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{{Short description|Military of the Republic of Cameroon}}
{{More footnotes|date=November 2010}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox National Military
{{Infobox national military
|country=Cameroon
|name=Cameroon Armed Forces
| name = Cameroon Armed Forces
|native_name={{lang|fr|Forces Armees Camerounaises (FAC)}}
| native_name = {{lang|fr|Forces armées camerounaises (FAC)}}
| image =
|image= [[Image:Flag of Cameroon.svg|200px|]]
| alt =
|caption= Flag of Cameroon
| caption =
|founded=1960
| image2 =
|current_form=
| alt2 =
|disbanded=
| caption2 =
|branches=Cameroon Army (L'Armee de Terre)<br>[[Cameroon Air Force]] (Armee de l'Air du Cameroun, AAC)<br>Cameroon Navy<br>Fire Fighter Corps<br>Gendarmerie<br>
| motto =
|headquarters= Yaounde (?)
| founded = 1960
|size= 23,100 Active Personnel
| current_form =
|Commander-in-Chief:[[Paul Biya]]
| disbanded =
| branches = {{bulletedlist|Army|[[Cameroonian Air Force|Air Force]]|Navy|Fire Fighter Corps|Gendarmerie}}
| headquarters = [[Yaoundé]]
| flying_hours =
| website = <!--{{URL|example.mil}}-->
<!-- Leadership -->
| commander-in-chief_title = [[President of Cameroon|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander-in-chief = [[Paul Biya]]
| chief minister_title = [[Prime Minister of Cameroon|Deputy Commander-in-Chief]]
| chief minister = [[Joseph Ngute]]
| minister_title = Minister of Defense
| minister = [[Joseph Beti Assomo]]
| commander_title = Chief of the Defence Staff
| commander = [[René Claude Meka]]
<!-- Manpower -->
| age =
| conscription =
| manpower_data =
| manpower_age =
| available =
| available_f =
| fit =
| fit_f =
| reaching =
| reaching_f =
| active = 40000<ref name="autogenerated1"/>{{Failed verification|date=September 2022}}
| ranked =
| reserve =
| deployed =
<!-- Financial -->
| amount = US$347 million<ref name="defenceWeb" />
| percent_GDP = 1.6<ref name="defenceWeb">{{cite web|author1=defenceWeb|title=Cameroon|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29454:cameroon&catid=119:african-militaries&Itemid=255|website=Defence Web|access-date=27 May 2018|date=14 February 2013}}</ref>
<!-- Industrial -->
| domestic_suppliers =
| foreign_suppliers = {{BRA}}{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}<br />{{CHN}}<br />{{FRA}}<br />{{IND}}<br />{{INA}}<br />{{ISR}}<br />{{RUS}}<br />{{SIN}}<br />{{RSA}}<br />{{VIE}}
| imports =
| exports =
<!-- Related aricles -->
| history = [[Bamileke War]]<br />[[Bakassi conflict]]<br />[[Central African Republic Civil War (2012–2014)|CAR Civil War]]<br />[[Boko Haram insurgency]]<br />[[Anglophone Crisis]]
| ranks = [[Military ranks of Cameroon]]
}}
}}
The '''[[Cameroon]]ian Armed Forces''' generally has been an apolitical force where [[civilian control of the military]] predominates.{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} Traditional dependence on the [[France|French]] defense capability, although reduced, continues to be the case as French military advisers remain closely involved in preparing the Cameroonian forces for deployment to the contested [[Bakassi Peninsula]]. The armed forces number 37,000-38,000 personnel in ground, air, and naval forces.


The '''Cameroon Armed Forces''' ({{langx|fr|Forces armées camerounaises (FAC)}}) are the military of the [[Republic of Cameroon]]. The armed forces number 40,000<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Cameroon Military Strength |url=https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.php?country_id=cameroon |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=www.globalfirepower.com |language=en-US}}</ref> personnel in ground, air, and naval forces. There are approximately 40,000 troops in the army across three military regions. Approximately 1,300 troops are part of the Cameroonian Navy, which is headquartered at Douala. Under 600 troops are part of the Air Force. There is an additional 12,500 paramilitary troops that serve as a gendarmerie (policing force) or reconnaissance role.<ref name="autogenerated1">International Institute for Strategic Studies. (2014). Chapter Ten: Country comparisons - commitments, force levels and economics. ''The Military Balance'', 114(1), 471–492. {{doi|10.1080/04597222.2014.871887}}</ref>
The Cameroonian armed forces have bases spread all over Cameroon, including in [[Ngaoundéré]]. Air Force bases are located in [[Garoua]], [[Yaoundé]], [[Douala]] and [[Bamenda]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2007}}


