Minister of Defence Yarou Robert Theophile Percent of GDP 1% (2011) Service branch National Gendarmerie | Active personnel 4,750 | |
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Service branches Army (l'Armée de Terre)Benin Navy (Forces Navales Beninois, FNB)Benin People's Air Force (Force Aerienne Populaire de Benin, FAPB)National Gendarmerie Similar Djibouti Armed Forces, Military of Gabon, Eritrean Defence Forces, National Gendarmerie, Niger Armed Forces | ||
The Benin Armed Forces (FAB - Forces armées béninoises) 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.
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Army
As of 2012, the Army has a strength of 4300. It includes 1 armoured squadron, 3 infantry battalions, 1 commando/airborne battalion, 1 artillery battery, and 1 engineer battalion.
Small Arms
Air Force
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 were 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
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.