Uruguay - Armed forces

The armed forces numbered 23,900 personnel in 2002. The army numbered 15,200, organized in four regional divisions. Equipment included 15 main battle tanks and around 70 light tanks. The navy (including naval air force and infantry) numbered 5,700 with three frigates and 8 patrol and coastal combatants. The air force had 3,000 personnel and 28 combat aircraft. There was a 920-member paramilitary guard in two units. Defense spending amounted to $250 million in 1999. Uruguay participated in UN peacekeeping and had troops and observers stationed in nine regions.