The Cameroonian armed forces have bases spread all over Cameroon, including in [[Ngaoundéré]]. Air Force bases are located in [[Garoua]], [[Yaoundé]], [[Douala]] and [[Bamenda]].
"China has an ongoing military-military relationship with Cameroon, which includes training for Cameroonian military students each year in China, technical advisors to assist in repairing Cameroonian military vehicles and naval vessels, and Chinese military sales."<ref>[[Wikileaks]] [[United States diplomatic cables leak]] 10YAOUNDE95</ref>


It has generally remained loyal to the government and acted to ensure the stability of the regime, and not acted as an independent political force.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Emerging military-society interaction and political change in Cameroon |url=https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/emerging-military-society-interaction-and-political-change-in-cameroon/ |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=ACCORD |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harkness |first=Kristen A. |date=2020-12-17 |title=Cameroon: The Military and Autocratic Stability |url=https://oxfordre.com/politics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.001.0001/acrefore-9780190228637-e-1800 |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics |language=en |doi=10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.1800|isbn=978-0-19-022863-7 }}</ref> Traditional dependence on the French defense capability, although reduced, continues to be the case as French military advisers remain closely involved in preparing the Cameroonian forces for deployment to the contested [[Bakassi Peninsula]].
==Army ==
With 16,200 men (including a rate of feminization of nearly 10%) the Army remains the most important component in terms of numbers.<ref>http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-securite-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/freres-armes-258-dossier-cameroun_18857/dossier_19041/armee-terre_64741.html</ref> The Army is under the responsibility of the Chief of Staff, [[Général de division]] Nkoa Atenga, whose staff is in [[Yaounde]].


==Army==
Currently the organization dates from 2001 with a distribution in several types of units : combat units, response units (unités d’intervention), unités de soutien et d’appui et finally special reserve units as part of 3 joint military régions (''interarmees'') and the 10 military land sectors.<ref>Source: Revue Freres Armees, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs</ref>
With over 40,000 troops, the Army remains the most important component in terms of numbers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-securite-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/freres-armes-258-dossier-cameroun_18857/dossier_19041/armee-terre_64741.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209022905/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-securite-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/freres-armes-258-dossier-cameroun_18857/dossier_19041/armee-terre_64741.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 February 2015|title=Page d'erreur 404 - France-Diplomatie - Ministère des Affaires étrangères et du Développement international|date=9 February 2015|website=Diplomatie.gouv.fr|access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref> The Army is under the responsibility of the Chief of Staff, [[Major-General]] Nkoa Atenga, whose staff is in [[Yaoundé]].

Currently, the organization dates from 2001 with a distribution in several types of units: combat units, response units (''unités d'intervention''), ''unités de soutien et d'appui'', and finally special reserve units as part of 3 joint military régions (''interarmées'') and the 10 military land sectors.<ref>Source: ''Revue Frères Armées'', French Ministry of Foreign Affairs</ref>


Army units have been trained and equipped to fight in the swampy coastal terrain facing the [[Bakassi peninsula]]. Although prepared for an armed conflict with Nigeria in recent years, the Cameroon Army does not have operational experience against other forces, therefore, it is not possible to assess its ability to respond to changing threats and opposing tactics.
Army units have been trained and equipped to fight in the swampy coastal terrain facing the [[Bakassi peninsula]]. Although prepared for an armed conflict with Nigeria in recent years, the Cameroon Army does not have operational experience against other forces, therefore, it is not possible to assess its ability to respond to changing threats and opposing tactics.


