Armed Forces of Ecuador

Last updated

Ecuadorian Armed Forces
Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador
National Standard of Ecuador.svg
Founded1830
Current form2000
Service branchesCoat of Arms of Ecuador Army.svg Ecuadorian Army
Seal of the Ecuadorian Air Force.svg Ecuadorian Air Force
Ecuadorian Navy Seal.svg Ecuadorian Navy
Headquarters Ministry of National Defence, Quito
Leadership
President Daniel Noboa
Minister of National Defence Giancarlo Loffredo Rendón
Chief of the Armed Forces General del División Jaime Vela Erazo
Personnel
Military age18
ConscriptionSuspended [1]
Available for
military service
7,573,824 (2010 est) [1] , age 16-49
Fit for
military service
6,103,748 (2010 est) [1] , age 16-49
Reaching military
age annually
299,736 (2010 est) [1]
Active personnel41,250 [2]
Reserve personnel118,000 [2]
Expenditures
Budget US$2.3 billion (FY11) [3]
Percent of GDP2.74% (FY10) [3]
Industry
Foreign suppliersFlag of the United States.svg  United States
Flag of France.svg  France
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
Flag of Israel.svg  Israel
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Flag of Russia.svg  Russia
Flag of Chile.svg  Chile
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China
Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia
Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil
Flag of Belarus.svg  Belarus
Flag of Venezuela.svg  Venezuela
Related articles
History Military history of Ecuador
Ranks Rank insignia

The Ecuadorian Armed Forces (Spanish : Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador) is the national military force of Ecuador. The commander-in-chief is the President of Ecuador. The military is generally under civilian control, specifically the Ministry of National Defence. The Ecuadorian military of Ecuador has been involved in border disputes with Peru (Ecuadorian–Peruvian War (1857–1860), Ecuadorian–Peruvian War, Paquisha War, Cenepa War), and has provided military observers and troops to the United Nations since 1948. [4]

Contents

Mission

Ecuadorian Army soldier participates at a UN exercise Ecuadorian Army soldier participates at a UN exercise.jpg
Ecuadorian Army soldier participates at a UN exercise

The armed forces are part of the public forces and have the stated mission of the preservation of the integrity and national sovereignty of the national territory. It also involves participation in the social and economic development of the country and the provision of assistance in the maintenance of internal order. Tasks include fighting organised crime, anti-narcotic operations and illegal immigration. [5] One social development programme applies the provision of teachers for rural schools through an accord with the Ministry of Education.[ citation needed ] Environmental protection is also a priority, several programmes were implemented: National Forestation and Ornamentation, Lonely Tree, Green Surveillance, Fire Plan, Ecuador Forest, and Arenillas Military Reserve.[ citation needed ] The Ecuadorian territory is divided into five Joint Task Force Zones or Fuerzas de Tarea Conjunta, four on mainland Ecuador, the fifth being the Naval Zone (including the Galápagos Islands). [6] [7] Overseas territories include also the Pedro Vicente Maldonado Naval Biological Research Station in the Antarctic.

Geopolitical situation

Ecuador shares a 1,420 km (882 mi) border with Peru. Although marked by many conflicts, relations have improved since the signing of a renewed Peace Treaty in 1998. [1] However, along the 590 km (367 mi)-long border with its neighbour Colombia, relations have been strained mainly due to a cross-border raid by Colombian forces on FARC guerrillas. [5] [8] The Armed Forces had logistical shortcomings and were caught off-guard. Their radar did not work, aviation was virtually non-existent, and communications were not fully operational. [9] A diplomatic crisis followed in 2008 which some attribute partially to the need for better equipment as well as a new national defence doctrine. [10]

The new administration at the Defence Ministry launched a deep restructuring program under the name of PATRIA I. It involves the modernisation of military equipment, improvement of planning, and operations within the Ecuadorian territory. PATRIA I was planned to be completed by 2011. In 2009, the spending budget was increased by 25% and totaled $920 million.

History

Map of the long-lasting territorial dispute between Ecuador and Peru, settled only in 1998. (in Spanish) Ecuador-peru-land-claims-01.png
Map of the long-lasting territorial dispute between Ecuador and Peru, settled only in 1998. (in Spanish)

