Top 5 Largest Nations Lacking a Combat-Ready Air Force
Military World / YouTube
Some countries choose a different path for their safety. Not every nation believes in having a combat-ready air force. It might be surprising to learn that even some of the largest countries opt out of this, choosing other ways to ensure their security. Let’s explore the five biggest countries that do not have a combat-capable air force and how they manage their defense differently.
1. Grenada
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Grenada, a small island in the Caribbean, covers an area of 133 square miles (344 square kms). Despite its size, it doesn’t have its own air force to protect its skies. Instead, it relies on a group of Caribbean nations working together to keep each other safe. This group is called the Eastern Caribbean Collective Security Treaty Organization (ECCSO). After an event in 1983 where the US stepped in, Grenada chose to focus on building a strong police force rather than having a military or air force. The ECCSO helps Grenada and nearby countries by watching the borders and skies, making sure everyone is safe without having to maintain their own combat planes.
2. Vanuatu
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Moving to the South Pacific, Vanuatu stretches over 4,739 square miles (12,274 square kms) and is home to more than 300,000 people. Similar to Grenada, Vanuatu doesn’t have its own air force for combat purposes. Instead, it has a small parliamentary force in charge of keeping peace inside its borders and helping out during natural disasters. When it comes to protecting itself from external threats, Vanuatu leans on its friendships with bigger countries like Australia and New Zealand, who can offer military support if needed. This shows Vanuatu’s commitment to maintaining peace and prioritizing eco-friendly tourism over military conflicts.
3. Costa Rica
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Nestled between Panama and Nicaragua, Costa Rica spans 19,710 square miles (51,060 square km). This beautiful country made a bold choice in 1948, after a civil war. It decided to disband its military forces entirely, focusing its resources on improving the environment, healthcare, and education instead. To keep its people safe, Costa Rica relies on the Costa Rican Civil Guard, a security force responsible for internal safety. The country depends on the support of its neighbors for defense against external threats, maintaining a stance of peace and neutrality.
4. Iceland
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Iceland, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, covers nearly 39,817 square miles (103,125 square kms). With a relatively small population and its isolated location, Iceland sees no need for a traditional military force. The Icelandic Coast Guard takes on the role of securing the country’s maritime territory. Equipped with helicopters and patrol vessels, they ensure Iceland’s waters are safe. Being a part of NATO, Iceland can also rely on allies for defense if outside threats arise. This arrangement allows Iceland to focus on its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage without the burden of maintaining a combat air force.
5. New Zealand
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New Zealand is breathtaking and peaceful, spreading across 103,740 square miles (268,680 square km). It chooses to keep its military forces, including the Royal New Zealand Air Force, non-combatant. Instead of focusing on combat capabilities, New Zealand’s forces support international missions led by friends like Australia or the United States. The country has moved away from having combat aircraft and other military equipment designed for war. New Zealand believes in working together with other nations to promote global peace and security, facing common challenges like organized crime and extreme ideologies through international cooperation and support.