Combat units of the army include:<ref>Niagalé Bagayoko, [http://www.africansecuritynetwork.org/site/components/com_medialibrary/emedia/Cameroons%20Security%20Apparatus%20Actors%20and%20Structures.pdf Cameroon's Security Apparatus: Actors and Structures] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225331/http://www.africansecuritynetwork.org/site/components/com_medialibrary/emedia/Cameroons%20Security%20Apparatus%20Actors%20and%20Structures.pdf |date=2016-03-03 }}, 21.</ref>
===Light equipment===
* The Headquarters Brigade, located in Yaoundé. This brigade is responsible for protecting the capital and supporting the institutions. The President of the Republic has to allow any of its deployments. The brigade consists of acommand and support battalion; a support battalion; a ''bataillon honneurs et protection'' (BHP); and three infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mindef.gov.cm/armee-de-terre/presentation/ | title=Presentation }}</ref>
*[[AKMS]] soviet union
* Three command and support battalions;
*[[AK-47]]<br /> soviet union
* The [[Rapid Intervention Battalion, Cameroon|Rapid Intervention Battalion]] (''Btaillon d'Intervention Rapide'', BIR)
*AK- 74 soviet union
* The {{ill|Rapid Response Brigade (Cameroon)|de|Brigade d’intervention rapide (Kamerun)|fr|Brigade d’intervention rapide}} (''Brigade d'Intervention Rapide'', or also BIR), (which currently has no general staff) and is made up of three rapid response battalions, stationed in Douala, Tiko and Koutaba. These three battalions are respectively the Special Amphibious Battalion (Bataillon Spécial Amphibie; BSA), the Bataillon des Troupes Aéroportées (BTAP), and the Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (Bataillon Blindé de Reconnaissance; BBR)<ref>{{Cite web |title=intervention-brigade |url=https://mindef.gov.cm/armee-de-terre/en/intervention-brigade/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Armée de Terre |language=en-US}}</ref> equipped with [[Type 07P]] infantry fighting vehicle and [[PTL-02]] tank destroyer bought recently from China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/cameroon-displays-new-chinese-military-hardware/|title = Cameroon displays new Chinese military hardware|date = 23 May 2014}}</ref> The BSA is inspired by the French Special Forces. This brigade is a tactical battle unit under the authority of the Chief of Staff of the armed forces. For this to be engaged, the President's agreement is necessary.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
*[[IMI]] [[Galil]]-AR<br /> israel
* Five motorised infantry brigades, supposed to be stationed in one military sector but which can then be engaged without any regard to the territorial division of the country. These brigades currently do not have a general staff. In theory, they consist of 11 motorised infantry battalions; 5 support battalions and 3 backing battalions; however, the motorised battalions are in reality not operational due to a lack of staff, equipment and vehicles.
*[[IMI]] [[Uzi]] israel
*[[M16 rifle|M-16]] united states
*[[FN FAL]] belgium
*[[SIG SG 540]] switzerland
*[[Steyr AUG]] austria
*[[FAMAS]] france
*[[Zastava M21]] serbia
*[[M203]] united states
*M14 NM/EBR united states
*[[M2 Browning Machine Gun]] united states
*[[FN MAG]] belgium
*[[Heckler and Koch HK21]] west germany
*[[Heckler & Koch MP5]] west germany
*[[MAT-49]] france
*M1919A4 (Vecktor MG4 CA) united states
*NSV machine gun soviet union
*Heckler and Kock 416 west germany
*Heckler and Kock MK23 west germany
*AR70/90 italy
*PGM Hécate II


=== Organization ===
'''AUTOMATIC CANNON'''
The territory is divided into 5 combined arms [[military region]]s (RMIA):<ref name = "decrets">{{cite journal|title=Décrets du président de la République réorganisant l'armée et nommant des officiers au ministère de la défense|url=https://www.journalducameroun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/P04-11-Documents-3.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.journalducameroun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/P04-11-Documents-3.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|journal=Cameroon Tribune|date= 22 February 2018|pages=4–11}}</ref>
*M168 Vulcan on M163 united states
* RMIA1 ([[Yaoundé]])
*M621 cannon on VAB & SA 341 gazelle france
* RMIA2 ([[Douala]])
*M693 on VAB VCI france
* RMIA3 ([[Garoua]])
*GIAT 30 cannon france
* RMIA4 ([[Maroua]])
* RMIA5 ([[Bamenda]])


=== 1st Military Region ===
* 11th [[Ebolowa]] Brigade:
** 11th BCS (command and support battalion) in Ebolowa
** 12th BIM (motorized infantry battalion) in Ebolowa
** 12th BIM at [[Djoum]]
** 13th BIM at [[Ambam]]
** 11th BA (support battalion) at [[Sangmélima]]
* 12th [[Bertoua]] brigade
** 12th BCS in Bertoua
** 14th BIM in Bertoua
**15th BIM to [[Yokadouma]]
**16th BIM at [[Garoua-Boulaï]]
**12th BA in Bertoua


=== 2nd Military Region ===
'''AUTOMATIC GRENADE LAUNCHER & MOTAR'''
*M2 motard united states
*M30 motard mounted on M106 united states


