Ecuador’s military spending surged in 2024, focusing on armored vehicles and strengthening defense amid rising criminal threats.

Ecuador has made a significant leap in its military capabilities in 2024, tripling its military imports and reaching $25 million in total transfer volume, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This surge in military acquisitions comes in response to escalating security threats, particularly from criminal gangs and organized crime, prompting the government to strengthen its defense forces.

An Unprecedented Increase in Military Spending

In comparison to previous years, Ecuador’s military spending has seen a dramatic rise. The country spent just $7 million on major weapons in 2023 and $9 million in 2022. However, the 2024 figure marks a stark contrast, reflecting a notable shift in defense priorities. A substantial portion of this budget was directed toward acquiring armored vehicles and the engines required for their operation, comprising 98% of all military equipment received.

These acquisitions were made between 2022 and 2023, with deliveries scheduled for 2025. Notably, Ecuador entered into a $65 million agreement to acquire 137 Mbombe-6 armored vehicles from South Africa and Tiger-2 armored vehicles from Israel. Additionally, Ecuador received a wide variety of military assets throughout 2024, including a C-130H Hercules aircraft, which was donated by the United States on March 25, 2024. This aircraft, with a 20-ton payload capacity, will support disaster response efforts as well as defense and security operations.

Key Acquisitions: A Focus on Armored Vehicles

Among the most prominent acquisitions in 2024 were several batches of armored vehicles. On August 7, 2024, the Ecuadorian Army received its first batch of 45 Israeli-made Mdt-Armor David VBL 4×4 vehicles. These vehicles, designed for urban warfare, can carry up to 12 personnel and are equipped with a machine gun turret. That same day, six South African-made Mbombe 6×6 armored vehicles were delivered as part of the 2022 deal. Additionally, 20 Turkish-made Cobra II vehicles were added to Ecuador’s arsenal in 2023, with another 20 units expected in early 2025.

Perhaps most striking is the ongoing negotiations regarding the purchase of additional Cobra II vehicles from Turkey. Ecuador is reportedly considering acquiring up to 200 more of these vehicles to further bolster its military capacity. These vehicles are customizable and can be equipped with remotely operated weapon systems, aligning with the country’s growing need for modern, adaptable defense technology.

A Strategic Response to Domestic Challenges

This military buildup is directly linked to Ecuador’s ongoing battle against criminal organizations that have been steadily gaining power within certain areas of the country. President Daniel Noboa, speaking during a presidential debate on March 23, 2024, confirmed that the acquisition of “hundreds” of armored vehicles from Israel and Turkey is part of a broader strategy to equip Ecuador’s armed forces to fight back against these criminal elements. The focus on armored vehicles, capable of withstanding high-intensity confrontations, is a direct response to what some experts describe as “criminal microstates,” where the power of gangs eclipses that of the state.

While retired Colonel Mario Pazmiño, a former Director of Intelligence for the Ecuadorian Army, acknowledges the necessity of armored vehicles for urban operations, he stresses that physical strength alone will not suffice. According to Pazmiño, Ecuador’s security forces need enhanced intelligence capabilities to proactively combat criminal groups. He argues that drones for surveillance, along with anti-drone systems, are crucial for identifying and neutralizing threats before they escalate.

Additionally, Pazmiño emphasizes the importance of a well-coordinated, multi-domain intelligence system that goes beyond reactive strategies. He highlights the need for precision weaponry, such as sniper rifles, to support the forces in high-risk environments and calls for better coordination between various security agencies. Without these tools, he warns that Ecuador risks being unprepared for the complexity of modern organized crime.

Logistical Challenges and the Strain of Equipment Diversity

One challenge raised by Pazmiño is the logistical burden of equipping the armed forces with weapons seized from criminal gangs. As the government has mandated, these seized arms are to be redistributed to security forces, but the diversity of calibers and brands used by criminal groups creates complications. Pazmiño points out that the varied ammunition and parts required for these weapons may strain Ecuador’s military supply chains.

Despite these challenges, the government’s strategy is clear: rapidly modernize the armed forces to respond to domestic security crises. However, the question remains whether this surge in military spending and the focus on armored vehicles will ultimately be enough to curb the influence of organized crime.

Future Outlook: A Delicate Balance Between Military and Civil Stability

As Ecuador navigates this delicate balance between enhancing its military capabilities and maintaining social stability, the country faces a critical juncture. The military acquisitions of 2024 represent a substantial shift in defense policy, but they also highlight the growing pressure on the state to manage internal security threats without over-militarizing the response.

Ecuador’s continued reliance on foreign military suppliers raises further questions about its long-term strategic independence. While the infusion of advanced military technology may offer short-term solutions, the nation’s future security will depend on the effectiveness of integrated strategies that combine military strength with intelligence, diplomacy, and social cohesion. The coming years will reveal whether this sharp increase in defense spending can stem the tide of violence or whether the country will find itself further entrenched in a cycle of reactive security measures.