Benin Armed Forces: Difference between revisions
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| commander-in-chief = [[ |
| commander-in-chief = [[Patrice Talon]] |
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| commander-in-chief_title = |
| commander-in-chief_title = [[List of presidents of Benin|Commander-in-Chief]] |
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| chief minister = |
| chief minister = |
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| chief minister_title = |
| chief minister_title = |
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| minister = Yarou Robert Theophile |
| minister = Yarou Robert Theophile |
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| minister_title = Minister of Defence |
| minister_title = Minister of Defence |
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| commander = |
| commander = Fructueux Gbaguidi |
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| commander_title = Chief of the Defence Staff |
| commander_title = [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Benin)|Chief of the Defence Staff]] |
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| domestic_suppliers = |
| domestic_suppliers = |
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| foreign_suppliers = [[United States]] <br/> [[Russia]] <br/> [[France]] |
| foreign_suppliers = {{flagicon|United States}} [[United States]] <br/>{{flagicon|Russia}} [[Russia]] <br/>{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] |
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| imports = |
| imports = |
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The '''Benin Armed Forces''' ({{ |
The '''Benin Armed Forces''' ({{langx|fr|Forces Armées Béninoises}}; FAB) constitutes the army, navy, air force, and national gendarmerie of [[Benin]]. For a number of years, the [[Belgian Armed Forces]] have had an active programme of co-operation with Benin, offering training and coaching, donating redundant military equipment and using the country for limited military exercises.<ref>Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, Samuel Decalo, Historical Dictionary of Benin, 78.</ref> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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The [[Constitution of Benin|constitution of 11 December 1990]] ordered the Benin Armed Forces to ensure effective, permanent and efficient security coverage of the territory, as well as border vigilance.{{fact|date=January 2023}} |
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The national gendarmerie no longer exists since 2019. It has been merged with the national police. |
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The national gendarmerie no longer exists since 2018. It has been merged with the national police.<ref name="Dec41">{{cite web|access-date=27 February 2022|archive-date=June 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603034634/https://sgg.gouv.bj/doc/loi-2017-41/|date=29 December 2017|language=fr|title=Décret n° 2017-41 portant création de la Police républicaine en République du Bénin|url=https://sgg.gouv.bj/doc/loi-2017-41|website=Présidence de la République du Bénin}}<!-- auto-translated by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> |
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== Branches == |
== Branches == |
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===Army=== |
===Army=== |
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{{As of|2012}}, the Army had a strength of 4,300.<ref name="IISS_2012_422">IISS (2012), p. 422</ref> It includes 1 [[armoured warfare|armoured]] squadron, 3 [[infantry]] battalions, 1 commando/airborne battalion, 1 [[artillery]] battery, and 1 engineer battalion, and 1 National Fire Brigade.<ref name=IISS_2012_422 /> |
{{As of|2012}}, the Army had a strength of 4,300.<ref name="IISS_2012_422">IISS (2012), p. 422</ref> It includes 1 [[armoured warfare|armoured]] squadron, 3 [[infantry]] battalions, 1 commando/airborne battalion, 1 [[artillery]] battery, and 1 engineer battalion, and 1 National Fire Brigade.<ref name=IISS_2012_422 /> The army has the following units: |
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* 1st Parachute Commando Battalion |
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* 1st Motorized Intervention Battalion |
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* 1st Armoured Group |
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* National Group of Firefighters |
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* 1st Combined Arms Battalion |
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* 2nd Combined Arms Battalion |
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* 3rd Combined Arms Battalion |
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* 7th Combined Arms Battalion |
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* 8th Combined Arms Battalion |
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* 1st Mixed Artillery Battalion |
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* 1st Engineer Battalion |
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* 1st Signal Battalion |
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* 1st Materiel Battalion |
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* 1st Train Battalion |
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* Headquarters Group |
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===Air Force=== |
===Air Force=== |
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===Navy=== |
===Navy=== |
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As |
As of 2012, the navy has a strength of approximately 200 personnel. It operates two ex-Chinese patrol boats, which are designated the [[Matelot Brice Kpomasse class|''Matelot Brice Kpomasse'' class]].<ref name="IISS_2012_422" /> |
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=== Republican Guard === |
=== Republican Guard === |
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== Equipment == |
== Equipment == |
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===Small arms=== |
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;" |
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=== Infantry weapons === |
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|- |
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{| class="wikitable" |
|||
! width=16%| Name |
|||
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"| Name |
|||
! width=10%| Image |
|||
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin |
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! width=15%| Caliber |
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! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Type |
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! width=12%| Type |
|||
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Variant |
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! width=10%| Origin |
|||
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes |
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! width=28%| Notes |