* Rapid Intervention Brigade<ref name="JDC.com">{{cite web | title = Defense forces: new units created - Journal du Cameroun | date = June 26, 2015 | url = https://www.journalducameroun.com/forces-de-defense-de-nouvelles-unites-creees/|website=[[Journal du Cameroun]]}}</ref>
===Missiles===
** Headquarters at [[Bafoussam]]
*[[BGM-71 TOW]]- united states
**Special Amphibious Battalion (BSA) at [[Tiko]]
*9K111 Fagot- soviet union
**Airborne Battalion (BTAP) in [[Koutaba]]
*[[MILAN]]- rance
**Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (BBR) in [[Douala]]
*[[HOT]]- germany
* 21st Motorized infantry brigade of [[Buéa]]<ref name="decrets" />
*[[milan)-france
** 21st BCS in Buéa
*APILAS - france
** 21 BIM in Buéa
*RPG-7V - soviet union
** 22nd BIM at [[Mamfé]]
*M47 Dragon - united states
** 23rd BIM at [[Loum, Cameroon|Loum]]
*Cobra - germany
** 24th BIM at [[Akwaya]]

** 21st BA in [[Kumba (Cameroon)|Kumba]]

* 201st Douala Air Base<ref name="decrets" />
===Artillery===
** 21st Air Transport Squadron
*[[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)]] (Type-59-1)- 20
**211st Transport and Assault Transport Squadron
*[[BM-21]]122mm MRLs- 40
**212nd Transport and Assault Transport Squadron
*[[ATMOS 2000]] 155mm SPHs- 20
**22nd Air Squadron
*[[Soltam]] Model 839 155mm towed howitzer-18<br
**221st Transport and Assault Transport Squadron
*[[Cardom]] 120mm SP-heavy mortar -23<br
**222nd Reconnaissance Squadron
*M0-120 RT 120mm heavy mortar-16
*[[M114 155 mm howitzer]] 155mm towed howitzer-14
*[[M101 howitzer]] 105mm towed howitzer-16
*[[AMX AuF1)- 60
*[[TRF1)- 80
*[[M109/L) - 30
*[[selenia aspide) (missile anti aérien)- 40
*[[2K12 Kub)(unknown if in service)- 10
*122mm towed field gun D-30 J - 50
*M-87 Orkan MRLs - 8
*M109 howitzer - 30
*203mm M110A2- 12
*M198 howitzer- 20
*L118 light gun- 30
*[[ASLAV)- 68
*M46 howitzer - 26
*[[ZPU-4]]
*[[61-K]]
*[[B-11 recoilless rifle]] (Unknown if in service.)
*[[Oerlikon]] GDF-001 35mm AAGs-50 Fiedermaus Radars<br />
*[[Watchman]] Radar- 10

''' ANTI AIRCRATFS WEAPONS'''
*9K35 Strela-10 soviet union - 10
*9K31 Strela-1 soviet union - 20
*M163 VADS united states -10
*ZSU-23-4 soviet union - 80
*MIM-23 Hawk united states - 10


'''TANKS'''
*M-84 yugoslavia -100
*M60 Patton united states - 60
*V-100\LAV V-150 Commando 4x4 AIFV united states -51 + LAV V-200/600 -35

===Vehicles===
*[[V-100]]\ LAV V-150 Commando 4x4 AIFV-51+ LAV V-200/600 - 35<br
*[[Panhard]] [[AML-90]] 90mm 4x4 ARVs-41 france
*[[Daimler]] [[Ferret]] MK-I\I 4x4 ARVs-20 united kingdom
*[[VBL]] 4x4 APCs-20
*[[Ramta]] [[RAM-2V]] 4x4 APCs-10
*[[M3 Half-Track]] M-3\5 -20
*[[M8 Greyhound]]-10
*ACMAT VLRA-30
* [[M578 light recovery vehicle (unknown if in service)
*[[M151 MUTT]]
*Pandur II 6X6- 35 france
*Panhard VAB - 20 france
*Panhard M3 - 22 france
* BVs10 - 30 united kingdom
*Panhard EBR- 12 france
*Peugeot P4- 51 france
*AAV7-A1 - 36 united states
*ATF Dingo-20
*ASCOD Ulan- 30
*Ariete- 50 italy
*Freccia- 100 italy
*Centauro - 100 italy
*Iveco LMV - 60 italy
*BOV(APC) Bov-3)- 30
*M-95 D - 50 + M-84- 20
*Cougar(vehicle)- 10 (unknown if in service) united states

