Barbados Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 164th
MPR SCORE: 157
MPR Index: 0.0228 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9260 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.773 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Barbados ranks 164th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) is a small, professional force dedicated to internal security, disaster response, and coastal patrols. As an island nation with no external military threats, the BDF focuses on supporting civil authorities, humanitarian operations, and law enforcement coordination.
Barbados plays a key role in regional defense through the Regional Security System (RSS), a multilateral security alliance among Eastern Caribbean states. The BDF contributes to regional disaster relief, search and rescue missions, and counter-narcotics operations, with strong partnerships with the United States, Canada, and CARICOM.
Military Strengths
Barbados’ military strength lies in its internal stability role, disaster readiness, and regional defense collaboration.
1. Strong Regional Security Integration
The BDF is a founding member of the Regional Security System (RSS), participating in joint training, rapid deployment, and inter-island law enforcement support.
RSS operations involve crisis response, counter-drug efforts, and internal security stabilization across the Eastern Caribbean.
2. Disaster Response and Humanitarian Operations
The BDF Engineering Corps and Coast Guard play central roles in hurricane relief, flood mitigation, and infrastructure repair following regional disasters.
Deployed in the aftermath of crises in St. Vincent, Dominica, and Bahamas, under both RSS and bilateral aid frameworks.
3. Coast Guard and Maritime Security Patrols
The Barbados Coast Guard conducts exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrols, enforces anti-smuggling laws, and supports search and rescue (SAR).
Operates interceptor boats and patrol vessels, with cooperation from US SOUTHCOM, Canada, and the UK.
4. Interagency Support for National Security
The BDF augments the Royal Barbados Police Force in high-risk operations, providing logistics, tactical units, and crowd control capabilities.
Plays a visible role during national emergencies and state ceremonial functions.
Why Barbados Is Ranked 164th
No Combat Air, Armor, or Heavy Equipment
The BDF operates no tanks, combat aircraft, or artillery systems, relying on light infantry weapons, patrol boats, and non-lethal support equipment.Small Active Force and Minimal Expansion Capacity
The military maintains under 1,000 active personnel, limiting operational reach, reserve capacity, and independent sustainability.No Strategic or Deterrent Capabilities
The BDF is designed for domestic assistance and regional cooperation, not force projection, strategic deterrence, or full-spectrum combat.Dependent on Foreign Support for Advanced Capabilities
Barbados relies on donor states and international partners for advanced training, equipment, and intelligence sharing.
Conclusion
Barbados maintains a disciplined and well-integrated defense force, optimized for humanitarian missions, domestic security, and multilateral regional response. The Barbados Defence Force, though small, plays a meaningful role in disaster resilience, coastal enforcement, and Caribbean stability through the RSS framework. Its MPR ranking reflects its low force size and absence of conventional combat capabilities, balanced by its strategic effectiveness in civil and regional operations.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 900 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 200
Paramilitary Forces: 300 (Coast Guard, Police Tactical Units)
Army Personnel: 700
Navy Personnel: 150
Air Force Personnel: 50
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 10+ (lightly armored vehicles)
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): None
Air Force
Barbados does not operate an official air force, but the Barbados Defence Force has a small aviation wing primarily for logistics and maritime patrol.
Helicopters: 2
Transport Aircraft: 2
Naval Forces
Barbados maintains a small naval presence through the Barbados Coast Guard. Their primary function is to patrol Barbados’ territorial waters, combat illegal fishing, and support search and rescue operations.
Patrol Boats: 4
Fast Attack Craft: None
Missile Capabilities
Barbados does not possess advanced missile systems or nuclear capabilities. The country's defense strategy is focused on conventional security and humanitarian operations, with no capacity for projecting power beyond its borders.
