World Factbook

Suriname

Republiek Suriname

Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)

Military - note

the National Leger is responsible for defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Suriname against foreign aggression; other special tasks include border control and supporting domestic security as required; the military police, for example, have direct responsibility for immigration control at the country’s ports of entry, and the military assists the police in combating crime, particularly narco-trafficking, including joint military and police patrols, as well as joint special security teams; in addition, the military provides aid and assistance during times of natural emergencies and participates in socio-economic development projects (2025)

Military expenditures

Military Expenditures 2015

1.4% of GDP (2015 est.)

Military Expenditures 2016

1.2% of GDP (2016 est.)

Military Expenditures 2017

1.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

Military Expenditures 2018

1.1% of GDP (2018 est.)

Military Expenditures 2019

1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)

Military and security forces

Suriname National Army (Nationaal Leger or NL); Army (Landmacht), Navy (Marine); Air Force (Luchtmacht), Military Police (Korps Militaire Politie) Ministry of Justice and Police: Suriname Police Force (Korps Politie Suriname or KPS) (2026)

Military service age and obligation

18-28 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the Suriname Army has a limited inventory of older or secondhand armaments originating from such suppliers as Brazil, France, the Netherlands, and India (2025)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 2,000 National Army (2025)