''RADARS''
*AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel ( air radar)united states - 5
*AN/TPS-43 (air radar) united states -5
*AN/TPS -63 (air radar) united states -5
*MSSR (air radar) united states - U/N
*AN/PPS-5A (ground radar) united states - U/N
*RASIT (ground radar) france - U/N
*RATAC (ground radar) france - 8
*BOR-A 550 (ground radar) united states - U/N
*AN/MPQ-55 (air radar) united states - 8
*AN/MPQ- 62 (air radar) united states- 3
*AN/MPQ- 49 (air radar) united states - U/N
*AN/MPQ-61 (air radar) united states - 10


===Army equipment===
{{main|List of equipment of the Cameroon Army}}
[[File:Véhicule militaire pendant la fête nationale au Cameroun5.jpg|thumb|[[Oerlikon GDF]] of the Cameroon Armed Forces in 2016.]]


==Cameroonian Air Force==
==Cameroonian Air Force==
{{main|Cameroon Air Force}}
The air force has bases in [[Garoua]], [[Koutaba]], [[Yaoundé]], [[Douala]], and [[Bamenda]]. The Cameroonian Air Force was founded in 1960, the year of independence from France. There are under 400 troops in the air force.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> Cameroon's Air Force has 9 combat-capable aircraft.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>


==Cameroon Navy==
The Cameroon Air Force has 120 aircrafts including 56 helicopters. The air force has bases in [[Garoua]], [[Koutaba]], [[Yaounde]], [[Douala]] and [[Bamenda]]. The Cameroonian Air Force was founded in 1960 the year of independence form France.There are around 300 troops in the air force.
[[File:Africa Partnership Station 150312-N-RU135-318.jpg|thumb|Cameroonian sailors reviewed by an American admiral in Douala, 2015.]]
There are about 1,300 troops in the navy including naval infantry.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>


===Aircraft===
===History===
Around May 1999, [[Philip Njaru]] wrote a newspaper article where he alleged ill-treatment of civilians conducted by the 21st Navy Battalion based in Ekondo-Titi. In late May Njaru was approached by the local [[captain (Navy)|captain]] who asked Njaru "to stop writing such articles and to disclose his sources". Refusing to do this, Njaru five days later found his house encircled by armed soldiers, and escaped to [[Kumba]].<ref name="UN">{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/40142/Njaru-v-Cameroon-HRC-Decision |title=Njaru v Cameroon HRC Decision |access-date=2008-09-14 |website=Scribd.com |date=3 April 2007 }}</ref> Here, he was assaulted by police in June 2001, with no particular reason stated.<ref name="UN"/> Njaru complained to the local authorities, but later learned that "his complaint had not been received".<ref name="UN"/>


