Jamaica Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 156th
MPR SCORE: 176
MPR Index: 0.0328 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9166 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.721 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Jamaica ranks 156th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is structured for internal security, disaster relief, anti-narcotics enforcement, and maritime sovereignty rather than conventional warfighting. Despite its modest size, the JDF plays an active role in Caribbean regional security, partnering closely with the United States Southern Command, CARICOM, and other international actors.
The JDF emphasizes mobility, discipline, and civic support, operating under a doctrine centered on homeland defense, counter-trafficking, and humanitarian response. It maintains a capable coast guard, a light infantry component, and air wing support units, enabling a strong interagency response capacity across Jamaica and neighboring maritime zones.
Military Strengths
Jamaica’s military strengths lie in its maritime enforcement capability, interagency cooperation, and regional partnerships.
1. Effective Maritime and Coastal Security Force
The Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard operates interceptor boats, offshore patrol vessels, and radar monitoring stations, securing Jamaica’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Focuses on anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and maritime domain awareness, especially in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and Maritime Drug Law Enforcement programs.
2. Homeland Security and Internal Stability Role
The JDF supports the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) during surges in gang violence, urban unrest, and criminal hot zones, especially through the JDF Infantry Regiment and Military Police.
Maintains joint command centers and rapid-deployment units for urban and rural crisis response.
3. Disaster Response and Civil Assistance
Regularly deployed during hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, the JDF coordinates search and rescue, emergency logistics, and infrastructure recovery.
Well-integrated into national emergency systems, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).
4. Strategic Partnerships with the U.S. and CARICOM
Participates in U.S. SOUTHCOM security cooperation programs, including Tradewinds, Continuing Promise, and counter-narcotics initiatives.
Contributes to CARICOM Regional Security System (RSS) exercises and supports multinational training and operational exchanges.
Why Jamaica Is Still Ranked 156th
No Heavy Equipment or Conventional Warfighting Capability
The JDF does not operate tanks, artillery, or advanced armored platforms. It is built for light infantry, urban operations, and naval patrol, not conventional combat.Limited Air Force and No Strategic Assets
The JDF Air Wing operates light aircraft and helicopters primarily for reconnaissance, transport, and rescue operations. It lacks any fighter jets, missile systems, or long-range surveillance platforms.Small Force Size and Modest Budget
With under 5,000 active personnel, the JDF has limited reach and relies on foreign military assistance for modernization and sustainment.No Independent Power Projection or Regional Combat Role
Jamaica’s military cannot conduct external combat operations without allied support. It contributes only in supporting functions within the regional framework.
Conclusion
Jamaica’s military is a capable internal security and maritime enforcement force, supporting public safety, anti-trafficking operations, and regional disaster response. While it lacks the platforms and depth for conventional military conflict, its role in Caribbean stability, U.S. strategic cooperation, and civil-military crisis management is significant. Its MPR ranking reflects this: a functional, focused force optimized for internal resilience and multilateral support, rather than standalone combat.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 4,000
Reserve Personnel: 3,000
Paramilitary Forces: 2,500 (including Mobile Reserve and Special Ops)
Army Personnel: 3,000
Navy Personnel: 600
Air Force Personnel: 400
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 0
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 30+
Artillery Pieces (Towed & Self-Propelled): 20+
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 0
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 0
Attack Helicopters: 0
Transport Aircraft: 4+
Training Aircraft: 3+
Aircraft Breakdown:
Bell 412EP Helicopters: In use
BN-2 Islander and Cessna aircraft for logistics and maritime surveillance
Light ISR and utility platforms for civil operations
Naval Forces
Warships: 6+
Submarines: 0
Frigates/Corvettes: 0
Patrol Boats: 6+
Naval Vessel Breakdown:
Damen Stan Patrol Boats
Offshore patrol vessels and interceptors used for drug interdiction and maritime security
Operations coordinated under the JDF Coast Guard
Missile Capabilities
Jamaica does not possess any missile systems. It relies on small arms, light artillery, and basic surveillance for national defense. There is no missile defense, ballistic capability, or strategic air defense.
Strategic Partnerships
Jamaica maintains strong defense ties with the United States, the United Kingdom, and CARICOM member states. The JDF regularly participates in regional security exercises and receives counter-narcotics, training, and technical support from USSOUTHCOM. It also contributes to peacekeeping operations under UN mandates.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~2.9 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~1.2 million
Geographic Area: 10,991 km²
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 1,022 km
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid with temperate interior highlands
Terrain: Mostly mountainous interior with narrow coastal plains
Natural Resources: Bauxite, gypsum, limestone, arable land
Proven Oil Reserves: None
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: None
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$240 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~2.0%
GDP (PPP): ~$33 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$11,300
External Debt: ~$14.8 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Moderate growth tied to domestic security and regional counter-narcotics operations
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Internal security, maritime surveillance, disaster response
Military Industry Base: Very limited; focused on repair and logistics
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Emerging; basic digital surveillance capabilities
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) organized under Land, Coast Guard, Air Wing, and Support Brigade
Missile Inventory Highlights: Short-range infantry systems, limited naval weaponry
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~4,000
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Military Intelligence Unit, Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA)
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: United States, CARICOM, United Kingdom
Airports (Total): ~10
Major Military Airports: Norman Manley International Airport (dual-use), Up Park Camp (JDF HQ)
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: Small
Major Ports: Kingston, Montego Bay
Naval Infrastructure: Coastal patrol and interdiction fleet operated by JDF Coast Guard
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moderate, focused on EEZ and counter-narcotics
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: Decommissioned; minimal legacy infrastructure
Roadways: ~22,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: None
Energy Imports: Entirely dependent on imported petroleum products
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Minimal
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Kingston, Moneague, Montego Bay
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: U.S. advisors and training teams
Defense Alliances: CARICOM regional security framework, bilateral ties with U.S. and UK
Strategic Airlift Capability: Limited; small transport aircraft fleet
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Very low
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: None
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Bauxite mining, logistics, food processing
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Kingston
Founding Date: August 6, 1962 (independence from the UK)
System of Government: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy