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|- |
|- |
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! colspan="6"| Pistols |
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! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Small arms]] |
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|- |
|- |
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| [[TT-33]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[TT pistol]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007">Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007</ref> |
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| [[ |
| [[File:TT33.JPG|150px]] |
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| [[7.62x25mm]] |
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| [[Semi-automatic pistol]] |
| [[Semi-automatic pistol]] |
||
| |
| {{URS}} |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
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! colspan="6"| Submachine guns |
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| [[MAT-49]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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|- |
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| [[France]] |
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| [[MAT-49]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[File:MAT Submachine Gun.jpg|150px]] |
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| [[9×19mm]] |
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| [[Submachine gun]] |
| [[Submachine gun]] |
||
| {{Flag|France}} |
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| |
| |
||
|- |
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! colspan="6"| Rifles |
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|- |
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| [[SKS]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[File:Simonov-SKS-45.JPG|150px]] |
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| [[7.62×39mm]] |
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| [[Semi-automatic rifle]] |
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| {{Flag|Soviet Union}} |
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| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[AK-47]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[AKM]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| [[File:AK-47 assault rifle.jpg|150px]] |
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| [[Russia]] |
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| [[7.62×39mm]] |
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| [[Assault rifle]] |
| [[Assault rifle]] |
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| {{URS}} |
|||
| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[AKM]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[AK-47]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| [[File:AKM automatkarbin Ryssland - 7,62x39mm - Armémuseum rightside noBG.png|150px]] |
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| Russia |
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| [[7.62×39mm]] |
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| [[Assault rifle]] |
| [[Assault rifle]] |
||
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}} |
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| [[AK-103]], [[AK-12]], [[RPK-74]] |
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| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
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| [[MAS-49/56]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56]]<ref>[http://www.marines.mil/unit/marforaf/PublishingImages/090616-M-3107S-0461.jpg Photo Details]. Marines.mil (16 June 2009). Retrieved on 2012-05-20.</ref> |
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| [[File:MAS 49 56.JPG|150px]] |
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| [[China]] |
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| [[ |
| [[7.5×54mm]] |
||
| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
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| [[MAS-36 rifle]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| France |
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| [[Bolt-action rifle]] |
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| |
|||
| |
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|- |
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| [[SKS]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| [[Soviet Union]] |
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| [[Semi-automatic rifle]] |
| [[Semi-automatic rifle]] |
||
| {{Flag|France}} |
|||
| |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[MAS-49 rifle]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| France |
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| [[Semi-automatic rifle]] |
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| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
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! colspan="6"| Machine guns |
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| [[AA-52 machine gun| AA-52]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| France |
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| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]] |
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| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[RPD machine gun|RPD]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[Degtyaryov machine gun| Degtyaryov]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| [[File:LMG-RPD-44 noBG.png|150px]] |
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| [[Soviet Union]] |
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| [[7.62×39mm]] |
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| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]] |
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| [[ |
| [[Light machine gun]] |
||
| {{URS}} |
|||
| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[:ru:РП-46|RP-46]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[RPD machine gun| RPD]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| [[File:DM-ST-89-01130.JPEG|150px]] |
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| Soviet Union |
|||
| [[7.62×54mmR]] |
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| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]] |
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| [[Light machine gun]] |
|||
| |
|||
| {{URS}} |
|||
| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[FM 24/29 light machine gun|FM 24/29]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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|[[DShK]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| [[File:LMG 24 29 2.JPG|150px]] |
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| Soviet Union |
|||
| [[7.5×54mm]] |
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| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]] |
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| [[Light machine gun]] |
|||
| |
|||
| {{Flag|France}} |
|||
| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[AA-52 machine gun|AA-52]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[M2 Browning]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" /> |
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| [[File:Mitrailleuse-IMG 1728.jpg|150px]] |
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| United States |
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| [[7.62×51mm]] |
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| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]] |
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| [[General-purpose machine gun]] |
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| [[M2 Browning#Variants and derivatives|M2HB, M2HB-QCB]] |
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| {{Flag|France}} |
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| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[KPV heavy machine gun|KPV]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[RPG-7]] |
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| [[File:Iraqi Police gun-carriage (cropped).jpg|150px]] |
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| Soviet Union |
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| [[14.5×114mm]] |
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| [[Heavy machine gun]] |
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| {{URS}} |
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| |
|||
|- |
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| [[Browning M2]] |
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| [[File:PEO Browning M2E2 QCB (c1).jpg|150px]] |
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| [[.50 BMG]] |
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| [[Heavy machine gun]] |
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| {{US}} |
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| M2HB variant used.{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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|- |
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! colspan="6"| Rocket propelled grenade launchers |
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|- |
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| [[RPG-7]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}} |
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| [[File:Rpg-7.jpg|150px]] |
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| 40mm |
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| [[Rocket-propelled grenade]] |
| [[Rocket-propelled grenade]] |
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| {{Flag|Soviet Union}} |
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| |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
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|} |
|} |
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=== |
===Artillery=== |
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;" |
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[[File:Beninese Army soldiers taking part in live fire exercise at Bembèrèkè 2009-06-16.jpg|thumb|Beninese soldiers training with Type 56s.]] |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Name |
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! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin |
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! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Type |
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! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|In service |
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! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes |
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|- |
|- |
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! width=14%| Name |
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! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Armored fighting vehicle]] |
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! width=20%| Image |
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! width=14%| Type |
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! width=12%| Origin |
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! width=10%| Quantity |
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! width=24%| Notes |
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|- |
|- |
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! colspan="6"| [[Field artillery]] |
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| [[PT-76]] |
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|- |
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| Soviet Union |
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| [[ |
| [[M101 howitzer|M101]] |
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| [[File:JGSDF 105mm Howitzer M2A1(Type 58 105mm Howitzer) left front view at Camp Nihonbara October 1, 2017.jpg|150px]] |
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| 18<ref name="IISS_2012_422" /> |
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| [[Howitzer]] |
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| {{US}} |
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| 4{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
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| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
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| [[ |
| [[L118 light gun|L118]] |
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| [[ |
| [[File:M119a trimmed.jpg|150px]] |
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| [[Howitzer]] |
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| [[Tank destroyer|Anti-armor vehicle]] |
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| {{Flag|United Kingdom}} |
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| 7<ref name=IISS_2012_422 /> |
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| 12{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
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| |
| |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[Type 87 mortar|PP-87]]{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
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| [[Eland Mk7#Eland-90|Eland-90]] |
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|[[File:Zagan_82_mm_moździerz_wz_37.jpg|150px]] |
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| [[South Africa]] |
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| [[ |
| [[Mortar (weapon)|Mortar]] |
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| {{CHN}} |
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| 3<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140201140907/http://www.ambafrance-bj.org/spip.php?page=mobile_art&art=1371 DIO blindé au Bénin]</ref> |
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| |