Ecuador's military history dates far back to its first attempt to secure freedom from Spain in 1811. In 1822 Ecuadorian troops, alongside other rebel forces, scored a decisive victory over the Spanish royalist army at the Battle of Pichincha. Although assisted by Peruvian troops, it would fight these only a few years later in 1828, as a member of the Confederation of Gran Colombia. The troops of Gran Colombia (Less than half of its troops were Ecuadorians), is defeated in the Battle of Punta Malpelo and the combat of crosses, where the Peruvian navy blocks Guayaquil. Then the great Colombians in the land field defeat a division of Peruvian outpost, in the battle of Tarqui. This battle does not define war after the signing of the Giron agreement where it is indicated that it remains in a status quo before bellum. Eventually, Civil War would plunge the country and the army into disorder. In 1941 the Ecuadorian Military found itself weak and disorganized; the by now long-lasting territorial dispute with Peru escalated into a major conflict, the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War of 1941. A much larger and better equipped Peruvian force quickly overwhelmed the Ecuadorian forces, driving them back and invading the Ecuadorian territory. Ecuador had no choice but to accept Peru's territorial claims and signed Peace treaty in 1942. However, the treaty of 1942 failed to settle the border dispute and occasional clashes occurred in a then still non-demarcated border area between the nations. These clashes flared into another outbreak of serious fighting in January 1981 called the Paquisha War where Ecuadorian troops infiltrated into Peruvian territory are expelled by the Peruvian army; similar incidents occurred in 1983 and again in 1984. The last military conflict with Peru occurred in 1995, during the Cenepa War, in which both sides claimed to be fighting inside their own territory until the signing of a ceasefire and the eventual separation of forces. The longest-running source of armed international conflict in the Western Hemisphere had ended. [11]

Local engagements

UN peacekeeping operations

The Ecuadorian Armed Forces has provided military observers and troops to the United Nations since 1948. In November 2003, an Ecuadorian United Nations Training Centre was established under the name of: (La Unidad Escuela de Misiones de Paz "Ecuador"). In 2009, Ecuador was deploying over 90 peacekeepers around the globe.

Organization

The armed forces of Ecuador are under the authority of the President of the Republic through the Ministry of Defence, coordinated by the Joint Command of the Armed Forces.

Command structure

Branches

Joint Command

Comando Conjunto FFAA Ecuador.jpg

The command is in charge of the administration and coordination of the three military branches. The objectives of the command are to integrate the military branches with joint capabilities and interoperability, to address changes and new scenarios, which guarantee the peace, security, and well-being of the nation.

Through military strategic guidelines and guidelines, in the innovation, updating, development and implementation of the generation of military technology, through strategic study in the development of military capabilities, verification of the optimal installed military capacity, implementation of military technological development, in order to promote military operational growth to be the effective and efficient decisive force.

Army

Coat of Arms of Ecuador Army.svg

The Ecuadorian Army (Ejército Ecuatoriano) is the land component of the Armed Forces. Its 25,650 [2] soldiers are deployed in relation to its military doctrine. The contemporary Ecuadorian Army has a large component of jungle and special forces infantry units implemented within its structure. It operates around 236 tanks, 780 IFVs and 68 aircraft; their standard rifle is the Heckler & Koch HK33. Recently acquired material include:

Air Force

Seal of the Ecuadorian Air Force Seal of the Ecuadorian Air Force.svg
Seal of the Ecuadorian Air Force

The present day Ecuadorian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana) saw combat action several times in 1981 and 1995 when it gained valuable experiences against the Peruvian Air Force. The FAE has a personnel strength of 6,200 [2] and focuses mainly on border control but also focuses on the war on drugs, guerrilla insurgencies, and humanitarian missions. Since 2009 the FAE has been undergoing major changes and modernisation plans are ongoing whilst new projects are considered to bolster the country's defence capacities. Recent and ongoing orders include:

Ecuadorian Navy insignia Ecuadorian Navy Seal.svg
Ecuadorian Navy insignia

The present-day Ecuadorian Navy or (Armada del Ecuador) is a compact, efficient, and well-balanced force. However, limited funds hinder any major acquisitions and the chances of maintaining a strong force within the Pacific Ocean. Since the end of 2009, the Navy's structure became simplified. The Ecuadorian Naval Zone became one and measures, 2,237 km (1,390 mi) of the Pacific Coast and 6,720 km2 (2,590 sq mi) of the Pacific Ocean, (including the Galápagos Islands). Most sea-going assets are based at Guayaquil. The Navy focuses mainly on border control and illegal immigration. The Navy operates around 20 major vessels (including two submarines) and 25 aircraft. It has a personnel strength of 9,400. [2] To increase its operational capabilities it recently acquired:

Cyber-Defense Operations Command

It is a body responsible for the planning and execution of actions related to cyberdefense in networks and information and telecommunications systems or others that it may have entrusted to, as well as contributing to the appropriate response in cyberspace to threats or aggressions that may affect National Defense, guaranteeing and providing security to strategic entities that are managed by computer systems.

He is prepared to counter cyberattacks, cyberwarfare and espionage to "critical entities" that could be attacked "from anywhere in the world."

