Western Sahara
Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 157th
MPR SCORE: 175
MPR Index: 0.0320 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9173 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.725 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Western Sahara ranks 157th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. Officially classified by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory, Western Sahara is claimed and largely administered by Morocco, which maintains a massive military presence in the region. Opposing Moroccan control is the Polisario Front, which represents the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)—a government-in-exile that claims sovereignty over the territory and operates an armed wing known as the Sahrawi People's Liberation Army (SPLA).
Although the SADR has no recognized standing army, the SPLA operates in asymmetric warfare capacity, conducting guerrilla attacks and ambushes along the Moroccan-built “Berm” defensive wall, which bisects the territory. Morocco has constructed heavily fortified zones, complete with radar systems, minefields, and forward bases, manned by tens of thousands of troops. The ongoing conflict remains frozen yet unresolved, with rising military tension since 2020, following the collapse of the long-standing ceasefire.
Military Strengths
Overview
Western Sahara’s military relevance lies in its ongoing insurgency, geostrategic position, and the high concentration of foreign military infrastructure, particularly Moroccan.
1. Moroccan Military Fortification of the Region
Morocco stations up to 100,000 troops in Western Sahara, maintaining garrisoned bases, airfields, and reconnaissance posts throughout the region.
The Berm, a 2,700-km-long defensive wall, divides Moroccan-controlled areas from SADR-administered “Free Zones”, creating a militarized buffer.
2. Guerrilla Warfare by the Sahrawi People's Liberation Army (SPLA)
The SPLA operates in light, mobile units, conducting ambushes, mortar strikes, and IED attacks against Moroccan military targets.
SPLA tactics are rooted in desert warfare experience gained during the 1975–1991 conflict.
3. External Support and Diplomatic Recognition
While not equipped with heavy weaponry, the SADR is recognized by over 40 UN member states and is a member of the African Union, providing political legitimacy to the Polisario’s armed resistance.
Historical support has come from Algeria, which provides logistical, diplomatic, and limited training assistance.
4. Strategic Location in Northwest Africa
Western Sahara borders Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria, near key trans-Sahel corridors, migration routes, and resource basins, raising its importance for regional security calculations.
Why Western Sahara Is Still Ranked 157th
No Sovereign Control Over Most Territory
The Polisario Front controls only a small portion of the territory east of the Berm, while Morocco governs the majority, including all major cities and infrastructure.No Conventional Army or Strategic Capabilities
The SPLA lacks tanks, airpower, artillery, and command infrastructure for conventional warfare. It functions more as a resistance force than a formal military.Dependent on Asymmetric and Symbolic Warfare
Most military actions are low-casualty, low-frequency, and oriented toward political signaling, not battlefield victories.Military Capacity Tied to Moroccan and Algerian Posture
Western Sahara’s strategic environment is shaped by the Morocco-Algeria rivalry, making it a proxy zone for regional tensions, rather than an autonomous military power.
Conclusion
Western Sahara is one of the most militarized and politically contested regions in Africa, with a conflict defined by occupation, resistance, and strategic denial. The Polisario Front’s SPLA continues a low-intensity guerrilla campaign, while Morocco maintains overwhelming military dominance over the territory. Its MPR ranking reflects the absence of a conventional force, but acknowledges the ongoing asymmetric conflict, the high troop density, and the territory’s role in regional geopolitical tensions between Morocco, Algeria, and broader Sahelian security dynamics.
Military Strength and Force Projection
(Estimates reflect Polisario-controlled forces in exile and active guerrilla operations)
SPLA Active Fighters: 6,000–8,000
Reserve Fighters/Militias: 4,000+
Paramilitary Forces: Irregular tribal units, militia support
External Support: Algeria (training, arms, sanctuary)
Ground Forces (SPLA estimates)
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 30+ (T-55 and older Soviet stock)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 100+ (mostly light armored cars)
Artillery Pieces (Towed): 60+
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 20+
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 0
Attack Helicopters: 0
Transport Aircraft: 0
Training Aircraft: 0
Polisario has no air force. Moroccan air supremacy in the region is absolute. The SPLA relies entirely on ground mobility and small-unit tactics in desert terrain.
Naval Forces
Warships: 0
Submarines: 0
Frigates/Corvettes: 0
Patrol Boats: 0
Western Sahara is a coastal territory, but no functional naval force exists for SADR or Polisario. Morocco controls all coastal infrastructure and naval operations in the region.
Missile Capabilities
Polisario forces reportedly possess unguided rockets, mortars, and some older MANPADS, but no advanced missile systems. Moroccan forces deploy radars, drones, and precision strike assets to monitor and suppress Polisario activities.
