unit
Primary Defense Focus: Internal policing, EEZ monitoring, climate disaster preparedness
Military Industry Base: None
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: None
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Tuvalu Police Force under Ministry of Justice and Communications
Missile Inventory Highlights: None
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Not applicable
Reservist Force Size: N/A
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Limited domestic capability; basic immigration and customs intelligence
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands Forum
Airports (Total): 1 major (Funafuti International) and several airstrips
Major Military Airports: Funafuti International Airport (dual-use in emergencies)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: Very small
Major Ports: Funafuti
Naval Infrastructure: Maritime police operate patrol boats donated by Australia
Naval Replenishment Capability: Minimal coastal support only
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~50 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Fully reliant on imported petroleum products
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Minimal
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Funafuti police HQ and maritime unit base
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Periodic training and support from Australia and New Zealand
Defense Alliances: Bilateral security ties with Australia; Pacific Islands Forum member
Strategic Airlift Capability: None
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Extremely low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: None
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Fisheries, public utilities, local transport
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Funafuti
Founding Date: October 1, 1978 (independence from the UK)
System of Government: Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
