Bahamas Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 169th
MPR SCORE: 153
MPR Index: 0.0208 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9279 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.783 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

The Bahamas ranks 169th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. The country does not maintain a conventional military—there is no standing army, air force, or traditional navy. Instead, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) operates as a maritime-focused security service, responsible for coastal defense, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue, and disaster response across an expansive archipelagic zone.

Despite its non-offensive doctrine and limited strategic depth, the RBDF is the largest naval force among English-speaking Caribbean nations, designed to patrol and secure The Bahamas’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which spans over 100,000 square nautical miles. The country plays an important role in regional maritime security, particularly in partnership with the United States, CARICOM, and INTERPOL-coordinated anti-trafficking missions.

Military Strengths

Overview

The Bahamas' strengths lie in its maritime reach, interagency coordination, and disaster resilience across a fragmented island geography.

1. Maritime Enforcement and EEZ Patrol Dominance

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force operates patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and interceptors, securing its vast EEZ against drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and illegal fishing.
The RBDF’s base at Coral Harbour functions as the main operations hub for coastal interdiction and regional cooperation.

2. Strong Interagency and International Cooperation

Works closely with the Bahamas Department of Immigration, Customs, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force to carry out joint operations.
Maintains deep defense ties with the U.S. Southern Command, including training exchanges, equipment donations, and intelligence collaboration through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT).

3. Disaster Response and Crisis Logistics

The RBDF plays a central role in responding to hurricanes, storm surges, and post-disaster logistics, often being the first responder to outer island communities.
Operates rescue boats, emergency shelters, and helicopter support (in coordination with partners) for rapid evacuation and aid deployment.

4. Regional Security Leadership

Participates in CARICOM’s Regional Security System (RSS) framework, focusing on anti-trafficking, maritime surveillance, and law enforcement interoperability across the Caribbean basin.

Why The Bahamas Is Still Ranked 169th

No Conventional Land or Air Combat Capabilities
The Bahamas operates no ground army, no fighter aircraft, and no long-range strike capabilities. All defense roles are performed by a coast guard-style service.
Small Force Size and Budget Constraints
The RBDF comprises approximately 1,500–1,800 personnel, limiting sustained operations or simultaneous coverage of the country’s vast maritime domain.
No Strategic Deterrent or Warfighting Doctrine
The RBDF is explicitly non-offensive, with no intent or capability for expeditionary action, air defense, or power projection.
Heavy Dependence on Foreign Partners for High-End Capabilities
Advanced capabilities such as aerial surveillance, satellite tracking, and maritime domain awareness are provided through agreements with the United States, UK, and regional intelligence-sharing platforms.

Conclusion

The Bahamas maintains a highly specialized maritime defense force optimized for island sovereignty, coastal enforcement, and civil protection. While lacking a traditional military structure, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force plays a vital role in Caribbean maritime security, counter-trafficking, and disaster response. Its MPR score reflects limited conventional capacity, but recognizes its strategic effectiveness in safeguarding national territory across one of the largest EEZs in the Western Hemisphere.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: 1,500
Reserve Personnel: 300
Paramilitary Forces: 500 (Police Tactical Units and Defense Reserves)
Army Personnel: 0 (no standing army)
Navy Personnel (RBDF): 1,500
Air Wing Personnel: 50

Ground Forces

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 0
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 5+ (light vehicles)
Artillery Pieces (Towed & Self-Propelled): 0
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 0

Air Wing

Combat Aircraft: 0
Attack Helicopters: 0
Transport Aircraft: 2+
Surveillance Aircraft: 2+

Aircraft Breakdown:

Fixed-wing surveillance and utility aircraft used for maritime patrol
No combat air capacity

Naval Forces

Warships: 11+
Submarines: 0
Frigates/Corvettes: 0
Patrol Boats and Support Vessels: 11+

Naval Vessel Breakdown:

Legend-class OPVs and Damen Stan Patrol vessels
Coastal and offshore patrol craft with U.S. and UK training support
Mission focus: Anti-poaching, anti-drug, migration control, and SAR

Missile Capabilities

The Bahamas does not possess any missile systems or guided munitions. Maritime enforcement is based on radar surveillance, patrols, and small arms capability.

Strategic Partnerships

The Bahamas maintains close defense ties with the United States, United Kingdom, and CARICOM partners. It receives assistance from USSOUTHCOM and participates in joint maritime security initiatives, especially in counter-narcotics and humanitarian relief. The RBDF is fully civilian-controlled and often cooperates with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Military History & Combat Experience

The Bahamas has no history of interstate warfare or foreign combat deployments. Its defense history is rooted in post-colonial naval development, coast guard evolution, and civil defense.

Transition from British Rule and RBDF Formation (1973–1980):
Following independence from the United Kingdom in 1973, The Bahamas formed the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in 1980 to assume national defense responsibilities, with a focus on maritime sovereignty and border protection.
Anti-Smuggling and Drug Interdiction Operations (1980s–Present):
With its strategic location between South America and the U.S., The Bahamas became a key trafficking corridor during the 1980s. The RBDF began joint operations with U.S. law enforcement under OPBAT, leading counter-narcotics raids, interceptions, and coastal surveillance missions.
Disaster Relief and Domestic Response Missions:
The RBDF is the country’s primary responder during natural disasters, particularly hurricanes like Dorian (2019) and Matthew (2016). It conducts search and rescue, logistics delivery, and emergency shelter support, reinforcing its role as both a military and civil crisis institution.
International Exercises and Cooperation:
The RBDF participates in Exercise Tradewinds, Maritime Security Dialogues, and regional workshops aimed at strengthening interagency and multinational interoperability. It trains with the U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Navy, and CARICOM partners to expand capabilities.

While The Bahamas has never engaged in warfare, its defense force is battle-tested in crisis response, anti-trafficking operations, and strategic maritime stewardship, reflecting a modern national defense identity built on civil protection, international cooperation, and territorial sovereignty at sea.

General Information

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~410,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~180,000
Geographic Area: 13,943 km² (comprising over 700 islands)
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 3,542 km
Climate: Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of the Gulf Stream
Terrain: Low and flat with some low hills; limestone foundation
Natural Resources: Salt, aragonite, timber, arable land, fisheries
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$70 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.0%
GDP (PPP): ~$15 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$36,000
External Debt: ~$9.5 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Stable, with a focus on maritime enforcement and disaster response

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Maritime surveillance, anti-narcotics operations, disaster relief
Military Industry Base: None
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Minimal
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) headquartered at Coral Harbour
Missile Inventory Highlights: None; patrol vessel-mounted light weapons only
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~1,200

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Intelligence Section of RBDF; supported by national security units
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: United States, UK, CARICOM regional intelligence coordination
Airports (Total): ~60 (including airstrips and private islands)
Major Military Airports: Lynden Pindling International Airport (dual-use with military air operations)

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

Merchant Marine Fleet: Moderate-sized (includes flag of convenience vessels)
Major Ports: Nassau, Freeport
Naval Infrastructure: Patrol craft, landing craft, and intercept vessels operated by RBDF
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moderate; coastal and harbor-based refueling

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~2,700 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): Coral Harbour Base, Matthew Town, Freeport
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: U.S. training and maritime security support (periodic)
Defense Alliances: Bilateral security agreements with the U.S.; member of the Regional Security System (RSS)
Strategic Airlift Capability: None
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Very low