Summary
- Grenada relies on regional alliances for security, with ECCSO providing air defense.
- Vanuatu prioritizes regional assistance and maintains ties with Australia and New Zealand.
- Costa Rica disbanded its military forces post-civil war, maintaining a peace-focused stance.
Recently, Simple Flying highlighted the smallest countries with a combat-capable air force. Regardless of the land area, the respective air forces aim to protect the airspace and defend their forces during critical conflicts.
Conversely, some large countries do not possess a combat air force but instead showcase diverse approaches to national security. Here are the five biggest nations with no combat-capable air force at all.
5
Grenada
Land size: 133 square miles (344 square km)
The Eastern Caribbean Collective Security Treaty Organization (ECCSO) members
- Antigua
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts/Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
This Caribbean island spans over 133 square miles (344 square km) and utilizes regional alliances for the safety and security of its assets, including land. With a population of nearly 120,000 people, the country heavily relies on regional security organizations, limiting its ability to potentially respond to threats.
After the US-led intervention in 1983, the country disbanded its military forces and established the Royal Grenada Police Force to maintain internal security. The Eastern Caribbean Collective Security Treaty Organization (ECCSO) provides external defense support, border protection, and aerial protective services. The ECCSO also provides air defense services to other member states.
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4
Vanuatu
Land size: 4,739 square miles (12,274 square km)
Vanuatu Mobile Forces infantry weapons
- Beretta 92
- Sterling submachine gun
- FAMAS
- L1A1 SLR
This South Pacific island nation spans over 4,700 square miles (12,250 square km) and prioritizes regional assistance for its security. With a population of over 300,000 people, the country operates and manages a small parliamentary force responsible for internal security and disaster response activities.
Being near much larger islands, Vanuatu maintains strong ties with Australia for military assistance if needed. In some aspects, New Zealand also provides military equipment and assistance to Vanuatu. While the island’s strategic options may seem limited in times of crisis, the nation strives for its peaceful stance and eco-friendly tourism practices.
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3
Costa Rica
Land size: 19,710 square miles (51,060 square km)
Costa Rican Civil Guard equipment
- One large patrol boat
- Five small patrol boats
- One rescue Tug
- Three small patrol launches
Located between Panama and Nicaragua, the country spans over 19,710 square miles (51,060 square km) and ensures regional stability to maintain and foster peace. With a population of over 5.2 million people, the country relies on the Costa Rican Civil Guard force to maintain internal security.
After the 1948 civil war, Costa Rica disbanded its military forces and diverted all its resources to environmental protection, healthcare, and education. The country relies on neighboring countries for external protection and maintains a diplomatic relationship in the region. Costa Rica is strongly committed to peace and neutrality.
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2
Iceland
Land size: 39,817 square miles (103,125 square km)
Icelandic Coast Guard equipment
Boats | 2 x Patrol vessels 2 x Patrol/survey boat |
---|---|
Patrol aircraft | 1 Bombardier DHC-8-Q314 |
Transport aircraft | 3 Airbus H225s |
The volcanic island country spans nearly 40,000 square miles (103,000 square km) and primarily relies on the Icelandic Coast Guard for the security of its maritime territory. With a population of approximately 370,000 people and being situated in a remote location, establishing and maintaining a military force is deemed unnecessary, as highlighted by a Serve blog.
The Icelandic Coast Guard is equipped with helicopters and specialized patrol vessels for maritime security. Moreover, the island is a member of NATO’s collective defense system, having access to military support in case of any external threat.
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1
New Zealand
Land size: 103,740 square miles (268,680 square km)
Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft
Helicopter | AgustaWestland A109, SH-2G, NH90 |
---|---|
Patrol | Boeing P-8 |
Trainer | T-6 Texan II |
Transport | Super King Air, Boeing 757, C-130 Hercules |
This South Pacific island is known for its beautiful landscapes and coastal regions. The peace-loving island spans over 103,740 square miles (268,680 square km) and utilizes a non-combat force called the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
New Zealand’s armed forces are geared towards supporting Australian or United States-led missions. The nation has disbanded its combat aircraft. Moreover, the force lacks submarines, destroyers, main battle tanks, and other capabilities necessary for combat missions. According to the Royal New Zealand Air Force,
“We don’t do this alone. New Zealand partners with other countries, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, to promote global security. Globally, there are more challenges. Different countries around the world are pursuing goals that are threats to peace. There are people who pursue extreme ideologies. Organised crime is international. Countries like New Zealand are stronger when we work with other countries to promote peace and security.”
What are your thoughts on some of the largest countries without a combat-capable force? Share your views in the comments section.