Cameroon's Marine Nationale République modernised and increased its capabilities during 2000 with the acquisition of a number of small Rodman patrol craft and the retirement of some small older craft. A number of small patrol boats have been acquired or ordered from France. Latest estimates indicate naval strength consists of two combat patrol vessels, three coastal patrol vessels and approximately 30 smaller inshore and river patrol craft allocated to both the navy and the local gendarmerie. These include two 135 tonne Yunnan-class landing craft, which are able to carry and launch smaller craft for troop insertions. Some effort has been made to assess equipment needs to bring L'Audacieux P103 and Bakassi P104 to an effective combat status. This has resulted in weapons capabilities being reduced in favour of an increase in serviceability and the service is now effectively without missile attack capabilities. Bakassi (a Type P 48S missile patrol craft) completed a major refit at Lorient, France in August 1999. This included removing the Exocet missile system and EW equipment, and fitting a funnel aft of the mainmast to replace the waterline exhausts. New radars were also installed. Bakassi is now armed only with 40&nbsp;mm cannon. Although the Bizerte (P48 large patrol craft) class L'Audacieux is fitted for SS-12M missiles these are not embarked and its operational status is in some doubt, having not been reported at sea since 1995. The Quartier-Maître Alfred Moto patrol boat was listed as out of service in 1991 but has since been reactivated.
{{Standard table|0}}
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Versions
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Ordered<ref>[http://www.milaviapress.com/orbat/cameroon/index.php Cameroonian military aviation OrBat]</ref>
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|In service
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes
|-----
| [[Atlas Impala]]
|
| trainer <br> light attack
| Mk I <br> Mk II
| 8 <br> 6
| 6 <br> 4
| One Mk I crashed in Yaounde airbase killing both the pilot instructor and student
|-----
| [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|Aérospatiale SA 318 Alouette II]]
| FRA
| utility helicopter
| SA 318C
| 5
| 3
| 2
|-----
| [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Aérospatiale SA 319 Alouette III]]
| FRA
| utility helicopter
| SA 319B
| 6
| 2
| 2
|-----
| [[Aérospatiale Gazelle|Aérospatiale SA 342 Gazelle]]
| FRA
| attack/utility helicopter
| SA 342L
| 16
| 6
| One crashed in Bakassi killing both the pilot and a medical personnel
|-----
| [[Aérospatiale Puma|Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]]
| FRA
| transport helicopter
| SA 330
| 5
| 2
| 2
|-----
| [[Bell 206|Bell 206L LongRanger]]
| USA
| utility helicopter
| 206L III
| 10
| 2?
| One crashed in North Cameroon
|-----
| [[Bell 412]]
|
| utility helicopter
| 412
| 10
| 3
| One crashed on November 22, 2010 while on a liaison flight between Limbe and Yaounde. Amongst the four casualties who members of the Cameroonian special force unit BIR (Bataillon d'Intervention Rapide) was the retired Israeli Lt-Col Abraham Avi Sirvan, Paul Biya's security adviser.
|-----
| [[Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet]]
| FRA
| trainer/light attack
| NGEA
| 6
| 5?
| One was damaged during training exercises
|-----
| [[de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou]]
| CAN
| tactical transport
| DHC-4
| 4
| 0
| Written off at Douala airbase
|-----
| [[de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo]]
| CAN
| tactical transport
| DHC-5D
| 6
| 0
| All grounded at Douala airbase due to lack of maintenance
|-----
| [[Dornier Do 28]]
| GER
| liaison
| Do 28D
| 4
| 0
|
|-----
| [[Dornier Do 128]]
| GER
| maritime patrol
| Do 128-6MPA
| 2
| 0
| Written off at Douala airbase
|-----
| [[IAI Arava]]
| ISR
| utility transport
| Arava 201
|
| ?
|-----
| [[Boeing 727]]
| USA
| VIP transport
| 727-2R1/Adv
| 2
| 0
| Still flightworthy, but was pulled out of service
|-----
| [[Gulfstream III]]
| USA
| VIP transport
| Gulfstream III
| 8
| 3
|
|-----
| [[Aérospatiale Puma|Aérospatiale SA 332 Super Puma]]
| FRA
| VIP transport
| SA 332
| 5
| 2
|
|-----
| [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
| USA
| tactical transport
| C-130H <br> C-130H-30
| 4<br>2
| 2<br>1
| TJX-AC was written off in France
|-----
| [[Piper PA-23|Piper PA-23 Aztec]]
| USA
| utility
| PA-23-250F
| 8
|
|
|-----
| [[Humbert Tetras]]
| France
| training
| Tetras
| 12
| 12
|
{{Close table}}


===Air Force Weapons===
===Ships===
[[File:Vehicules militaires pendant le défilé8.jpg|thumb|Cameroon Navy patrol boat during a military parade in Douala, 2019]]
List of active ships.
* 1: DIPIKAR patrol boat (former French navy "Grèbe", upgraded with LYNCEA PATROL CMS) (Gun)
* 2: FRA P-48 (Gun)
* 6: Rodman 101/46 (Gun)
* 1: Quartier class (Gun)
* 3: [[Boston Whaler]] patrol boats
* 1: Bakassi class patrol boat (P48S type)
* 1: L’Audacieux class missile FAC (P48 type)
* 1: Alfred Motto class patrol craft
* 20: [[Swiftships]] type river boats
* 2: [[Type 067 landing craft utility|Yunnan landing craft utility]]
* 8: Simoneau
* 2: Aresa 2400 CPV Defender patrol boats<ref name="defenceweb1">{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33027&Itemid=106|title=Cameroon Navy receives new patrol vessels, landing craft - defenceWeb|first=Guy|last=Martin|website=Defenceweb.co.za|access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref>
* 1: Aresa 2300 landing craft
* 6: Aresa 750 Commandos RIBs
* 5: 1200 Stealth RIBs
* 1: 1200 Defcon RIB
* 2: P108 and P109 patrol boats