Education

The training of army, navy and air force officers is the function of the Eloy Alfaro Military Higher School, the Rafael Morán Valverde Naval Higher School and the Cosme Rennella Barbatto Military Higher School, respectively.

Equipment sources

Historically, Ecuador depended on a wide variety of foreign suppliers for virtually all of its equipment needs. Only in the 1980s did it begin to develop a modest domestic arms industry as the Directorate of Army Industries manufactured rifle ammunition, uniforms, boots, and other items.

In the 1960s and 1970s, France became a leading supplier and delivered AMX-13 tanks and various aircraft. Ecuador also purchased Type 209 submarines and Lürssen-Seawolf TNC 45 patrol boats from West Germany. Various types of infantry weapons were acquired from Belgium.

Ecuador became a substantial customer for Israeli arms in the 1970s, purchasing Arava aircraft, Gabriel missiles for naval patrol craft, and Uzi submachine guns. Under technical assistance contracts, Israel serviced Israeli planes in the Ecuadorian Air Force inventory as well as Boeing civilian aircraft flown by TAME and Ecuatoriana Airlines. Ecuador also reportedly employed Israeli security specialists as consultants in the fight against terrorism. In 1976 Ecuador became the first foreign country to order the Kfir, an advanced jet fighter equipped with the General Electric J-79 engine produced in Israel under license. The transaction, which required United States government approval because of the engine technology, was rejected by the administration of President Jimmy Carter in order to discourage the proliferation of sophisticated military equipment in the Third World. The action caused an uproar in Israel where the sale was regarded as an important breakthrough in Israel's efforts to develop international markets for the Kfir. In 1981, after the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, Washington removed its objection to the sale. Although the contract called for the purchase of 12 Kfirs and an option to purchase an additional 12, Ecuador acquired only the original group, at a price estimated at US$196 million.

Ecuador became a relatively heavy importer of arms in the late 1970s and early 1980s, averaging US$150 million annually and reaching a peak of US$280 million in 1982. These imports declined sharply to an average of US$50 million annually between 1985 and 1987, presumably as a result of a dramatic reduction in oil revenues and the precipitous drop in the value of the sucre, which made imported arms extremely expensive. Between 1983 and 1987, Ecuador imported an estimated US$460 million of arms, primarily from Italy, France, the United States, and Britain. In 1995, during the Cenepa War against Peru, Argentina gave to Ecuador 6,500 tons of rifles, cannons, anti-tank rockets, and ammunition in a controversial move. [33]

Recent times saw changes in Ecuador's foreign policy, as it decided to look for alternative weapon suppliers. These included its long-term allies Chile, which since 2008 has provided Leopard 1 tanks and Leander-class frigates. Israel delivered its unmanned aerial vehicles in 2009, and Brazil supplied additional military vehicles and Super Tucano combat aircraft. Countries like Russia and China have delivered small quantities of military equipment in the past, but have gained importance in recent years. Since then, Chinese radars, anti-aircraft systems, and infantry weapons have been purchased. In 2009 two additional Mil Mi-17 helicopters have been ordered from Russia with further deals planned.[ citation needed ] India has delivered HAL Dhruv helicopters and South Africa is about to deliver 12 Atlas Cheetah supersonic aircraft. Ecuador's political ally, Venezuela, has donated military equipment including six Mirage 50 aircraft.

In 2010, the U.S. embassy in Ecuador announced that it had delivered $1.2 million of donated military equipment to the Ecuadorian military. The donations were intended to support operations countering drug smuggling and guerilla activity along the Colombian border. Although the U.S. has refused to renew their lease on the Manta military airbase, deliveries included trucks, patrol boats, GPS, night vision, and M4 carbine rifles. [34] [35]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecuador</span> Country in South America

Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Ecuador also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 kilometers (621 mi) west of the mainland. The country's capital is Quito and its largest city is Guayaquil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peruvian Armed Forces</span> Combined military services of Peru

The Peruvian Armed Forces are the military services of Peru, comprising independent Army, Navy and Air Force components. Their primary mission is to safeguard the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any threat. As a secondary mission they participate in economic and social development as well as in civil defense tasks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cenepa War</span> Brief territorial conflict between Ecuador and Peru in early 1995

The Cenepa War, also known as the Alto Cenepa War, was a brief and localized military conflict between Ecuador and Peru, fought over control of an area in Peruvian territory near the border between the two countries. The two nations had signed a border treaty following the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War of 1941, but Ecuador later disagreed with the treaty as it applied to the Cenepa and Paquisha areas, and in 1960 it declared the treaty null and void. Most of the fighting took place around the headwaters of the Cenepa River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peruvian Navy</span> Naval branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces

