Bolivia Military Forces 🇧🇴

Bolivia is a landlocked nation whose posture is dictated by internal instability and external aspirations. Endemic political instability and a struggling economy define its domestic landscape. Factionalism within the ruling party and a recent failed coup attempt in June 2024 highlight the fragility of its government institutions. The military's deep involvement in politics is a persistent source of instability, with its support often seen as crucial for maintaining power.

Externally, Bolivia's foreign policy has pivoted away from U.S. influence, fostering closer relationships with China, Russia, and Iran, particularly for investment and military equipment. A permanent national objective is regaining sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean, a territory lost to Chile in the 19th century, which remains a key driver of its defense policy. Bolivia’s armed forces are tasked not only with external defense but also with internal security, political stability, and supporting national economic development.

Military Forces

The Armed Forces of Bolivia consist of the Army, a Navy that operates on rivers and lakes, and an Air Force.

The Army is the largest service, organized into ten territorial divisions. Its ground equipment is largely dated and includes SK-105 Kürassier light tanks and EE-9 Cascavel armored cars. While it has numerous infantry and cavalry regiments, its capacity for sustained conventional operations against a technologically superior adversary is limited.

The Bolivian Air Force (FAB) has minimal combat capability. Its primary offensive aircraft are a small number of Hongdu K-8W Karakorum light attack and trainer jets. It recently implemented the French Thales SIDACTA integrated air defense and traffic control system, which modernizes its surveillance capacity. However, this system is not complemented by modern interceptor aircraft, creating a significant gap in its air defense.

The riverine Navy operates patrol boats and utility vessels on the country's extensive river networks and on Lake Titicaca.

Strategic Trends

Bolivia's modest military modernization attempt is hampered by economic constraints. It plans to acquire new tactical vehicles, helicopters, and drones for all branches. It looks to non-traditional partners like China, Russia, and Iran as its primary suppliers for this effort.

A significant recent development is the creation of a Cyberdefense department and the integration of cybersecurity into military curricula, indicating an effort to address modern threats. Despite these initiatives, the armed forces remain primarily structured for internal security and border control rather than conventional power projection.