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

Overview

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 Still 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.