Panama
Reliability index 3 (fair)
GDP $28-billion 2009
Defense
$250-million 2009
Personnel
National Police Force 11,000
Panama Public Forces
On 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA
abolished Panama's military and reformed the security
apparatus by creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in
October 1994, Panama's Legislative Assembly approved a
constitutional amendment prohibiting the creation of a
standing military force, but allowing the temporary
establishment of special police units to counter acts of
"external aggression"
Panama National Police Force (PNP)
The PNP is the largest of the four national services, having
more than 13,000 officers.
The PNP is a paramilitary force, organized into 13 police
zones, with
1 Military Police Battalion
8 Military Police Companies
18 Civil Police Companies
1 Special Forces Unit
Its mission is to uphold the constitution, provide for
public security, conduct riot control and protect the
national patrimony. Acting jointly with the maritime and air
services, the PNP shares the principal burden for defending
the border regions. Article 305 of the 1978 Constitution
states that "All Panamanians are required to take arms to
defend national independence and territorial integrity of
the state." However, the armed forces were dissolved in 1994
and conscription does not exist. National legislation
prohibits the recruitment of persons less than 18 years old,
either compulsorily or voluntarily.
Equipment
Pistols: HP-35
Submachine guns: Uzi
Assault Rifles: M-16A1, Type 65, M-1 Garand, M-16A1 LMG
Machineguns: MAG, M-60, M-1919A4, M-2HB
Grenade Launchers: M-203
Rocket Launchers: M-72A2
Mortars: 60mm M-19, 81mm M-29
Unarmored Vehicles: 5/4-ton truck, M-35, M-809
Institutional
Protective Service (SPI)
\
Similar to the US Secret Service, the SPI protects
dignitaries but has taken on the additional responsibility
of protecting the canal and is currently undergoing special
training to prepare for that mission. The SPI, with about
400 personnel, could be reinforced with other public
security units. SPI units have been stationed at Espinar to
oversee the Gatun Locks, at West Corozal to secure locks and
the canal entrance on the Pacific side, while the SMN will
reinforce the effort from Rodman naval base.
Panama National Air Service
|
Bell UH-1/205 series
Bell 212
Cessna/Piper
Aviocar 212
Gulftream II
Others |
4
8
4
3
1
9 |
End Panama