Benin Armed Forces

The Benin Armed Forces (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 county for limited military exercises.

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

 * Pistols
 * TT pistol


 * Sub-machine guns
 * MAT-49


 * Rifles
 * AKM
 * AK-47
 * Type 56 assault rifle
 * MAS-49
 * SKS
 * MAS-36


 * Machine guns
 * AA-52
 * RP-46
 * RPD
 * DShK
 * M2 HB Browning


 * Anti-tank
 * RPG-7


 * Mortars
 * Brandt 60 mm LR Gun-mortar

Air Force
After achieving independence from France in 1960 the Benin Airforce 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.

The Benin Air Force maintains a small transport and utility fleet of 14 aircraft, including seven helicopters.

Beninese Air Force also has two An-26s, and one Boeing 707, but these are currently grounded.

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.