Military of Bhutan

The branches of the armed forces of Bhutan are the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguards, Militia, and Royal Bhutan Police. Being a landlocked country, Bhutan doesn't have a navy. Additionally, Bhutan does not have an air force, although the Royal Bhutan Army does have a very small air arm which possesses no combat capabilities and is used entirely for transport. India is responsible for military training, arms supplies and the air defense of Bhutan.

Military statistics

Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age

Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 491,427 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 262,316 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males: 20,374 (2000 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $NA

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.8%

Army air arm

The Bhutan Air Arm is a tiny but important asset in the inhospitable terrain. It possesses no combat capabilities, and is used entirely for transport. It is likely that Russia will supply further helicopters. In addition to a number of Russian supplied helicopters, one light transport aircraft is also operated. The Royal Bhutan Army also relies on the Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force for air assistance. In recent years India has helped Bhutan start to develop its military in all areas through military donations and training.^[1] Indian Air Force helicopters evacuated RBA casualties to India for treatment during Operation All Clear in 2003.^[2]

Aircraft in active service as of January 2009.

Aircraft	Source	Type	Versions	In service[3]	Notes
Helicopters
Mil Mi-8 Hip	Soviet Union /  Russia	transport helicopter	Mi-8	7
Transports
Dornier 228	Germany	transports	Do 228	1

References and links

This article was adapted from the CIA World Factbook 2000.

References

1. ^ Dorji, Kinley. "Eastern air command chief visits Bhutan". Kuensel. http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1576. Retrieved 2008-10-22. 
2. ^ "A nation pays tribute". Kuensel. 15 August 2004. http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4394. Retrieved 2008-10-22. 
3. ^ Aviation Week & Space Technology 2009, 26 January 2009 240. Web.11 August 2009. <http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/sourcebook/content.jsp?channelName=pro&story=xml/sourcebook_xml/2009/01/26/AW_01_26_2009_p0240-112924-16.xml&headline=World%20Military%20Aircraft%20Inventory%20-%20Bhutan>.

External links