Military power is normally gauged by resources, technology, and geopolitical interests. While other nations spend a fortune on their military, others are confronted by, for instance, limited funds, outdated technology, or logistical issues. In 2025, some militaries lag in international rankings due to these factors. This article examines the world’s 10 weakest militaries, the reasons why they rank low, with major takeaways.
1. Bhutan
Bhutan’s armed forces remain one of the weakest due to their small numbers and low budget. With only 8,000 active personnel, the Royal Bhutan Army is not able to maintain broad operations. Furthermore, they’re in $2.75 billion of external debt. As a landlocked nation, it lacks a navy, and its air force capabilities are essentially non-existent.
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2. Kosovo
The Security Force of Kosovo is extremely young as it was formed only in 2008. Therefore, the force is still under development, and it has only 6,500 troops and 10,000 active military personnel. Also, the state is short of air and naval forces. Currently, Kosovo has $2 billion in external debt, which further undermines its military strength.
3. Somalia
Although it boasts 17,500 active troops, Somalia is beset with outdated military equipment and meager resources. Somalia has 52 airports, 2 ports, and 4 merchant fleets as well as 5 $billion in external debt. Additionally, the lack of air forces and poor naval capabilities would impair its ability to address internal and external security matters.
4. Liberia
Liberia’s armed forces consist of only 2,000 active personnel plus 5,000 paramilitary personnel, and Liberia falls short for reserve forces. Liberia only has 29 airports, 2 ports, and 3,492 merchant fleets with limited power and minimal naval availability, also $830 million external debt. Liberia depends on foreign assistance to protect itself.
5. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s military has numerous problems, including poor equipment and infrastructure. They have 8 airports, 3 ports, and 591 merchant fleets. It has 13,000 active personnel and cannot effectively defend its borders, particularly due to the lack of current training proposals.
6. Suriname
Suriname’s National Army is tiny and underfunded, with very little modern hardware. Currently, it has only 2,200 active personnel. The nation also has no air force and must rely on primitive naval vessels, though they have 3 helicopters, 660 armored land vehicles, and 17 Naval assets, making it one of the least effective militaries in the world.
7. Central African Republic
The Central African Republic’s military is harassed by internal strife and a lack of resources. Although it has a total of some 10,000 active soldiers, the country lacks the modern weaponry and training it requires to adequately defend itself.
8. North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s military suffers from the issue of limited funds and aging equipment. Although they are in external debt of $12.7 billion. As a member of NATO, the country’s defense potential remains deficient, with approximately 8,000 troops available for use.
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9. Montenegro
Montenegro’s armed forces are in poor shape, with only 12,000 troops and also external debt of $8.7 billion. Additionally, the nation relies heavily on NATO for defense. Inadequate air and sea capabilities make it difficult for Montenegro to protect itself independently.
10. Panama
Panama stands apart from all other countries because it does not acquire a traditional army. It counts on the Panamanian Public Forces for security at its borders and as the police. Panama has 76 airports, 12 ports, and 8,175 merchant fleets, and its external debt is 101 billion USD. Thus, it is vulnerable to massive military incursions, since the forces cannot execute combat maneuvers.
Factors Contributing to Weakness
Though each nation has its own unusual issues, there are certain aspects that are universal in weaker armies. For instance, a tight budget does not allow them to invest in sophisticated technology or proper training programs. Also, geopolitical landscapes cause them to rely more on diplomacy, which again depletes their defense resources.
Conclusion
In short, the weaker militaries of 2025 suggest international military power imbalances. While their positions suggest a lack of resources or defense strategic priority, they also suggest the significance of regional alliances and international partnerships. For most of these countries, investment in development and diplomacy is more important than investment in military power. Finally, an appreciation of the dynamics of these weaker militaries is a good way to appreciate international security and defense policy.
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FAQs
Q.1: How is an army deemed “weak”?
A: Armies are weak because of factors like old equipment, minimal training, minimal staff, and the absence of technological capabilities.
Q.2: Why isn’t there a traditional army in Panama?
A: Panama dissolved its conventional military in 1994 and instead used public forces to maintain security and law enforcement.
Q.3: How does NATO help weaker member states?
A: NATO offers collective defense to member nations, ensuring protection through pooled resources and policies.
Q.4: Are the rankings adjustable?
A: Yes, rankings can improve as they are dynamic and change with greater investment in equipment, infrastructure, and training.
Q.5: Are less powerful armies necessarily at a disadvantage?
A: Not always. Some countries prefer regional cooperation and diplomacy and lessen their dependence on military power.
