Military & Security
Seychelles
Military - note
Established in 1977, the SDF ranks among the smallest military forces globally; its main duties involve maritime security, which encompasses the prevention of illegal fishing, piracy, and drug trafficking; it was granted law enforcement authority in 2022; the Seychelles fosters strong security relationships with India, which has aided the SDF in its maritime security missions (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF; also known as Seychelles Defense Forces, SDF): comprises the Army (which includes infantry, special forces, and a unit for presidential protection), Coast Guard, and Air Force
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Seychelles Police Force (2025)
Military service age and obligation
For voluntary military service, the age range is 18 to 35 years for both men and women; there is no conscription (2026)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The SDF is equipped with light weaponry; its arsenal includes outdated arms acquired in the 1970s and 1980s, along with some recently supplied equipment from Bahrain, China, India, and the UAE (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 500 active Defense Forces (2025)