Trinidad and Tobago

Military Power Ranking 2025

MPR Rank: 149th
MPR SCORE: 193
MPR Index: 0.0413 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.9085 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.0676 (standard deviations above the mean)

Overview

Trinidad and Tobago ranks 149th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) is structured around national defense, maritime interdiction, and regional security cooperation. Despite its modest size, the TTDF plays an outsized role in the southern Caribbean, leveraging its strategic geographic position to combat narcotics trafficking, transnational crime, and maritime insecurity.

The country maintains one of the strongest naval capabilities in the Caribbean, with a focus on coastal patrol, search and rescue, and maritime domain awareness. It is a leading contributor to regional defense partnerships under CARICOM’s Regional Security System (RSS) and regularly participates in joint exercises with the United States, France, and other Western allies.

Military Strengths

Trinidad and Tobago’s military strengths center on maritime enforcement, interagency coordination, and regional stability operations.

1. Strong Naval Force Relative to Region

Operates Coast Guard patrol vessels, interceptor boats, and offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) capable of sustained Caribbean maritime operations.
Naval command focuses on anti-smuggling, illegal fishing interdiction, and port security across Trinidad’s southern and western waters.

2. Strategic Geographic Position

Sits at the maritime gateway between South America and the Caribbean Sea, giving it a pivotal role in drug interdiction and shipping lane security.
Works with regional and international partners to monitor and control maritime trafficking routes.

3. Interagency and Civil Support Capabilities

TTDF supports disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and critical infrastructure protection, particularly during hurricane season and public emergencies.
Provides logistical and operational support to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) during crises or security surges.

4. Active in Regional Defense Frameworks

Engaged in CARICOM and RSS security missions.
Hosts and participates in U.S.-led exercises such as Tradewinds, boosting interoperability with regional allies.

Why Trinidad and Tobago Is Still Ranked 149th

Limited Ground and Air Capabilities
The TTDF Army is small, with no heavy armor or large-scale rapid deployment forces. The Air Guard has minimal fixed-wing assets and no combat aircraft.
No Strategic or Power Projection Doctrine
The military is built for territorial defense and law enforcement, not regional or global intervention.
Dependence on Foreign Training and Logistics
While professional, the TTDF relies heavily on foreign partnerships for training, maintenance, and surveillance support, particularly from the U.S. Southern Command.
Modest Defense Budget and Personnel Base
As a small island state, its defense allocation is limited, constraining long-term modernization or expansion efforts.

Conclusion

Trinidad and Tobago maintains one of the most capable and strategically placed militaries in the Caribbean, specializing in coastal defense, interdiction operations, and regional security coordination. While its size and strategic depth are limited, its focus on naval enforcement, multilateral cooperation, and internal resilience makes it a reliable and effective force within its sphere. Its MPR ranking reflects its regional maritime strength, tempered by a lack of strategic power projection or aerial capabilities.

Military Strength and Force Projection

Active Military Personnel: 4,000 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 1,500
Paramilitary Forces: 3,000 (Coast Guard, Special Forces, Police)
Army Personnel: 2,500
Navy Personnel: 1,000
Air Guard Personnel: 500

Ground Forces

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

Air Guard

Combat Aircraft: None
Helicopters: 10+ (primarily for transport and search and rescue)
Transport Aircraft: 5

Aircraft Breakdown:

AgustaWestland AW139 Helicopters: 4
C-26 Metroliner: 2 (maritime patrol)

Naval Forces

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard is the primary naval force, tasked with securing the country's maritime borders, combating illegal fishing, and counter-narcotics operations in the region. The Coast Guard operates a number of patrol vessels capable of securing territorial waters and performing search and rescue missions.

Patrol Boats: 10+
Fast Attack Craft: 4
Landing Craft: 2

Missile Capabilities

Trinidad and Tobago does not possess advanced missile systems or nuclear capabilities. The military's primary focus is on internal and regional security, maritime defense, and search and rescue operations.

Strategic Partnerships

Trinidad and Tobago is a key participant in regional security cooperation through CARICOM and the Regional Security System (RSS). It also maintains defense relationships with the United States and the United Kingdom, receiving military aid and training, particularly in maritime security and counter-narcotics operations. The country’s strategic location makes it a regional leader in combatting transnational crime.

