Most people associate navies with coastal nations that have direct access to the open sea. However, some landlocked countries also maintain naval forces despite lacking ocean coastlines.
These nations operate fleets on lakes and rivers for defense, patrol, and sovereignty purposes. Their existence highlights how geography does not always limit a country’s strategic military development or maritime ambitions.
1. Laos
Laos maintains a small naval component focused on the Mekong River. Its naval units are primarily riverine forces tasked with border security, anti-smuggling operations, and logistical support.
Given Laos’ geography, rivers serve as vital transportation routes, making naval presence essential for maintaining control and ensuring safe movement of goods and people.
2. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan maintains a naval force despite being landlocked because it borders the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest enclosed inland body of water which makes it technically a lake.
Its navy is tasked with protecting territorial waters, securing energy infrastructure, and monitoring regional security.
Since the Caspian Sea is shared with several countries, Kazakhstan’s naval presence plays an important role in safeguarding economic interests, especially oil and gas operations.
3. Turkmenistan
Like Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan operates a navy on the Caspian Sea. Its naval forces have grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the country’s focus on maritime security and resource protection.
Turkmenistan uses its fleet to patrol borders, deter smuggling, and ensure control over offshore energy assets. The navy is a crucial element in maintaining national sovereignty in a region with overlapping interests.
4. Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan also borders the Caspian Sea and possesses one of the more developed naval forces among landlocked nations. Its navy plays a key role in protecting offshore oil platforms and securing maritime boundaries.
Given Azerbaijan’s strategic location and economic reliance on energy exports, its naval capabilities are essential. The navy also contributes to regional stability by deterring potential conflicts over maritime resources.
5. Paraguay
Paraguay has one of the oldest and most established navies among landlocked nations. Its forces operate along the Paraguay River and Paraná River, both of which are critical for trade and transportation.
Paraguay’s navy is responsible for defending waterways, conducting search and rescue missions, and supporting national security. Historically, river control has been central to Paraguay’s military strategy.
6. Bolivia
Bolivia presents a unique case. Although it lost its coastline during the War of the Pacific, Bolivia still maintains a navy. Its naval forces operate primarily on Lake Titicaca and inland rivers.
Beyond defense, the Bolivian Navy symbolizes the country’s enduring aspiration to regain access to the Pacific Ocean. It also conducts patrol, transport, and anti-smuggling missions in riverine environments.
7. Ethiopia
Ethiopia once had a coastline along the Red Sea, but became landlocked after Eritrea gained independence in 1993.
Interestingly, Ethiopia has taken steps to reestablish a navy despite lacking direct sea access. Its strategy involves partnerships with neighboring countries to base naval forces.
This reflects Ethiopia’s ambition to protect trade routes and project influence in the region, even without its own coastline.
The existence of navies in landlocked countries demonstrates that maritime strategy extends beyond oceans. Whether operating on inland seas, lakes, or rivers, these nations use naval forces to protect resources, enforce sovereignty, and maintain security.
Their approaches vary widely, but each reflects a creative adaptation to geographic limitations while pursuing national interests through water-based defense systems.
