Mercenaries, or “private military companies” as I suppose the current term goes, are by nature not backed up by any specific ruling power, and thus probably don’t have access to fancy weapons and heavy artillery. Back in the olden days, mercenaries were able to stay pretty much on par with actual armies on the cutting edge of hardware: bows, swords, early firearms, etc. Are there any mercanary companies today that are capable of fielding attack planes? Tanks?
I’m not looking for names, but I’m curious as to how an independant armed force compares to an actual government entity in this day and age.
As I said in a GD thread, I think that several of them COULD do so, but have no need. Some, such as the Israeli Beni Tal advertise services up to and including “training” in armor and air support.
I seem to recall reading that the now defunct Sandline International had attack helicopters impounded by the Australian gov’t. Hart Security offers Maritime security, including anti-piracy and patrolling, so I imagine they have some heavy duty seacraft, but I don’t know if these are just well armed private boats, or if they have retired military craft.
But most PMC’s work in the role of light infantry, and are equipped and trained to fill that role. This includes a decent amount of heavy weapons support, but my personal research indicates that noone save the Coalition and US militaries are utilizing attack aircraft or armored vehicles.
Blackwater operates both armored vehicles and fleets of helicopters in their “support” role in both Iraq and Afghanistan. They also can employ transport planes, amphibious assault vessels, and unmanned aircraft. Blackwater claims that they can mobilize the equivalent of a brigade – which would a force of somewhere between 2000 and 3000 men.