<ref name="defenceweb1"/>
*[[Mauser BK-27]]
*[[Euromissile HOT]]
*2K12 Kub
*9K31 Strela
*9K35 Strela


==Gendarmerie==
The Gendarmerie is a paramilitary force composed of about 9,000 soldiers as of 2016. It performs both law enforcement and national security responsibilities across the country. (See [https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/africa/cm-gendarmerie.htm Gendarmerie])


== Military education ==
==Cameroonian Navy==
After an initial period of development, training requirements were formalized in an April 1967 per government decree. There was a shortage of Cameroonian instructors at that time. The two educational institutions of the nation are the following:
[[Image:Cameroonian navy sailors.jpg|right|thumb|Cameroonian navy sailors prepare to perform a visit, board, search and seizure drill on 21 November 2006 in [[Douala]] during a joint exercise with the US military.]]
The navy has two patrol boats. There are about 1100 troops in the navy including Naval Infantry.


* [[Combined Services Military Academy (Cameroon)|Combined Services Military Academy]] (Ecole Militaire Interarmes Camerounaises—EMIAC): It is the interforce academy for officers, being the educational center for future officers of the armed forces and the National Gendarmerie. It was established in 1959 and inaugurated on 18 January 1961.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=52EaC80IkcIC&q=Combined+Services+Military+Academy+%28EMIA%29&pg=RA17-PA12|title=Nouvelles du Cameroun: Cameroon News|year=1977}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://militaryschooldirectory.com/cameroon-combined-services-military-academy/|title = Combined Services Military Academy (EMIA) &#124; Yaounde, Cameroon – Military School Directory}}</ref> No officers were graduated until 1970. Every graduation of cadets takes place on 18 January.
Around May 1999, [[Philip Njaru]] wrote a newspaper article where he alleged ill-treatment of civilians conducted by the 11th Navy Battalion based in Ekondo-Titi. In late May Njaru was approached by the local [[captain (Navy)|captain]] who asked Njaru "to stop writing such articles and to disclose his sources". Refusing to do this, Njaru five days later found his house encircled by armed soldiers, and escaped to [[Kumba]].<ref name="UN">{{cite web |url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/40142/Njaru-v-Cameroon-HRC-Decision |title=Njaru v Cameroon HRC Decision |accessdate=2008-09-14 |work= |publisher=hosted by Scribd |date=3 April 2007 }}</ref> Here, he was assaulted by police in June 2001, with no particular reason stated.<ref name="UN"/> Njaru complained to the local authorities, but later learned that "his complaint had not been received".<ref name="UN"/>
* Non-Commissioned Officer Training School (''Ecole des sous officiers du cameroun'')


Both commissioned and noncommissioned officers were sent to various military schools in France, [[Greece]], and the [[Soviet Union]]. The total number of Cameroonian military cadets with a Russian educational background were few.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/africa/cm-personnel-training.htm|title = Cameroon - Military Personnel}}</ref>
Cameroon's Marine Nationale République modernised and increased its capabilities during 2000 with the acquisition of a number of small Rodman patrol craft and the retirement of some small older craft. A number of small patrol boats have been acquired or ordered from France. Latest estimates indicate naval strength consists of two combat patrol vessels, three coastal patrol vessels and approximately 30 smaller inshore and river patrol craft allocated to both the navy and the local gendarmerie. These include two 135 tonne Yunnan-class landing craft, which are able to carry and launch smaller craft for troop insertions.Some effort has been made to assess equipment needs to bring L'Audacieux P103 and Bakassi P104 to an effective combat status. This has resulted in weapons capabilities being reduced in favour of an increase in serviceability and the service is now effectively without missile attack capabilities. Bakassi (a Type P 48S missile patrol craft) completed a major refit at Lorient, France in August 1999. This included removing the Exocet missile system and EW equipment, and fitting a funnel aft of the mainmast to replace the waterline exhausts. New radars were also installed. Bakassi is now armed only with 40&nbsp;mm cannon. Although the Bizerte (Type PR 48 large patrol craft) class L'Audacieux is fitted for SS 12M missiles these are not embarked and its operational status is in some doubt, having not been reported at sea since 1995. The Quartier-Maître Alfred Moto patrol boat was listed as out of service in 1991 but was reactivated


===Ships===
==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
*2 [[Type 067 landing craft utility]]
{{Commons category|Military of Cameroon}}
*2 [[Type P 48S Missile Patrol Craft]]
* [https://archive.today/20130802084927/http://www.crtv.cm/cont/nouvelles/nouvelles_sola_fr.php?idField=9048&table=nouvelles&sub=national Military appointments]
*2 [[Type P 062]] Shanghai PC<br />
*20 [[MM 40]] SSMs


