World Factbook
Fiji
Republic of Fiji (English)/ Matanitu ko Viti (Fijian)
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Military - note
the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) are responsible for external security but can be assigned some domestic security responsibilities in specific circumstances; the RFMF has a history of intervening in the country’s politics, and it continues to have significant political power; it also has a tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations, which have offered experience and a source of financial support; Fiji has sent troops on nearly 20 such missions since first deploying personnel to South Lebanon in 1978 Fiji has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Fiji's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
Military deployments
170 Egypt (MFO); 160 Iraq (UNAMI); 150 Golan Heights (UNDOF) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
1.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
1.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): Land Force, Republic of Fiji Navy (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (2026)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the RFMF is lightly armed and equipped; Australia has provided patrol boats and a few armored personnel carriers; it also provides logistical support for RFMF regional or UN operations; in recent years, China and the US have provided small amounts of equipment (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 4,000 active Republic of Fiji Military Forces (2025)