The Peruvian Navy is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with surveillance, patrol and defense on lakes, rivers and the Pacific Ocean up to 200 nautical miles from the Peruvian littoral. Additional missions include assistance in safeguarding internal security, conducting disaster relief operations and participating in international peacekeeping operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Armed Forces Day</span> National holidays honoring military forces

Many nations around the world observe some kind of Armed Forces Day to honor their military forces. This day is not to be confused with Veterans Day or Memorial Day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peruvian Air Force</span> Air warfare branch of Perus military

The Peruvian Air Force is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with defending the nation and its interests through the use of air power. Additional missions include assistance in safeguarding internal security, conducting disaster relief operations and participating in international peacekeeping operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecuadorian–Peruvian War</span> 1941 South American border conflict

The Ecuadorian–Peruvian War, known locally as the War of '41, was a South American border war fought between 5–31 July 1941. It was the first of three military conflicts between Ecuador and Peru during the 20th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Army of Colombia</span> Military unit

The National Army of Colombia is the land warfare service branch of the Military Forces of Colombia. With over 361,420 active personnel as of 2020, it is the largest and oldest service branch in Colombia, and the third largest army in the Americas after Brazil and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecuadorian–Peruvian territorial dispute</span>

The Ecuadorian–Peruvian territorial dispute was a territorial dispute between Ecuador and Peru, which, until 1928, also included Colombia. The dispute had its origins on each country's interpretation of what Real Cedulas Spain used to precisely define its colonial territories in the Americas. After independence, all of Spain's colonial territories signed and agreed to proclaim their limits in the basis of the principle of uti possidetis juris, which regarded the Spanish borders of 1810 as the borders of the new republics. However, conflicting claims and disagreements between the newly formed countries eventually escalated to the point of armed conflicts on several occasions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paquisha War</span>

The Paquisha War or Fake Paquisha War was a military clash that took place between January and February 1981 between Ecuador and Peru over the control of three watchposts. While Peru felt that the matter was already decided in the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War of 1941, Ecuador claimed that the Rio de Janeiro Protocol was not executable because a 78 km section of the border was not precisely defined.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecuadorian Army</span> Land component of Ecuadorian Armed Forces

The Ecuadorian Army is the land component of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces. Its 160,500 soldiers are deployed in relation to its military doctrine. The contemporary Ecuadorian Army incorporates many jungle and special forces infantry units into its structure. The Ecuadorian army is one of the largest armies in the Americas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peruvian Army</span> Land warfare branch of Perus armed forces

The Peruvian Army is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with safeguarding the independence, sovereignty and integrity of national territory on land through military force. Additional missions include assistance in safeguarding internal security, conducting disaster relief operations and participating in international peacekeeping operations. It celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Ayacucho (1824) on December 9.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embraer EMB 312 Tucano</span> Brazilian Turboprop trainer & light attack aircraft

The Embraer EMB 312 Tucano is a low-wing, tandem-seat, single-turboprop, basic trainer with counter-insurgency capability that was developed in Brazil. The Brazilian Air Force sponsored the EMB-312 project at the end of 1978. Design and development work began in 1979 on a low-cost, relatively simple, new basic trainer with innovative features which eventually became the international standard for basic training aircraft. The prototype first flew in 1980, and initial production units were delivered in 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecuadorian Air Force</span> Air warfare branch of Ecuadors military

The Ecuadorian Air Force is the air branch of the Armed Forces of Ecuador.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argentina–Peru relations</span> Bilateral relations

Foreign relations between the Argentine Republic and the Republic of Peru, have existed for over a century. Both countries established diplomatic relations on July 10, 1822. Both nations are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Group of 77, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the United Nations.

The military history of Ecuador spans hundreds of years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecuadorian Navy</span> Military unit

The Ecuadorian Navy is an Ecuadorian entity responsible for the surveillance and protection of national maritime territory and has a personnel of 9,400 men to protect a coastline of 2,237 km which reaches far into the Pacific Ocean. The vessels are identified by a ship prefix of B.A.E.: Buque de la Armada del Ecuador or L.A.E.: Lancha de la Armada del Ecuador.

Rank comparison chart of navies of North and South American states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chile–Ecuador relations</span> Bilateral relations

Chilean–Ecuadorian relations refer to official and bilateral tie between Chile and Ecuador. Two countries have embassies in respective capitals.

The South American territorial disputes are the territorial disputes and litigations that have developed in South America since the aftermath of the continent's wars of independence, which have shaped the current political geography of the region. These conflicts have been resolved both through both military and diplomatic means. The most recent conflict in the Americas of this nature was the Cenepa War in 1995, between Ecuador and Peru.

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