Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force

The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force is the official armed national military of the Southern African Kingdom of Eswatini. is used primarily during domestic protests, with some border and customs duties; the force has never been involved in a foreign conflict. The army has struggled with high rates of HIV infection. Since measures were put in place the rate is dropping.

The USDF replaced the Royal Swaziland Defence Force, which was created in 1973 to replace the role of the British Army following independence in 1968.

The King is the Commander-in-Chief of the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (USDF), and the substantive Minister of the Ministry of Defence. However, he delegates the responsibilities of the day-to-day activities of the executive arm of the government.

There is a Defence Council, which is responsible for inter alia advising the King on all matters pertaining to the USDF. The USDF is commanded by Major General Stanley Dlamini; the deputy commander is Brigadier General Patrick Motsa, and the formation commander is Brigadier General Jeffry S. Tshabalala.

Air Force
Swaziland maintains a relatively small air wing, part of the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (USDF). The air wing is mainly used for transporting the King as well as cargo, and personnel; surveying land with search and rescue functions, and mobilizing in case of a national emergency.

Both Arava 201 have crashed; the first was on a demo flight in the 1980s, leaving both pilots dead. The second was lost in 2004, after bad weather caused the flight crew lead by pilot army colonel Micheal Ranft to miss unclocking the flight controls lock pin so they crashed into a sugar cane field after failing to rotate. Although no injuries were reported, the incident left the air force temporarily crippled.

Army
The army, called the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (USDF), is the main component of Swaziland's military.

Facilities

 * Nsingizini Army Barracks
 * Mbuluzi Barracks
 * Mdzimba Mountain Barracks
 * Phocweni Barracks
 * Etjeni Barracks
 * Zombodze Barracks

Units

 * Ludlukhala Regiment
 * Lindimpi Regiment (watchman/guard)
 * Gcina Regiment

Navy
Due to Swaziland being landlocked, the country does not maintain a navy.

Commanders

 * 1973–1977: Prince Bhekimpi Dhlamini (as commander of Royal Swaziland Defence Force)
 * 1977–1979: Colonel Maphevu Dlamini (died in office)
 * 1981: Colonel Jameson Ndizimande (appointment was later annulled)
 * 1983–2000?: Brigadier Gideon Dube
 * 2000–present: Major General Stanley Dlamini