Belize Defence Force

Belize Defence Force
Flag of the Belize Defence Force
Motto"Shoulder To Shoulder"
Founded1 January 1978 (1978-01-01)
Service branches
  • Ground forces
  • Volunteer forces
  • Special Operation Task Force (SOTF)
  • Air Wing
  • Special Boat Unit
HeadquartersPrice Barracks, Ladyville
Websitewww.bdf.mil.bz
Leadership
Commander-in-ChiefCharles III, King of Belize, represented by Froyla Tzalam, Governor-General of Belize
Minister of National Defence and Border SecurityHon. Oscar Mira
Commander of the Defence ForceBrigadier General Azariel Loria
Personnel
ConscriptionLaws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient.
Active personnel2000 (2020 approx)
Reserve personnel850 (2016 approx)
Expenditure
Budget1.6% (2023) US$47.3 million (2023)
Industry
Foreign suppliers
Related articles
RanksMilitary ranks of Belize

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is the military of Belize, and is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the country. The BDF is under the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, which is currently headed by Hon. Oscar Mira; the BDF itself is commanded by Brigadier General Azariel Loria. In 2012, the Belizean government spent about $17 million on the military, constituting 1.08% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).