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| provided with French training<ref>{{cite web|title=Senegal Instruction Operationelle Au Profit Des Forces Armees Beninoises|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/operations/senegal-instruction-operationnelle-au-profit-des-forces-armees-beninoises}}</ref><ref>[http://www.warwheels.net/images/WFVbeninHaugh.pdf Republique du Benin] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103160400/http://www.warwheels.net/images/WFVbeninHaugh.pdf|date=3 January 2014}}</ref> |
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| 81 mm mortar |
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|- |
|- |
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| W-86{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
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| [[Véhicule Blindé Léger|Panhard VBL]] |
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| |
| |
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| [[ |
| [[Mortar (weapon)|Mortar]] |
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| {{CHN}} |
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| 10<ref name=IISS_2012_422 /> |
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| |
| |
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| 120 mm mortar |
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|- |
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|} |
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===Tanks=== |
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;" |
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|- |
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! width=14%| Name |
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! width=20%| Image |
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! width=14%| Type |
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! width=12%| Origin |
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! width=10%| Quantity |
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! width=24%| Notes |
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|- |
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| [[PT-76]] |
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| [[File:ParkPatriot2015part2-40.jpg|150px]] |
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| [[Light tank]] |
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| {{URS}} |
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| 18 |
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| Serviceability doubtful.{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
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|} |
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===Armoured fighting vehicles=== |
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;" |
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|- |
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! width=14%| Name |
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! width=20%| Image |
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! width=14%| Type |
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! width=12%| Origin |
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! width=10%| Quantity |
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! width=24%| Notes |
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|- |
|- |
||
| [[BRDM-2]] |
| [[BRDM-2]] |
||
| [[File:BRDM-2 (1964) owned by James Stewart pic7.JPG|150px]] |
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| Soviet Union |
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| [[ |
| [[Scout car]] |
||
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}} |
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| 14<ref name=IISS_2012_422 /> |
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| 14{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
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| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Panhard VBL]] |
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| [[Casspir#Variants|Casspir 2000]] |
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| [[File:Panhard_VBL_(Vèhicule_Blindé_Legér),_French_army_licence_registration_'6924_0057'_pic2.JPG|150px]] |
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| South Africa |
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| [[ |
| [[Scout car]] |
||
| {{FRA}} |
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| 10{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
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| |
| |
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| 10 on order<ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2013_army_military_defense_industry_news/benin_puchases_ten_casspir_2000_4x4_mine_protect_vehicle_from_south_african_company_mechem_1002133.html Benin purchases ten Casspir 2000 mine protected vehicles] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213041535/http://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2013_army_military_defense_industry_news/benin_puchases_ten_casspir_2000_4x4_mine_protect_vehicle_from_south_african_company_mechem_1002133.html|date=13 February 2013}} - Armyrecognition.com, 10 February 2013</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
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| [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113]] |
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| United States |
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| [[Armoured personnel carrier]] |
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| 18<ref name="trade">{{cite web|title=Trade Registers|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|access-date=2013-12-30|publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org}}</ref> |
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| |
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|- |
|- |
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| [[Eland armoured car]] |
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! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Artillery]] |
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| [[File:Noddymain.png|150px]] |
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| [[Armored car (military)|Armoured car]] |
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| {{Flag|South Africa}} |
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| 3<ref name="DIO">{{cite web|title=DIO blindé au Bénin|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|url=http://www.ambafrance-bj.org/DIO-blinde-au-Benin|location=Cotonou|publisher=[[Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (France)|Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs]] |date=7 December 2010|access-date=23 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202111509/http://www.ambafrance-bj.org/DIO-blinde-au-Benin|archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Mirador">{{cite journal|last=Hounsou |first=Ludovic |url=https://docplayer.fr/155087255-Organe-d-information-et-de-liaison-des-forces-armees-beninoises-n-11-avril-mai-juin-grande-tournee-dans-les-garnisons.html |date=June 2017 |title=Levée des indisponibilités de trois pelotons |journal=Le Mirador |volume=1 |issue=11 |page=23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523205258/https://docplayer.fr/155087255-Organe-d-information-et-de-liaison-des-forces-armees-beninoises-n-11-avril-mai-juin-grande-tournee-dans-les-garnisons.html |archive-date=23 May 2024 }}</ref> |
