Jump to content

Benin Armed Forces: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Monkbot (talk | contribs)
Bots
3,242,873 edits
m Task 20: replace {lang-??} templates with {langx|??} ‹See Tfd› (Replaced 1);
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 19: Line 19:
| website = <!--{{URL|example.mil}}-->
| website = <!--{{URL|example.mil}}-->
<!-- Leadership -->
<!-- Leadership -->
| commander-in-chief = [[Patrice Talon|President Patrice Talon]]
| commander-in-chief = [[Patrice Talon]]
| commander-in-chief_title =
| commander-in-chief_title = [[List of presidents of Benin|Commander-in-Chief]]
| chief minister =
| chief minister =
| chief minister_title =
| chief minister_title =
| minister = Yarou Robert Theophile
| minister = Yarou Robert Theophile
| minister_title = Minister of Defence
| minister_title = Minister of Defence
| commander = Laurent Amoussou
| commander = Fructueux Gbaguidi
| commander_title = Chief of the Defence Staff
| commander_title = [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Benin)|Chief of the Defence Staff]]
<!-- Manpower -->
<!-- Manpower -->
| age =
| age =
Line 47: Line 47:
<!-- Industrial -->
<!-- Industrial -->
| domestic_suppliers =
| domestic_suppliers =
| foreign_suppliers = [[United States]] <br/> [[Russia]] <br/> [[France]]
| foreign_suppliers = {{flagicon|United States}} [[United States]] <br/>{{flagicon|Russia}} [[Russia]] <br/>{{flagicon|France}} [[France]]
| imports =
| imports =
| exports =
| exports =
Line 55: Line 55:
}}
}}


The '''Benin Armed Forces''' ({{lang-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>
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>


== History ==
== History ==
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}}
The national gendarmerie no longer exists since 2019. It has been merged with the national police.


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>
== Branches ==
== Branches ==


===Army===
===Army===
{{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:

* 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===
===Air Force===
Line 69: Line 86:


===Navy===
===Navy===
As at 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.<ref name="IISS_2012_422" />
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" />


=== Republican Guard ===
=== Republican Guard ===
Line 75: Line 92:


== Equipment ==
== Equipment ==
===Small arms===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
=== Infantry weapons ===
|-
{| class="wikitable"
! width=16%| Name
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"| Name
! width=10%| Image
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin
! width=15%| Caliber
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Type
! width=12%| Type
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Variant
! width=10%| Origin
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes
! width=28%| Notes
|-
|-
! colspan="6"| Pistols
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Small arms]]
|-
|-
| [[TT-33]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[TT pistol]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007">Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007</ref>
| [[Soviet Union]]
| [[File:TT33.JPG|150px]]
| [[7.62x25mm]]
| [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
|
| {{URS}}
|
|
|-
|-
! colspan="6"| Submachine guns
| [[MAT-49]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
|-
| [[France]]
| [[MAT-49]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[File:MAT Submachine Gun.jpg|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|France}}
|
|
|-
! colspan="6"| Rifles
|-
| [[SKS]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[File:Simonov-SKS-45.JPG|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Semi-automatic rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[AK-47]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[AKM]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| [[File:AK-47 assault rifle.jpg|150px]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{URS}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[AKM]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[AK-47]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| [[File:AKM automatkarbin Ryssland - 7,62x39mm - Armémuseum rightside noBG.png|150px]]
| Russia
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| [[AK-103]], [[AK-12]], [[RPK-74]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[MAS-49/56]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[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>
| [[File:MAS 49 56.JPG|150px]]
| [[China]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| [[7.5×54mm]]
|
|
|-
| [[MAS-36 rifle]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| France
| [[Bolt-action rifle]]
|
|
|-
| [[SKS]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| [[Soviet Union]]
| [[Semi-automatic rifle]]
| [[Semi-automatic rifle]]
| {{Flag|France}}
|
|
|
|-
|-
| [[MAS-49 rifle]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| France
| [[Semi-automatic rifle]]
|
|
|-
|-
! colspan="6"| Machine guns
| [[AA-52 machine gun| AA-52]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| France
| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[RPD machine gun|RPD]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[Degtyaryov machine gun| Degtyaryov]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| [[File:LMG-RPD-44 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[Soviet Union]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]]
| [[Degtyaryov machine gun#Variants | RP-46]]
| [[Light machine gun]]
| {{URS}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[:ru:РП-46|RP-46]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[RPD machine gun| RPD]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| [[File:DM-ST-89-01130.JPEG|150px]]
| Soviet Union
| [[7.62×54mmR]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]]
| [[Light machine gun]]
|
| {{URS}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[FM 24/29 light machine gun|FM 24/29]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
|[[DShK]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| [[File:LMG 24 29 2.JPG|150px]]
| Soviet Union
| [[7.5×54mm]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]]
| [[Light machine gun]]
|
| {{Flag|France}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[AA-52 machine gun|AA-52]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[M2 Browning]]<ref name="Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007" />
| [[File:Mitrailleuse-IMG 1728.jpg|150px]]
| United States
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun|General purpose]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| [[M2 Browning#Variants and derivatives|M2HB, M2HB-QCB]]
| {{Flag|France}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[KPV heavy machine gun|KPV]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[RPG-7]]
| [[File:Iraqi Police gun-carriage (cropped).jpg|150px]]
| Soviet Union
| [[14.5×114mm]]
| [[Heavy machine gun]]
| {{URS}}
|
|-
| [[Browning M2]]
| [[File:PEO Browning M2E2 QCB (c1).jpg|150px]]
| [[.50 BMG]]
| [[Heavy machine gun]]
| {{US}}
| M2HB variant used.{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
|-
! colspan="6"| Rocket propelled grenade launchers
|-
| [[RPG-7]]{{sfn|Jones|Ness|2010|page=904}}
| [[File:Rpg-7.jpg|150px]]
| 40mm
| [[Rocket-propelled grenade]]
| [[Rocket-propelled grenade]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|
|
|
|-
|}
|}


===Heavy weapons===
===Artillery===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
[[File:Beninese Army soldiers taking part in live fire exercise at Bembèrèkè 2009-06-16.jpg|thumb|Beninese soldiers training with Type 56s.]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Name
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Type
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|In service
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes
|-
|-
! width=14%| Name
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Armored fighting vehicle]]
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=24%| Notes
|-
|-
! colspan="6"| [[Field artillery]]
| [[PT-76]]
|-
| Soviet Union
| [[Light tank]]
| [[M101 howitzer|M101]]
| [[File:JGSDF 105mm Howitzer M2A1(Type 58 105mm Howitzer) left front view at Camp Nihonbara October 1, 2017.jpg|150px]]
| 18<ref name="IISS_2012_422" />
| [[Howitzer]]
| {{US}}
| 4{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[M8 Greyhound]]
| [[L118 light gun|L118]]
| [[United States]]
| [[File:M119a trimmed.jpg|150px]]
| [[Howitzer]]
| [[Tank destroyer|Anti-armor vehicle]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| 7<ref name=IISS_2012_422 />
| 12{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Type 87 mortar|PP-87]]{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
| [[Eland Mk7#Eland-90|Eland-90]]
|[[File:Zagan_82_mm_moździerz_wz_37.jpg|150px]]
| [[South Africa]]
| [[Armored car (military)|Armored car]]
| [[Mortar (weapon)|Mortar]]
| {{CHN}}
| 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>
|
| 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>
| 81&nbsp;mm mortar
|-
|-
| W-86{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
| [[Véhicule Blindé Léger|Panhard VBL]]
| France
|
| [[Armored car (military)|Armored car]]
| [[Mortar (weapon)|Mortar]]
| {{CHN}}
| 10<ref name=IISS_2012_422 />
|
|
| 120&nbsp;mm mortar
|-
|}

===Tanks===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| [[PT-76]]
| [[File:ParkPatriot2015part2-40.jpg|150px]]
| [[Light tank]]
| {{URS}}
| 18
| Serviceability doubtful.{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
|}

