Suriname - Ministerie van Defensie - ORBAT

Surinamese armed forces consist of the national army, air force, navy, and military police, which are collectively referred to as the “national army,” under the control of the Minister of Defense. A smaller civil police force is under the authority of the Minister of Justice and Police. The national armed forces comprise some 2,500 personnel, the majority of whom are deployed as light infantry security forces.

The De Landmacht (LAMA) [the Army] is the largest of the armed forces. From the army several detachments are on the whole territory of Suriname staffed to carry out the tasks of the National Army. To strengthen state authority in particular the borders and inland developed a project plan. This plan provides for the establishment of the strategic framework for the phased implementation of stepping up the presence of troops of the National Army in the territory of Suriname, with due regard to those parts of the interior on the basis of the results of threat and risk to eligible, will take place. In particular, by the taking of new posts, the strengthening of existing posts and increased patrols the desired result will be reached.

The Suriname Army comprise of the following units:

• Light Infantry Battalion (33ste Bataljon der Infanterie);
• Special Forces Corps;
• Support Arm (Staf verzorgings Bataljon)

Sanjay Badri-Maharaj noted in 2017 that "for a small force, Suriname’s army appears well-equipped with a small armoured force of EE-11 Urutu APCs and EE-9 Cascavel Armoured Cars – the latter armed with 90mm guns. However, serviceability of the said vehicles was very low until Brazil stepped in to refurbish six of the Urutus and two Cascavels. This process has now been completed but it is unclear if these eight vehicles are the only ones serviceable, as Suriname had displayed at least three road-worthy Cascavels as recently as 2015. In addition, Suriname has a small artillery detachment comprising three vintage QF 25pdr artillery pieces, though it is not entirely certain whether the guns are functional. These assets are augmented by nine DAF YP-408 APCs, dating back to the 1970s..."

The luchtmacht - Air Force (LUMA), whose base is located at the airport at Zorg en Hoop, is the guardian of the Surinamese airspace. So the LUMA has the responsibility to protect to the EEZ from the mainland. It also provides support to the Army and Navy. The overall objective of the Air Force is to protect the airspace over the Surinamese territory, in this carrying cases or benefit of air reconnaissance, providing air (heat) supporting -Other parts of- the National Army and assisting government agencies where appropriate. For example, this assistance may include conducting joint operations related to protection of the economic zone and the provision of specific air support.

Sanjay Badri-Maharaj noted in 2017 that " Suriname once operated a capable force of five BN-2 Islanders, three PC-7 armed trainers, four helicopters and three Cessna liaison aircraft. The civil war took a heavy toll with natural attrition reducing the fleet next to nothing. ... Suriname’s only operational aircraft seem to be the three Chetak helicopters India delivered in 2015..."

The Navy [Nationaal Leger NL] has the task of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Suriname against foreign armed military aggression (art. 2 Law NL). To fulfill this mission, the NL various armed forces, namely the Army, Air Force, Navy and Military Police. Besides the task the army also has special duties (art. 3 Law NL). One of the special tasks of the army is providing assistance in monitoring keep the economic zone and the continental shelf and the monitoring of compliance with applicable laws. This is a task mainly performed by the Navy. Therefore, regular patrols are carried out at sea. Some sources report that the naval unit (or Marine) was reconstituted as the Coast Guard, reporting to the ministry of internal affairs, though it remains under military control. Other apparetnly authoritative sources dispute this claim, which is not reflected on the official website.

Sanjay Badri-Maharaj noted in 2017 that the Navy/Coast Guard " suffered from prolonged neglect. All three patrol craft are now out of service. Their replacements, a force of five Rodman Type 55 and three Rodman Type 101 patrol boats, were far less capable. In fact, they too rapidly fell into disrepair and reduced to rusting hulks by 2011.... "

In November 2012, Home Affairs Minister Soewarto Moestadja purchased three go-fast patrol vessels for the new Surinamese Coast Guard, which should be operational within a year. The boats, which cost $20 million, were aimed at fighting maritime violations such as illegal fishing and pirate attacks on local fishermen. The serviceability of these vessels is not entirely clear. Suriname is receiving US assistance. In 2012, Washington and Paramaribo signed a $400,000 accord to train the Surinamese Navy.

Military Police Corps is an independent member of the National Army and responsibilities include the performance of police activities on behalf of the National Army, both in Paramaribo and the detachments and in the districts. The Military Police provides assistance to the Police Corps of Suriname on request; ensures order, peace and security at court martial hearings; and provides motor escorten for dignitaries, as well as in priority shipments. Military Police conduct surveillance of border crossing through conducting immigration work on Suriname International Airport, the JA Pengel Airport and the designated border crossing in Suriname (the districts Nickerie (South Drain), Marowijne (Albina) and Paramaribo (airport Zorg & Hoop).

Military Police participate in particular investigation team JAP team (team responsible for controlling drug shipments from JAPengel airport). Military Police support the anti-narcotics department of the KPS; conduct specialized investigative work (checking the authenticity of travel documents at border crossings and other forensic work). Military Police conduct border security activities namely control and monitor the safety of civil aviation security through to passengers in the border area; and are responsible for detection and investigation of criminal offenses committed by military personnel (if also citizens who have committed crimes in association with the military).