Army , 2012 , the army had a strength of 4,300. It includes 1
armoured squadron, 3
infantry battalions, 1 commando/airborne battalion, 1
artillery battery, and 1 engineer battalion, and 1 National Fire Brigade. The army has the following units: • 1st Parachute Commando Battalion • 1st Motorized Intervention Battalion • 1st Armoured Group • National Group of Firefighters • 1st Combined Arms Battalion • 2nd Combined Arms Battalion • 3rd Combined Arms Battalion • 7th Combined Arms Battalion • 8th Combined Arms Battalion • 1st Mixed Artillery Battalion • 1st Engineer Battalion • 1st Signal Battalion • 1st Materiel Battalion • 1st Train Battalion • Headquarters Group
Air Force After achieving independence from France in 1960, the
Benin Air Force was equipped with seven French-supplied
Douglas C-47s, four
MH.1521 Broussards and two
Agusta-Bell 47Gs. Two
F-27s 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 of 2012, the navy had approximately 200 personnel. It operates two ex-Chinese patrol boats, which are designated the
Matelot Brice Kpomasse class.
Republican Guard The Republican Guard is responsible for the security of the President of the Republic, ministers, members of the government, institutions of the Republic, and their leader. ==Equipment==