Armed Forces of Gabon


The Armed Forces of Gabon, officially the Gabonese Defense and Security Forces, is the national professional military of Gabon, divided into the Army, Air Force, Navy, and a National Gendarmerie, consisting of about 5,000 personnel. The armed forces includes a well-trained, well-equipped 1,800-member guard that provides security for the President of Gabon. Although the President of Gabon has authority over all of the armed forces, the Ministry of National Defense administers it.

Organizational structure

Army

The Gabonese Army is the land component of the armed forces, specializing in infantry and mechanized reconnaissance. It was created on December 6, 1960, by decree of president Léon M'ba from non-commissioned officers who served in the French colonial army, mainly the 2nd company of the 21st BIMA. Following independence, Gabon signed defense agreements with France, mainly on technical assistance and training. Until June 1964, the title of Chief of Staff of the Gabonese Armed Forces was held by a senior French Army officer. In 1962 a detachment of the Auxiliary Women of the Gabonese Armed Forces, commanded by Lieutenant Ba Oumar at the military camp of Owendo, was created. President M'ba promoted the initiative following a visit to Tel Aviv, Israel, where he met female staff in its Defense Forces.

Order of battle

  • Republican Guard Battalion
  • ** 1 Light Armoured recon unit
  • * 3 Infantry companies
  • ** 1 Artillery battery
  • * 1 Air Defence battery
  • Airborne Regiment
  • * 1 Command company
  • * 1 Recon & Support company
  • * 3 Airborne companies
  • 1 Light Armoured Recon Battalion
  • * 2 Armoured squads
  • * 1 Command & Logistics company
  • Support Command Regiment
  • * 1 Artillery battery
  • * 1 Mortar battery
  • * 1 MRLS battery
  • * 1 Engineer company
  • * Logistic units
  • 7 Military Regions
  • * 7 Motorised infantry battalions

Air Force

Order of battle

Facilities

Navy

The Gabonese Navy is the official maritime branch of the armed forces. It was created in December 1960 as part of the army, and only became an independent entity in 1983. The navy's core purpose is to monitor the country's coastal waters, including 800 km of coastline.

Other security forces

National Gendarmerie

The National Gendarmerie of Gabon is the national police force of Gabon responsible for law enforcement in the country. It was formed on March 10, 1960, when Gabon, formerly French Equatorial Africa, gained its independence from France. It originated from Libreville Gendarmerie Detachment 1929, which was commanded by Governor General of French Equatorial Africa, Félix Eboue. The main tasks of the gendarmerie are to defend the country's borders, ensure public safety, and to enforce actions taken by judicial and government authorities. The National Gendarmerie is under the direct command of the President of Gabon.

Republican Guard

The Gendarmerie is also in charge of the Republican Guard. It is viewed as the most powerful and sophisticated of the security forces. It is primarily tasked with protecting the president and ensures regime stability.

Equipment

Retired aircraft

Previous aircraft operated were the CM.170 Magister, Embraer EMB 110, Fokker F28, Aérospatiale N 262, Reims C.337, and the Alouette II helicopter.

Ceremonial traditions