Military History & Combat Experience

Trinidad and Tobago’s military history is defined more by internal stabilization, anti-narcotics operations, and regional disaster response than by conventional warfare.

Formation and Post-Independence Role (1962–1980s):
Established after independence from Britain in 1962, the TTDF inherited British military traditions and was tasked with internal security, disaster support, and national sovereignty protection. Early missions focused on civil unrest containment and border integrity.
1970 Black Power Revolution (Army Mutiny):
A major internal test occurred during the Black Power uprising, when sections of the army mutinied in solidarity with protestors. The government regained control, and this incident prompted a restructuring of the military, including better civilian oversight and professionalization of the officer corps.
Counter-Narcotics and Border Operations (1990s–Present):
The TTDF has been central to anti-drug trafficking missions, both independently and with U.S. and regional cooperation. Operations target speedboats, illicit cargo, and offshore smuggling, using naval surveillance and rapid interception tactics.
1990 Jamaat al Muslimeen Coup Attempt:
Armed Islamist militants attempted to overthrow the government in a failed six-day siege involving the storming of Parliament and a TV station. The TTDF played a key role in negotiating surrender and restoring order.
UN and CARICOM Peacekeeping Missions:
Trinidad and Tobago has contributed officers and personnel to peacekeeping and observer missions in Haiti, Grenada, and East Timor, often in policing, medical, or liaison roles.
Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Operations:
TTDF has deployed repeatedly for regional hurricane response, logistics distribution, and emergency medical aid, including to Dominica, Barbados, and Grenada. It remains one of the most disaster-ready militaries in the region.

Trinidad and Tobago’s military experience reflects its evolution from post-colonial internal control to a modernized, maritime-focused force with experience in internal security, counter-narcotics, and regional crisis response. It has no history of conventional war but remains a key Caribbean defense actor.

General Information

Demographics and Geography

Population: ~1.5 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~600,000
Geographic Area: 5,128 km²
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 362 km
Climate: Tropical; rainy season (June to December), dry season (January to May)
Terrain: Mostly plains with some hills and low mountains; more rugged on Tobago
Natural Resources: Oil, natural gas, asphalt, fish, arable land
Proven Oil Reserves: ~200 million barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~10.4 trillion cubic feet

Economic Indicators

Defense Budget (2025): ~$250 million USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.3%
GDP (PPP): ~$40 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$26,000
External Debt: ~$11 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Stable with periodic increases for maritime and counter-narcotics programs

Military Infrastructure and Readiness

Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Maritime security, counter-narcotics, internal order
Military Industry Base: Very limited; primarily focused on maintenance and logistics
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Developing, with a focus on surveillance
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) divided into Regiment, Coast Guard, Air Guard, and Reserves
Missile Inventory Highlights: Short-range air defense and anti-ship systems
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~2,000

Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure

Space or Satellite Programs: None
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Strategic Services Agency (SSA), Military Intelligence Unit
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: United States, CARICOM, UK
Airports (Total): ~3 major airports
Major Military Airports: Piarco International Airport (dual-use), Camden Base

Naval Power and Maritime Logistics

Merchant Marine Fleet: Small; focused on regional trade
Major Ports: Port of Spain, Point Lisas, Scarborough
Naval Infrastructure: Modern coast guard fleet with offshore patrol vessels
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moderate for extended coastal patrol missions

Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure

Railway Network: None (historically decommissioned)
Roadways: ~9,600 km

Energy and Fuel Logistics

Oil Production: ~55,000 barrels/day
Energy Imports: Self-sufficient in natural gas; some refined product imports
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintained through state-owned Petrotrin infrastructure

Defense Production and Strategic Forces

Domestic Defense Production: None
Military Installations (Domestic): Chaguaramas, Teteron Barracks, Camp Ogden
Military Installations (Overseas): None
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Occasional U.S. and UK trainers
Defense Alliances: Regional Security System (RSS), bilateral agreements with U.S., CARICOM
Strategic Airlift Capability: Limited; uses CASA and helicopters for tactical lift
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Low