Venezuela Military & Security

The Venezuelan Armed Forces (FANB) serve as a crucial pillar in maintaining the nation's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Beyond their traditional military responsibilities, the FANB plays a significant domestic role, engaging in internal security operations, counter-narcotics efforts, and socio-economic development. Notably, they have been active in combating illegal armed groups and organized crime syndicates, especially in the Colombian border region. Internationally, the FANB has fostered strategic alliances with countries such as China, Cuba, Iran, and Russia, enhancing its global influence. Despite a challenging economic landscape, Venezuela's military expenditures have varied over recent years, with a recorded 0.5% of GDP in 2023. Additionally, the FANB exerts considerable influence within the economic and political spheres, with military personnel holding key positions in state enterprises and government ministries.

Military - note

The Venezuelan Armed Forces (FANB) are tasked with safeguarding the nation's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They also play a significant role domestically, which includes aiding in the maintenance of internal security, engaging in counter-narcotics operations, supporting national socio-economic development, and facilitating disaster relief and humanitarian aid. The military has been deployed to counter illegal armed groups in the Colombian border region and other areas to address organized crime syndicates involved in drug trafficking and illicit mining. Furthermore, it has established connections with the armed forces of China, Cuba, Iran, and Russia.

In addition to their military duties, the FANB is influential within the country's economic and political arenas; military personnel occupy critical roles in state-owned enterprises, government ministries, and financial institutions. The FANB oversees corporations that operate in various sectors, including agriculture, banking, communications, energy, insurance, mining, and transportation (2025).

Military expenditures

Military Expenditures 2020

1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military Expenditures 2021

0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)

Military Expenditures 2022

0.6% of GDP (2022 est.)

Military Expenditures 2023

0.5% of GDP (2023 est.)

Military Expenditures 2024

0.6% of GDP (2024 est.)

Military and security forces

note 1: The Bolivarian Militia and the Presidential Honor Guard are recognized as special or secondary elements of the FANB; The Militia consists of the Military Reserve and the Territorial Militia, which includes armed civilians who undergo regular training in exchange for a nominal stipend.

note 2: The National Guard was incorporated into the FANB in 2007 and is tasked with preserving public order, securing key government facilities and prisons, conducting counter-narcotics efforts, monitoring borders, and providing law enforcement in isolated regions. It is accountable to both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace.

note 3: The National Bolivarian Police (PNB) was established by Hugo Chávez in 2008 as a “preventative police force,” distinct from state and local law enforcement. The PNB primarily concentrates on policing the Libertador municipality of Caracas, patrolling highways, railways, and the metro system in the Caracas area, as well as safeguarding diplomatic missions. The PNB encompasses the Special Action Forces (Fuerzas de Acciones Especiales, FAES), a paramilitary unit formed by President Maduro to enhance internal security following the anti-government protests of 2017.

note 4: Pro-government armed groups known as colectivos also operate in Caracas and other urban areas.

Bolivarian National Armed Forces (Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana, FANB): Bolivarian Army (Ejercito Bolivariano, EB), Bolivarian Navy (Armada Bolivariana, AB; includes marines, Coast Guard), Bolivarian Military Aviation (Aviacion Militar Bolivariana, AMB), Bolivarian Militia (Milicia Bolivariana), Bolivarian National Guard (Guardia Nacional Bolivaria, GNB), Presidential Honor Guard

Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace: Bolivarian National Police (Policía Nacional Bolivariana, PNB) (2025)

Military service age and obligation

Individuals aged 18-30 (25 for women) are eligible for voluntary service; the minimum term of service is 24 to 30 months. For Militia service, the age range is 17-39. All citizens within the military service age bracket (18-50) are required to register for military service and undergo military training (2025).

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

The inventory of the FANB comprises a combination of predominantly older and some contemporary weapons sourced from various foreign suppliers, including China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Russia/former Soviet Union, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States (2025).

Military and security service personnel strengths

Estimates vary; there are approximately 125,000 to 150,000 active personnel in the Armed Forces, with an estimated 200,000 members of the Bolivarian Militia (2025).

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