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| |
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|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[M8 Greyhound]] |
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| [[File:Light Armored Car M8 Greyhound, Army registration number USA 603332 pic2.JPG|150px]] |
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| [[United Kingdom]] |
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| [[Armored car (military)|Armoured car]] |
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| [[Howitzer]] |
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| {{US}} |
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| 12<ref name=IISS_2012_422 /> |
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| 7{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
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| [[M101 howitzer]] |
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| United States |
|||
| [[Howitzer]] |
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| 4<ref name=IISS_2012_422 /> |
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| |
| |
||
|} |
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===Aircraft=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft |
|||
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin |
|||
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type |
|||
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant |
|||
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service |
|||
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[M113]] |
|||
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]] |
|||
| [[File:US M113 in Samarra Iraq.jpg|150px]] |
|||
| [[Armoured personnel carrier]] |
|||
| {{US}} |
|||
| 22{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[ACMAT Bastion]] |
||
| [[File:MINUSMA Goundam 2015.jpg|150px]] |
|||
| United States |
|||
| [[Armoured personnel carrier]] |
|||
| [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP]] |
|||
| {{Flag|France}} |
|||
| 2{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}} |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|||
| 1<ref>{{cite web|title=Benin Government B-727|url=http://www.xairforces.net/gallery2d.asp?id=4&galleryid=582&gallery2id=1855&shf=1#.VKZPoGf9mM8|access-date=1 January 2015|publisher=xairforces.net}}</ref> |
|||
| [[Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé|VAB]] |
|||
| [[File:French VAB APC during Operation Desert Shield.JPEG|150px]] |
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==Bibliography== |
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*{{cite journal |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=Chapter Eight: Sub-Saharan Africa |journal=The Military Balance |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |volume=124 |issue=1 |pages=458–531 |doi=10.1080/04597222.2024.2298597 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/04597222.2024.2298597 |access-date=17 April 2024 |language=en |issn=0459-7222 |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}}}} |
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*{{cite book |editor1-last=Jones |editor1-first=Richard D. |editor2-last=Ness |editor2-first=Leland |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2010-2011 |date=2010 |publisher=Janes Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2908-1 |edition=36th}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Commons category|Military of Benin}} |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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;Works consulted |
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*{{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)|title=The Military Balance 2012|year=2012|publisher=IISS|location=London|issn=0459-7222}} |
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{{CIA World Factbook}} |
{{CIA World Factbook}} |
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==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Military of Benin}} |
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* [https://www.africaintelligence.com/west-africa/2024/09/13/paris-and-eu-to-deliver-new-armoured-vehicles-to-beninese-army,110285540-gra Paris and EU to deliver new armoured vehicles to Beninese army], Africa Intelligence, 13 September 2024 (requires free registration) |
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{{Benin topics}} |
{{Benin topics}} |
Latest revision as of 09:57, 23 October 2024
Benin Armed Forces | |
---|---|
Forces Armées Béninoises | |
Founded | 1960 |
Service branches | Army Benin Navy Benin Air Force National Gendarmerie |
Leadership | |
Commander-in-Chief | Patrice Talon |
Minister of Defence | Yarou Robert Theophile |
Chief of the Defence Staff | Fructueux Gbaguidi |
Personnel | |
Conscription | No |
Active personnel | 4,750[1] |
Expenditure | |
Budget | $US73 million (2011)[1] |
Percent of GDP | 1% (2011)[1] |
Industry | |
Foreign suppliers | United States Russia France |
Related articles | |
Ranks | Military ranks of Benin |
The Benin Armed Forces (French: Forces Armées Béninoises; FAB) constitutes the army, navy, air force, and national gendarmerie of Benin. For a number of years, the Belgian Armed Forces have had an active programme of co-operation with Benin, offering training and coaching, donating redundant military equipment and using the country for limited military exercises.[2]
History
[edit]The constitution of 11 December 1990 ordered the Benin Armed Forces to ensure effective, permanent and efficient security coverage of the territory, as well as border vigilance.[citation needed]
The national gendarmerie no longer exists since 2018. It has been merged with the national police.[3]
Branches
[edit]Army
[edit]As of 2012[update], the Army had a strength of 4,300.[1] It includes 1 armoured squadron, 3 infantry battalions, 1 commando/airborne battalion, 1 artillery battery, and 1 engineer battalion, and 1 National Fire Brigade.[1] The army has the following units:
- 1st Parachute Commando Battalion
- 1st Motorized Intervention Battalion
- 1st Armoured Group
- National Group of Firefighters
- 1st Combined Arms Battalion
- 2nd Combined Arms Battalion
- 3rd Combined Arms Battalion
- 7th Combined Arms Battalion
- 8th Combined Arms Battalion
- 1st Mixed Artillery Battalion
- 1st Engineer Battalion
- 1st Signal Battalion
- 1st Materiel Battalion
- 1st Train Battalion
- Headquarters Group
Air Force
[edit]After achieving independence from France in 1960 the Benin Air Force was transport equipped with seven French-supplied Douglas C-47s, four MH.1521 Broussards and two Agusta-Bell 47Gs. Two F-27s entered service in 1978 for transport duties before being transferred to Air Benin. Also during the same era, two AN-26s were acquired. In late 1985 two Dornier Do-28s entered service to replace the C-47s. A single DHC-6 Twin Otter was acquired in 1989.