Strategic Context
De jure: Recognized by some UN states as SADR
De facto: Mostly controlled by Morocco (80% of territory)
Polisario Front: Operates from Tindouf (Algeria) and contested zones east of the Berm
UN Presence: MINURSO (UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)
Strategic Partnerships
Polisario’s key ally: Algeria (arms, training, logistics)
Morocco’s control: Supported by Western allies (e.g., U.S., France), major military investment in wall and defense infrastructure
SADR Diplomacy: Recognized by 40+ countries historically, now fewer than 20
Military History & Combat Experience
Western Sahara’s military history is marked by a decades-long insurgency, foreign occupation, and an unresolved war of independence, making it one of the world’s longest-standing frozen conflicts.
Western Sahara War (1975–1991):
Following Spain’s withdrawal, the Polisario Front declared independence, triggering war with Morocco and initially Mauritania. The SPLA conducted desert raids, mobile ambushes, and hit-and-run attacks, while Morocco responded with massive troop deployments, airstrikes, and the construction of the Berm.
The conflict ended in 1991 with a UN-brokered ceasefire, but no referendum on independence ever occurred, leading to an unresolved political situation.Post-Ceasefire Stalemate (1991–2020):
For nearly three decades, both sides maintained positions along the Berm. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) monitored the truce, but little progress was made on a political solution. The SPLA trained in exile and retained command structure but suspended operations.Ceasefire Collapse and Resumed Fighting (2020–Present):
In November 2020, after Moroccan forces crossed into the Guerguerat buffer zone, the Polisario declared the ceasefire null, and resumed armed operations. Since then, the SPLA has claimed intermittent attacks on Moroccan outposts, while Morocco continues patrols, air surveillance, and military exercises in the region.Moroccan Militarization and Border Tensions:
Morocco has significantly expanded its military footprint in the territory, upgrading radar systems, conducting air-to-ground exercises, and using drone surveillance, particularly along the Berm and near Algerian border crossings.
While Western Sahara lacks a conventional army, it remains an active combat zone where guerrilla warfare, proxy confrontation, and symbolic military engagements continue to define the region’s strategic significance.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~650,000 (2024 est., including areas under Moroccan and SADR control)
Population Available for Military Service: ~220,000
Geographic Area: 266,000 km²
Land Boundaries: 2,046 km
Bordering Countries: Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco
Coastline: 1,110 km (Atlantic Ocean)
Climate: Desert; hot, dry, and windy
Terrain: Mostly low, flat desert with some rocky and dune-covered areas
Natural Resources: Phosphates, iron ore, fish, possibly offshore oil
Proven Oil Reserves: Unconfirmed offshore potential; disputed claims
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): Not applicable (administered separately by Morocco and SADR)
Defense Budget as % of GDP: Not applicable
GDP (PPP): No reliable independent estimate (Morocco includes area in national stats)
GDP per Capita (PPP): Unknown due to territorial and administrative divisions
External Debt: Unknown
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Increased SADR military activity and Moroccan fortification
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: SADR mandates military training; Moroccan control uses national conscription
Primary Defense Focus: Guerilla warfare (SADR), border defense and containment (Morocco)
Military Industry Base: None
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Minimal
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear)
Major Military Districts / Commands: SADR military zones (liberated areas); Moroccan Southern Command (occupied zone)
Missile Inventory Highlights: SADR utilizes light artillery, MANPADS, and guerrilla tactics; Morocco deploys drones and surveillance tech
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: SADR maintains high readiness; Morocco integrates region into national mobilization plan
Reservist Force Size: ~10,000 SADR-aligned fighters
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None; Morocco relies on French-supplied satellite capabilities
Intelligence Infrastructure: SADR operates intelligence under the Polisario Front; Morocco employs Gendarmerie and external intelligence (DGED)
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: Algeria (for SADR); France, U.S. (for Morocco)
Airports (Total): ~4 functional in Moroccan-administered areas
Major Military Airports: Laayoune Hassan I Airport (Moroccan control)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: None (SADR); integrated with Moroccan registry in Moroccan-controlled ports
Major Ports: Dakhla, Laayoune (both under Moroccan control)
Naval Infrastructure: None under SADR; Moroccan naval patrol presence
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moroccan-controlled coastal supply bases
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~6,200 km (mostly unpaved in SADR-held zones)
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Fully dependent on Morocco and Algeria (depending on zone)
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Minimal to nonexistent
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): SADR camps near Tindouf (Algeria); Moroccan bases in Laayoune, Dakhla
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Alleged Algerian support in SADR camps
Defense Alliances: SADR supported by Algeria and some African Union states; Morocco aligned with Western defense partners
Strategic Airlift Capability: None for SADR; Morocco has C-130 transport capabilities
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Extremely low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: None
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Phosphate mining (occupied zone), basic agriculture in SADR camps
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Laayoune (claimed by both); Tifariti (SADR provisional capital)
Founding Date: February 27, 1976 (SADR declaration of independence)
System of Government: SADR: One-party provisional government-in-exile; Moroccan-controlled area governed as Southern Provinces under monarchy
