Military profile
Bahamas Military Strength
Bahamas is not covered by the Global Firepower ranking.
Armed forces of Bahamas
Branches and forces
Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF): includes land, air, maritime elements; Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) (2025)
Personnel
approximately 1,500-1,800 active RBDF (2025)
Service age and conscription
18-30 years of age for voluntary service for men and women (18-60 for Reserves); no conscription (2025)
Equipment and suppliers
most of the RBDF's major equipment inventory has been acquired from the Netherlands or the US (2025)
Good to know
the RBDF was established in 1980; its primary responsibilities are maritime security and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Bahamas, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and supporting internal law and order in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies; the RBDF is a naval force with a few light aircraft, coastal patrol craft, and patrol boats, as well as a lightly-armed marine infantry/commando squadron for base and internal security; the RBDF has training relationships with the UK and the US (2025)
Military expenditure (% of GDP)
2024: 0.7% · 2023: 0.8% · 2022: 0.8% · 2021: 0.9% · 2020: 0.9%
Forces and service: CIA World Factbook (public domain).