Paramilitary by Country 2025

Paramilitary forces are organized groups that operate alongside or in place of a country’s regular military. While not part of the official armed forces, paramilitary groups often have military-like training, organization, and equipment. They play a significant role in a country’s security structure, assisting in internal security, border defense, and sometimes in combat roles. These forces can include national guards, border patrols, internal security forces, and other similar organizations. In some countries, paramilitary forces are more significant than the regular army in terms of both numbers and influence, reflecting the nation’s focus on internal stability and defense.

The size of a country’s paramilitary forces can indicate the nation’s internal security needs, especially in regions with high levels of conflict or political instability. Countries with large populations and vast borders also maintain significant paramilitary forces to ensure security and sovereignty. In nations where the government is centralized or authoritarian, paramilitary forces often play a crucial role in maintaining control, particularly during political upheavals or social unrest.

Top 10 Countries with Most Paramilitary Personnel

1. North Korea: 5,700,000
2. South Korea: 3,013,500
3. India: 2,557,050
4. Cuba: 1,146,500
5. Russia: 559,000
6. China: 500,000
7. Egypt: 397,000
8. Brazil: 395,000
9. Pakistan: 291,000
10. Indonesia: 290,200

North Korea tops the list with the largest paramilitary force in the world, with a staggering 5.7 million personnel. The country maintains this massive force as part of its “military-first” policy, where the regime prioritizes military power to sustain its control and counter external threats. South Korea, in response to its northern neighbor, maintains over 3 million paramilitary personnel, reflecting the ongoing military tension on the Korean peninsula. India, with its vast borders and internal security challenges, has the third-largest paramilitary force, consisting of various units like the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and more.

Cuba’s large paramilitary force reflects its centralized government structure and the legacy of its revolutionary military history. Other countries like Russia and China maintain substantial paramilitary forces as part of their extensive security infrastructure. Nations like Egypt, Brazil, Pakistan, and Indonesia rely on these forces to maintain internal security and guard against both internal and external threats. Paramilitary forces in these countries often work in tandem with national police or military units, contributing to both domestic peacekeeping and external defense.

Paramilitary by Country (Full List)

Paramilitary forces play a vital role in maintaining internal security and defense for many nations. In several countries, their size and influence often surpass regular military forces.

FAQs

• Which country has the largest paramilitary force?
  • North Korea, with 5,700,000 personnel.

• What is the total number of paramilitary personnel in India?
  • India has 2,557,050 paramilitary personnel.

• Which European country has the most paramilitary personnel?
  • Russia, with 559,000 paramilitary personnel.

Source

• Global Firepower – Paramilitary Forces
• World Population Review – Paramilitary by Country