The Haitian government aims to leverage U.S. legislation to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its coast guard. In an interview with Le Nouvelliste on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during his official visit to the United States, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé outlined plans for a deep reform of the Haitian Armed Forces (FADH).
Relying on H.R. 7148, a provision allowing Haiti to acquire defense equipment and services, the Prime Minister confirmed that funds allocated under the U.S. consolidated appropriations law for 2026 will be used for this purpose.
“The first step is to establish a new military doctrine. The world has changed, and Haiti needs a modern army that serves the population and protects its borders,” he stated.
Beyond doctrinal reform, Fils-Aimé also announced cooperation with Bangladesh as part of the deployment of the Gang Repression Force (FRG), including maritime equipment support to strengthen operational capacity.
Meanwhile, Haitian National Police (PNH) Director General Vladimir Paraison had previously emphasized the urgent need to reinforce the coast guard, noting that Haiti has more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline to secure.
He also stressed that decisions regarding equipment acquisition fall under government authority, while the police contribute at a technical level in international cooperation efforts.