===Armoured fighting vehicles===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=24%| Notes
|-
|-
| [[BRDM-2]]
| [[BRDM-2]]
| [[File:BRDM-2 (1964) owned by James Stewart pic7.JPG|150px]]
| Soviet Union
| [[Armored car (military)|Armored car]]
| [[Scout car]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 14<ref name=IISS_2012_422 />
| 14{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Panhard VBL]]
| [[Casspir#Variants|Casspir 2000]]
| [[File:Panhard_VBL_(Vèhicule_Blindé_Legér),_French_army_licence_registration_'6924_0057'_pic2.JPG|150px]]
| South Africa
| [[Armoured personnel carrier]]
| [[Scout car]]
| {{FRA}}
| 10{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
|
|
| 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>
|-
|-
| [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113]]
| United States
| [[Armoured personnel carrier]]
| 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>
|
|-
|-
| [[Eland armoured car]]
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Artillery]]
| [[File:Noddymain.png|150px]]
| [[Armored car (military)|Armoured car]]
| {{Flag|South Africa}}
| 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>
|
|-
|-
| [[L118 Light Gun]]
| [[M8 Greyhound]]
| [[File:Light Armored Car M8 Greyhound, Army registration number USA 603332 pic2.JPG|150px]]
| [[United Kingdom]]
| [[Armored car (military)|Armoured car]]
| [[Howitzer]]
| {{US}}
| 12<ref name=IISS_2012_422 />
| 7{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
|
|-
| [[M101 howitzer]]
| United States
| [[Howitzer]]
| 4<ref name=IISS_2012_422 />
|
|
|}

===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}}
|
|-
|-
| [[Boeing 727]]
| [[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]]
| [[Armoured personnel carrier]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 15{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Casspir#Variants|Casspir NG]]
| [[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|DHC-6 Twin Otter]]
| [[File:Mechem Casspir Mk II (9686200019).jpg|150px]]
| [[Canada]]
| [[MRAP]]
| Utility transport
| {{Flag|South Africa}}
|
| 10{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
| 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2021">{{cite web|last=|first=|year=2021|title=World Air Forces 2021|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2021/141456.article|url-access=registration|work=|publisher=Flightglobal Insight|doi=|accessdate=4 May 2021}}</ref>
|
|
|-
| [[Dongfeng Mengshi]]
| [[File:Dongfeng_EQ2050_Xiamen_01_2019-10-25.jpg|150px]]
| [[MRAP]]
| {{CHN}}
| 9{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=473}}
|
|-
|}
|}

==Bibliography==
*{{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}}}}
*{{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}}


==References==
==References==

{{Commons category|Military of Benin}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

;Works consulted
*{{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)|title=The Military Balance 2012|year=2012|publisher=IISS|location=London|issn=0459-7222}}
{{CIA World Factbook}}
{{CIA World Factbook}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Military of Benin}}
* [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)


{{Benin topics}}
{{Benin topics}}

Latest revision as of 09:57, 23 October 2024

Benin Armed Forces
Forces Armées Béninoises
Coat of arms of Benin
Founded1960
Service branchesArmy
Benin Navy
Benin Air Force
National Gendarmerie
Leadership
Commander-in-ChiefPatrice Talon
Minister of DefenceYarou Robert Theophile
Chief of the Defence StaffFructueux Gbaguidi
Personnel
ConscriptionNo
Active personnel4,750[1]
Expenditure
Budget$US73 million (2011)[1]
Percent of GDP1% (2011)[1]
Industry
Foreign suppliersUnited States United States
Russia Russia
France France
Related articles
RanksMilitary 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, 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.

[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]
  1. ^ a b c d e f IISS (2012), p. 422
  2. ^ Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, Samuel Decalo, Historical Dictionary of Benin, 78.
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Jones & Ness 2010, p. 904.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m IISS 2024, p. 473.
  6. ^ "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.
  7. ^ Hounsou, Ludovic (June 2017). "Levée des indisponibilités de trois pelotons". Le Mirador. 1 (11): 23. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024.

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from The World Factbook. CIA.

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Military of Benin.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Benin_Armed_Forces&oldid=1252881225"