Strategic Partnerships
Barbados is a founding member of the Regional Security System (RSS), a security agreement that fosters collaboration between Eastern Caribbean nations in areas such as disaster response, search and rescue, and combating transnational crime. The country also has defense ties with the United Kingdom and the United States, receiving training and logistical support. Barbados is a key player in regional security through its contributions to the RSS.
Military History & Combat Experience
Barbados has no record of conventional warfare or external conflict. Its military history is centered on regional cooperation, domestic response, and law enforcement support.
Formation of the Barbados Defence Force (1979):
Established to assume national security responsibilities after independence, the BDF was tasked with assisting civil authorities, coastal security, and emergency preparedness. Initial training was supported by the UK and Canada.Participation in the RSS and Grenada Intervention (1983):
The BDF supported the U.S.-led intervention in Grenada under the Regional Security System, marking its first exposure to joint operational deployment. Though limited in size, Barbados played a critical logistics and rear-support role in restoring order.Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Engagements:
The BDF has provided post-disaster assistance to neighboring islands affected by hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and pandemics. Engineering teams, medical detachments, and search and rescue units have been deployed in Dominica, St. Vincent, and Bahamas under RSS or bilateral agreements.Counter-Narcotics and Maritime Interdiction (2000s–Present):
With rising transshipment activity through the Caribbean, the BDF Coast Guard has worked with US SOUTHCOM, UK Royal Navy, and Canadian Forces on drug interdiction, illegal fishing patrols, and port security operations.
While Barbados has never engaged in direct combat, the BDF’s operational experience in interagency missions, crisis deployments, and regional partnerships make it one of the more effective micro-state forces in the Caribbean.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
• Population: ~281,000 (2024 est.)
• Population Available for Military Service: ~120,000
• Geographic Area: 430 km²
• Land Boundaries: None
• Bordering Countries: None
• Coastline: 97 km (Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea)
• Climate: Tropical; wet season June–November, dry season December–May
• Terrain: Low-lying limestone plateau with gently rolling hills
• Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, arable land
• Proven Oil Reserves: Small offshore potential, undeveloped
• Proven Natural Gas Reserves: Small offshore deposits, limited exploitation
Economic Indicators
• Defense Budget (2025): ~$15 million USD
• Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~0.7%
• GDP (PPP): ~$5.4 billion USD
• GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$19,200
• External Debt: ~$3.2 billion USD
• Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Stable, minor increases tied to regional security cooperation
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
• Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
• Primary Defense Focus: Maritime security, disaster response, regional peacekeeping
• Military Industry Base: Minimal; maintenance and local provisioning only
• Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Very limited
• Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
• Major Military Districts / Commands: Barbados Defense Force centralized command
• Missile Inventory Highlights: Small arms, man-portable air-defense systems (limited)
• Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Low; ~60–90 days
• Reservist Force Size: ~500
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
• Space or Satellite Programs: None
• Military Satellite Inventory: None
• Intelligence Infrastructure: Internal security and coast guard intelligence unit
• Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: CARICOM, UK, regional maritime partners
• Airports (Total): 1 international airport, several helipads
• Major Military Airports: Grantley Adams International Airport (dual-use)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
• Merchant Marine Fleet: Small
• Major Ports: Bridgetown
• Naval Infrastructure: Small coast guard fleet for EEZ patrol and interdiction
• Naval Replenishment Capability: Very limited
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
• Railway Network: None
• Roadways: ~1,600 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
• Oil Production: Minimal
• Energy Imports: High reliance on imports; some renewable energy use
• Strategic Petroleum Reserves: None
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None
• Military Installations (Domestic): St. Ann’s Fort (BDF HQ), Paragon Base
• Military Installations (Overseas): None
• Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Occasional UK or US training teams
• Defense Alliances: Regional Security System (RSS), CARICOM, bilateral ties with UK and US
• Strategic Airlift Capability: None (relies on partners)
• Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: None
Political and Administrative Structure
• Capital: Bridgetown
• Founding Date: November 30, 1966 (independence from the UK)
• System of Government: Parliamentary republic
