Armed Forces of the Republic of the Congo

The Armed Forces of the Republic of the Congo include an Army, the Congolese Air Force, and a Navy (est. 800). Paramilitary organisations include 2,000 Gendarmerie in 20 companies, and a Presidential Guard, possibly organised into a battalion. (IISS 2007, p. 269)

On 5 February 2012, there were munitions explosions at a tank regiment (seemingly 'Regiment Blinde') barracks located in Brazzaville's fifth arrondissement, Ouenze. Some 206 people were initially reported killed. There are five military barracks in the city, and after the explosion officials said the government had promised to move all munitions out of the capital.

Tanks
Tanks are mostly older examples from the USSR.


 * T-54/55 - 25
 * Type 59 - 15
 * Type 63 - 8
 * PT-76 - 3 ordered in 1971 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1972 (the vehicles were second hand)
 * T-34/85

Infantry fighting vehicles

 * Mamba APC
 * BTR-152
 * BTR-50
 * BTR-60 - 30
 * ZFB-05 - 14

Self Propelled guns

 * ZSU-23-4 - 8
 * BM-21 Grad - 6

Small Arms

 * AKM
 * AK-47
 * FN FAL
 * DShK
 * RPK
 * RPD
 * RP-46
 * MAT-49
 * Walther PP
 * TT pistol
 * RPG-7

Anti-Aircraft guns

 * 37 mm automatic air defense gun M1939
 * 57 mm AZP S-60

Aircraft Inventory
The Congo's 10 military aircraft, including 3 helicopters, are operated by the Air Force.