Navy
[edit]As of 2012, the navy has a strength of approximately 200 personnel. It operates two ex-Chinese patrol boats, which are designated the Matelot Brice Kpomasse class.[1]
Republican Guard
[edit]The Republican Guard is responsible for the security of the President of the Republic, ministers, members of the government, institutions of the Republic and their leader.
Equipment
[edit]Small arms
[edit]Name | Image | Caliber | Type | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pistols | |||||
TT-33[4] | 7.62x25mm | Semi-automatic pistol | Soviet Union | ||
Submachine guns | |||||
MAT-49[4] | 9×19mm | Submachine gun | France | ||
Rifles | |||||
SKS[4] | 7.62×39mm | Semi-automatic rifle | Soviet Union | ||
AK-47[4] | 7.62×39mm | Assault rifle | Soviet Union | ||
AKM[4] | 7.62×39mm | Assault rifle | Soviet Union | ||
MAS-49/56[4] | 7.5×54mm | Semi-automatic rifle | France | ||
Machine guns | |||||
RPD[4] | 7.62×39mm | Light machine gun | Soviet Union | ||
RP-46[4] | 7.62×54mmR | Light machine gun | Soviet Union | ||
FM 24/29[4] | 7.5×54mm | Light machine gun | France | ||
AA-52[4] | 7.62×51mm | General-purpose machine gun | France | ||
KPV[4] | 14.5×114mm | Heavy machine gun | Soviet Union | ||
Browning M2 | .50 BMG | Heavy machine gun | United States | M2HB variant used.[4] | |
Rocket propelled grenade launchers | |||||
RPG-7[4] | 40mm | Rocket-propelled grenade | Soviet Union |
Artillery
[edit]Name | Image | Type | Origin | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Field artillery | |||||
M101 | Howitzer | United States | 4[5] | ||
L118 | Howitzer | United Kingdom | 12[5] | ||
PP-87[5] | Mortar | China | 81 mm mortar | ||
W-86[5] | Mortar | China | 120 mm mortar |
Tanks
[edit]Name | Image | Type | Origin | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PT-76 | Light tank | Soviet Union | 18 | Serviceability doubtful.[5] |
Armoured fighting vehicles
[edit]Name | Image | Type | Origin | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BRDM-2 | Scout car | Soviet Union | 14[5] | ||
Panhard VBL | Scout car | France | 10[5] | ||
Eland armoured car | Armoured car | South Africa | 3[6][7] | ||
M8 Greyhound | Armoured car | United States | 7[5] | ||
M113 | Armoured personnel carrier | United States | 22[5] | ||
ACMAT Bastion | Armoured personnel carrier | France | 2[5] | ||
VAB | Armoured personnel carrier | France | 15[5] | ||
Casspir NG | MRAP | South Africa | 10[5] | ||
Dongfeng Mengshi | MRAP | China | 9[5] |
Bibliography
[edit]- International Institute for Strategic Studies (2024). "Chapter Eight: Sub-Saharan Africa". The Military Balance. 124 (1). Taylor & Francis: 458–531. doi:10.1080/04597222.2024.2298597. ISSN 0459-7222. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
- Jones, Richard D.; Ness, Leland, eds. (2010). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2010-2011 (36th ed.). Janes Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2908-1.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f IISS (2012), p. 422
- ^ Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, Samuel Decalo, Historical Dictionary of Benin, 78.
- ^ "Décret n° 2017-41 portant création de la Police républicaine en République du Bénin". Présidence de la République du Bénin (in French). 29 December 2017. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Jones & Ness 2010, p. 904.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m IISS 2024, p. 473.
- ^ "DIO blindé au Bénin". Cotonou: Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. 7 December 2010. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ Hounsou, Ludovic (June 2017). "Levée des indisponibilités de trois pelotons". Le Mirador. 1 (11): 23. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024.
This article incorporates public domain material from The World Factbook. CIA.
External links
[edit]- Paris and EU to deliver new armoured vehicles to Beninese army, Africa Intelligence, 13 September 2024 (requires free registration)