Saint Kitts and Nevis Military Forces 🇰🇳

Strategic Position

Saint Kitts and Nevis maintains a defense posture focused on maritime security, disaster response, and internal stability within the Eastern Caribbean. The Federation is a founding member of the Regional Security System (RSS), a collective security treaty involving several Caribbean nations and Barbados. Under the RSS framework, member states provide mutual assistance for national emergencies, search and rescue, and threats to national security.

In January 2026, the government entered into a bilateral memorandum of understanding with the United States regarding the transfer of certain third-country nationals. This agreement specifies that the Federation may accept a limited number of refugees and deportees from the United States, provided they are nationals of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and meet specific security criteria. Notably, the agreement excludes Haitian nationals due to stated security concerns.

Primary security challenges include transnational organized crime, specifically the trafficking of narcotics and small arms. Territorial defense is secondary to the management of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the mitigation of risks associated with natural disasters. The Federation also maintains bilateral military ties with the United Kingdom, Canada, and Taiwan, the latter focusing on technical cooperation and infrastructure. In 2025, the government deepened ties with Guyana to enhance training and operational cooperation between the Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) and the Guyana Defence Force.

Military Forces

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) is the primary military organization, headquartered at Camp Springfield in Basseterre. The force is composed of a Regular Corps and a Reserve Corps, with an active personnel strength of approximately 300 members. The SKNDF reports to the Ministry of National Security.

The force is organized into the following components:

• Saint Kitts Nevis Regiment: This infantry unit is responsible for land-based operations and internal security. It consists of ‘A’ Company (Regular) and ‘B’ Company (Reserve), which are organized into rifle platoons. The Regiment provides support to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force during high-risk operations and maintains an Engineering unit for civil works and disaster recovery.
• Saint Kitts Nevis Coast Guard: This maritime unit manages the Federation’s territorial waters. It conducts counter-narcotics patrols, fisheries enforcement, and search and rescue missions. The Coast Guard operates from a base at Bird Rock and works in coordination with the United States Coast Guard and the French Navy.
• SKNDF Band and Cadet Corps: These units fulfill ceremonial duties and provide a paramilitary youth training pipeline.

The SKNDF inventory consists of light infantry equipment and maritime patrol assets. The Regiment utilizes small arms primarily of British, Belgian, and American origin. The Coast Guard operates a fleet of nearshore interceptors, including SAFE boats and Zodiac vessels, some of which underwent refurbishment in 2025 to extend their service life. The force has recently integrated small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and search missions.

Strategic Trends

In the 2026 national budget, the government allocated EC$87.3 million for national security and disaster resilience. This funding supports the "Safety and Security Improvement Programme," which includes the expansion of CCTV surveillance and the modernization of border control systems. Saint Kitts and Nevis became the first CARICOM nation in 2025 to implement a comprehensive Passenger Name Record (PNR) data system to enhance travel intelligence and counter-terrorism efforts.

A primary strategic priority for 2026 is a force-wide training initiative designed to address gaps in specialized operational areas. This program, supported by the RSS, focuses on technical competence and leadership development.

Modernization efforts are centered on the Coast Guard, with ongoing procurement plans to replace the aging primary cutter. The force is also transitioning toward increased use of digital tools and drone technology for border surveillance. Future force structure shifts are expected to emphasize interoperability with regional partners to better address the volatility of maritime trafficking routes in the Northern Caribbean.