Suriname Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 163rd
MPR SCORE: 160
MPR Index: 0.0245 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9245 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.764 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

Suriname ranks 163rd in the 2024 Military Power Rankings. The Surinamese National Army (SNL) is a small force oriented around national defense, border security, internal stability, and disaster response. Operating in a low-threat security environment, the military focuses on territorial surveillance, jungle operations, and interagency coordination, rather than conventional combat or force projection.

While Suriname’s armed forces are modest in size and equipment, they play a key role in law enforcement support, civil-military operations, and regional cooperation, particularly with Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana. Recent efforts to modernize have been gradual, and national defense policy continues to prioritize neutrality, sovereignty, and domestic resilience.

Military Strengths

Suriname’s military strength lies in its territorial defense orientation, jungle operations capacity, and regional security coordination.

1. Border Defense and Rural Surveillance Operations

The SNL conducts regular patrols in remote border zones along Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana, focusing on illegal crossings, logging, and mining activities.
Units are trained in jungle warfare, rural logistics, and riverine operations within the country’s vast interior.

2. Domestic Law Enforcement and Stability Role

The military works alongside the Suriname Police Force during emergencies, civil disturbances, and anti-crime initiatives, especially in interior districts.
Supports public infrastructure security, curfew enforcement, and critical site protection during national crises.

3. Disaster Response and Infrastructure Support

The armed forces assist in flood response, evacuations, and humanitarian logistics during seasonal disasters, especially in rural and low-lying coastal regions.
Often responsible for emergency road repair, airdrop supply missions, and medical evacuation in the hinterlands.

4. Regional Partnerships and Military Diplomacy

Participates in joint border patrols, bilateral training programs, and interagency exercises with Brazil, Guyana, and occasionally France (via French Guiana).
Engages with CARICOM and UNASUR security discussions on counter-narcotics and transnational threats.

Why Suriname Is Still Ranked 163rd

Very Small Force and Minimal Equipment
The SNL comprises fewer than 2,000 active personnel, with limited mechanization, no main battle tanks, and no modern artillery systems.
No Air Force or Combat Aviation Capabilities
Suriname maintains only a handful of transport helicopters and light aircraft, primarily for reconnaissance and logistics. It does not possess any air combat platforms or air defense systems.
No Naval or Strategic Deterrent Capability
Maritime capability is limited to coastal patrol craft operated by a small riverine unit, with no blue-water or missile-capable naval forces.
Lack of Independent Operational Reach or Combat Doctrine
The SNL is built for defensive, internal operations, with no plans or platforms for external engagement, expeditionary deployment, or high-intensity combat.

Conclusion

Suriname maintains a low-profile, internally focused military, well-suited to the country’s geography, security needs, and neutral policy posture. While it lacks modern offensive systems and large-scale capability, the Surinamese National Army plays a crucial role in national cohesion, border defense, and rural civil support. Its MPR score reflects the limited scale of its force, but also recognizes its effective internal functionality and regional cooperation posture.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: 2,500 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 500
Paramilitary Forces: 500 (Police Special Forces, Border Patrol)
Army Personnel: 2,000
Navy Personnel: 300
Air Force Personnel: 200

Ground Forces

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 20+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): None

Air Force

Combat Aircraft: None
Helicopters: 5 (transport)
Transport Aircraft: 3

Aircraft Breakdown:

Bell 412 Helicopters: 5

Naval Forces

Suriname's naval forces are small and focused on ensuring the security of its coastal and riverine areas. The navy is primarily tasked with securing the country's waters from illegal fishing and protecting maritime borders.

Patrol Boats: 4
Fast Attack Craft: None

Missile Capabilities

Suriname does not possess any advanced missile systems or nuclear capabilities. The country's military is focused on conventional defense and security operations within its borders, without the capacity for power projection beyond the region.

Strategic Partnerships

Suriname maintains military cooperation with neighboring countries such as Brazil and Guyana, as well as receiving some support from the Netherlands. Regional collaboration is a key aspect of Suriname’s defense strategy, helping to bolster its capabilities in areas such as border security and disaster relief. Suriname is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which contributes to regional stability.

Military History & Combat Experience

Suriname’s military history is centered around post-colonial transition, internal unrest, and border vigilance, with limited engagement in direct combat operations.

Post-Independence Military Formation (1975–1980):
Following independence from the Netherlands in 1975, Suriname inherited a basic internal security force, which was transformed into the Surinamese National Army (SNL). Initially focused on garrison duties, border patrol, and civil support, the force remained apolitical until the 1980 coup.
1980 Sergeants' Coup and Military Rule:
In February 1980, junior officers led by Dési Bouterse overthrew the civilian government. A period of military dictatorship followed, with the armed forces engaged in political enforcement, repression, and the infamous December 1982 killings, which deeply tarnished the army’s image.
Interior War (1986–1992):
A domestic insurgency erupted when the Jungle Commando, led by Ronnie Brunswijk, launched attacks against the regime, demanding rights for the Maroon population. The Interior War involved guerrilla tactics, village raids, and military reprisals, especially in eastern Suriname. The conflict ended with a peace accord in 1992, after six years of low-intensity warfare and internal displacement.
Post-War Rebuilding and Neutral Policy (1990s–Present):
Since the civil conflict, the military has focused on professionalization, non-involvement in politics, and support for democratic institutions. The SNL has participated in regional dialogue, civil defense training, and anti-narcotics cooperation but has not been involved in foreign deployments.

Suriname’s military, though small, has evolved from a politically dominant force into a disciplined and restrained institution, focused on domestic defense, rural governance support, and cross-border security collaboration.

General Information

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~630,000 (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~270,000
Geographic Area: 163,820 km²
Land Boundaries: 1,703 km
Bordering Countries: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana
Coastline: 386 km (Atlantic Ocean)
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid year-round with two rainy seasons
Terrain: Mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain; rainforest interior
Natural Resources: Bauxite, gold, oil, timber, hydropower
Proven Oil Reserves: ~1.8 billion barrels (offshore, recent discoveries)
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~2.5 trillion cubic feet (estimated offshore)

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$65 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.4%
GDP (PPP): ~$10 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$15,800
External Debt: ~$4.2 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Moderate increase due to oil sector development and border concerns

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Border protection, internal security, strategic oil zone monitoring
Military Industry Base: Very limited; primarily logistics and repair facilities
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Basic
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Surinamese National Army (SNL) under centralized defense command
Missile Inventory Highlights: Light infantry weapons, mortars, limited air defense systems
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~3,500

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Military Intelligence Directorate under Ministry of Defense
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: Brazil, Netherlands, CARICOM states
Airports (Total): ~55 (including rural airstrips)
Major Military Airports: Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (dual-use)

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

Merchant Marine Fleet: Small
Major Ports: Paramaribo, Nieuw Nickerie
Naval Infrastructure: Small coast guard and riverine patrol fleet
Naval Replenishment Capability: Limited coastal support capacity

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: None (decommissioned)
Roadways: ~4,500 km

Energy and Fuel Logistics

Oil Production: ~17,000 barrels/day (expected to rise with offshore projects)
Energy Imports: Imports refined fuels; increasing domestic output
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Developing

Defense Production and Strategic Forces

Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Paramaribo, Albina, Zanderij
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Occasional Dutch and Brazilian trainers
Defense Alliances: Regional partnerships through CARICOM; bilateral with Netherlands and Brazil
Strategic Airlift Capability: Limited; small transport aircraft in service
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Very low