Belize Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 166th
MPR SCORE: 156
MPR Index: 0.0227 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9261 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.774 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

Belize ranks 166th in the 2024 Military Power Rankings. The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is a light, professional military responsible for national defense, border security, and internal law enforcement support. Though small in size and resource-constrained, the BDF plays a crucial role in territorial surveillance, anti-narcotics operations, and disaster response. The force is also central to the defense of Belize’s sovereignty, particularly in the context of ongoing border tensions with Guatemala.

Belize maintains long-standing military partnerships with the United Kingdom, United States, and regional security networks, receiving training, logistical support, and surveillance equipment to counter narco-trafficking, illegal migration, and rural criminality.

Military Strengths

Overview

Belize’s strengths lie in its border control operations, interagency coordination, and foreign-assisted military professionalism.

1. Strong U.S. and U.K. Security Partnerships

The British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) provides infantry and jungle warfare training, a legacy of the UK’s historic military presence in Belize.
The U.S. Southern Command and DEA support counter-narcotics programs, including radar systems, riverine patrol equipment, and joint task forces.

2. Effective Jungle and Border Patrol Units

The BDF is trained for light infantry operations in Belize’s dense jungle regions and along its western border with Guatemala, which has seen periodic tensions and incursions.
Maintains forward operating bases, motorized patrols, and rural response teams focused on illegal logging, arms smuggling, and territorial integrity.

3. Domestic Stability and Disaster Response

The BDF works closely with the Belize Police Department to respond to gang violence, civil unrest, and disaster evacuation during hurricanes and flooding.
Engineering units and air wing detachments assist in rescue, road clearance, and logistics distribution across the interior.

4. Regional Military Integration

Belize participates in CARICOM security dialogues, Tradewinds exercises, and joint maritime patrols, particularly in support of coastal interdiction and search and rescue (SAR).

Why Belize Is Still Ranked 166th

Very Small Force Size and Minimal Heavy Equipment
The BDF includes fewer than 2,000 personnel, and operates without tanks, artillery, or armor, relying on light infantry vehicles and small arms.
No Air Combat or Naval Warfare Capability
The BDF Air Wing operates only utility aircraft and helicopters, and the Belize Coast Guard maintains interceptor boats but no blue-water vessels or missile-capable platforms.
Limited Strategic or Deterrent Capacity
Belize lacks long-range strike, air defense, and offensive doctrine, and cannot project power outside its own borders.
Heavy Dependence on Foreign Support
Much of the BDF’s operational readiness relies on U.S. and U.K. support, including training rotations, intelligence, and equipment donations.

Conclusion

Belize’s military is a functional internal security and border protection force, optimized for jungle operations, disaster response, and counter-narcotics support. While it has no combat aviation, armor, or external power projection, the Belize Defence Force remains essential to national sovereignty, public safety, and multilateral regional cooperation. Its MPR score reflects its limited conventional capacity, but also its effectiveness in civil defense and transnational threat deterrence through international partnerships.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: 1,500 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 700
Paramilitary Forces: 1,000 (Belize Coast Guard, Police Tactical Units)
Army Personnel: 1,000
Navy Personnel: 300
Air Wing Personnel: 200

Ground Forces

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 15+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 10+

Air Wing

Belize does not operate a formal air force but maintains a small air wing for surveillance, transport, and search and rescue operations.

Helicopters: 3
Transport Aircraft: 3

Aircraft Breakdown:

UH-1 Iroquois Helicopters: 2
Cessna 208 Caravan: 1 (surveillance)

Naval Forces

The Belize Coast Guard focuses on protecting Belize’s territorial waters, countering illegal fishing, and preventing drug trafficking. Though relatively small, the Coast Guard plays a vital role in securing Belize’s maritime borders.

Patrol Boats: 6
Fast Attack Craft: None

Missile Capabilities

Belize does not possess advanced missile systems or nuclear capabilities. The country’s defense strategy is focused on internal and regional security, with no capability for projecting military power outside its immediate region.

Strategic Partnerships

Belize has strong defense relationships with the United Kingdom and the United States, receiving significant support in the form of military aid, training, and equipment. The country is also a member of the Regional Security System (RSS), which facilitates regional cooperation in security and disaster response efforts. Belize participates in joint military exercises with its regional partners, particularly in the Caribbean.

Military History & Combat Experience

Belize’s military experience is defined by its transition from colonial defense, border tensions with Guatemala, and internal security operations, not by conventional warfare or foreign deployment.

British Military Presence and Formation of BDF (Pre-1981):
Prior to independence, British forces maintained a permanent garrison in Belize to deter Guatemalan territorial claims. Following independence in 1981, the Belize Defence Force was formally established, with continuing British training and strategic oversight under BATSUB.
Guatemalan Border Tensions (1980s–Present):
Though no direct war has occurred, tensions with Guatemala over claims to more than half of Belizean territory have led to frequent border incidents, including armed incursions, civilian confrontations, and diplomatic standoffs.
The BDF maintains permanent outposts and conducts patrol operations in Cayo District, Chiquibul Forest, and along the Sarstoon River, often confronting illegal logging, gold mining, and armed smugglers.
Joint Anti-Narcotics and Law Enforcement Operations:
Since the 1990s, Belize has been a transit country for drug cartels, prompting coordinated air and river patrols with U.S. and Caribbean partners. The BDF plays a major role in rural interdictions, jungle pursuit, and coastal seizures.
Disaster Response and Domestic Operations:
The BDF has been deployed for hurricane evacuation, infrastructure recovery, and security enforcement during natural disasters and civil emergencies, especially in Belize City and southern provinces.

Though Belize has no history of conventional warfare, its armed forces have gained experience in sovereignty defense, border deterrence, and joint anti-crime operations, reinforcing its role as a small but resilient force in Central America.

General Information

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~420,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~170,000
Geographic Area: 22,966 km²
Land Boundaries: 516 km
Bordering Countries: Guatemala, Mexico
Coastline: 386 km (Caribbean Sea)
Climate: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November), dry season (February to May)
Terrain: Flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in the south
Natural Resources: Timber, fish, arable land, hydropower
Proven Oil Reserves: Small, estimated <10 million barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$45 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.2%
GDP (PPP): ~$4.2 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$9,800
External Debt: ~$2.4 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Stable with minor increases for border security and counter-narcotics

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Border integrity, internal stability, counter-narcotics
Military Industry Base: None
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Very limited
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Belize Defence Force (BDF) divided into infantry, air wing, and volunteer guard
Missile Inventory Highlights: None; light infantry and portable anti-air systems only
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~1,500

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Joint Intelligence and Operations Center (JIOC), BDF Intelligence Branch
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: United States, United Kingdom, CARICOM
Airports (Total): ~8
Major Military Airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (dual-use)

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

Merchant Marine Fleet: Minimal
Major Ports: Belize City, Big Creek
Naval Infrastructure: Belize Coast Guard under Ministry of National Security
Naval Replenishment Capability: Basic resupply operations

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: None
Roadways: ~3,000 km

Energy and Fuel Logistics

Oil Production: ~1,200 barrels/day (declining)
Energy Imports: Heavy reliance on imported refined fuels
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Minimal

Defense Production and Strategic Forces

Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Price Barracks (Ladyville), Fairweather Camp, Punta Gorda
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: UK military training support (historical and rotational)
Defense Alliances: Bilateral agreements with UK, U.S., CARICOM regional cooperation
Strategic Airlift Capability: None
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Extremely low