{{Cameroon topics}}
==References==
{{commons category|Military of Cameroon}}
{{Military of Africa}}
{{Authority control}}
{{reflist}}

{{Africa in topic|Military of}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Military Of Cameroon}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Military Of Cameroon}}
[[Category:Military of Cameroon| ]]
[[Category:Military of Cameroon| ]]

[[bn:ক্যামেরুনের সামরিক বাহিনী]]
[[de:Kamerunische Streitkräfte]]
[[fr:Forces armées camerounaises]]
[[id:Militer Kamerun]]
[[hu:Kamerun hadereje]]
[[ja:カメルーン軍]]
[[pl:Siły Zbrojne Kamerunu]]

Latest revision as of 04:00, 7 November 2024

Cameroon Armed Forces
Forces armées camerounaises (FAC)
Founded1960
Service branches
  • Army
  • Air Force
  • Navy
  • Fire Fighter Corps
  • Gendarmerie
HeadquartersYaoundé
Leadership
Commander-in-ChiefPaul Biya
Deputy Commander-in-ChiefJoseph Ngute
Minister of DefenseJoseph Beti Assomo
Chief of the Defence StaffRené Claude Meka
Personnel
Active personnel40000[1][failed verification]
Expenditure
BudgetUS$347 million[2]
Percent of GDP1.6[2]
Industry
Foreign suppliers Brazil[citation needed]
 China
 France
 India
 Indonesia
 Israel
 Russia
 Singapore
 South Africa
 Vietnam
Related articles
HistoryBamileke War
Bakassi conflict
CAR Civil War
Boko Haram insurgency
Anglophone Crisis
RanksMilitary ranks of Cameroon

The Cameroon Armed Forces (French: Forces armées camerounaises (FAC)) are the military of the Republic of Cameroon. The armed forces number 40,000[3] personnel in ground, air, and naval forces. There are approximately 40,000 troops in the army across three military regions. Approximately 1,300 troops are part of the Cameroonian Navy, which is headquartered at Douala. Under 600 troops are part of the Air Force. There is an additional 12,500 paramilitary troops that serve as a gendarmerie (policing force) or reconnaissance role.[1]

The Cameroonian armed forces have bases spread all over Cameroon, including in Ngaoundéré. Air Force bases are located in Garoua, Yaoundé, Douala and Bamenda.

It has generally remained loyal to the government and acted to ensure the stability of the regime, and not acted as an independent political force.[4][5] Traditional dependence on the French defense capability, although reduced, continues to be the case as French military advisers remain closely involved in preparing the Cameroonian forces for deployment to the contested Bakassi Peninsula.

Army

[edit]

With over 40,000 troops, the Army remains the most important component in terms of numbers.[6] The Army is under the responsibility of the Chief of Staff, Major-General Nkoa Atenga, whose staff is in Yaoundé.

Currently, the organization dates from 2001 with a distribution in several types of units: combat units, response units (unités d'intervention), unités de soutien et d'appui, and finally special reserve units as part of 3 joint military régions (interarmées) and the 10 military land sectors.[7]

Army units have been trained and equipped to fight in the swampy coastal terrain facing the Bakassi peninsula. Although prepared for an armed conflict with Nigeria in recent years, the Cameroon Army does not have operational experience against other forces, therefore, it is not possible to assess its ability to respond to changing threats and opposing tactics.

Combat units of the army include:[8]

  • The Headquarters Brigade, located in Yaoundé. This brigade is responsible for protecting the capital and supporting the institutions. The President of the Republic has to allow any of its deployments. The brigade consists of acommand and support battalion; a support battalion; a bataillon honneurs et protection (BHP); and three infantry battalions.[9]
  • Three command and support battalions;
  • The Rapid Intervention Battalion (Btaillon d'Intervention Rapide, BIR)
  • The Rapid Response Brigade (Cameroon) [de; fr] (Brigade d'Intervention Rapide, or also BIR), (which currently has no general staff) and is made up of three rapid response battalions, stationed in Douala, Tiko and Koutaba. These three battalions are respectively the Special Amphibious Battalion (Bataillon Spécial Amphibie; BSA), the Bataillon des Troupes Aéroportées (BTAP), and the Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (Bataillon Blindé de Reconnaissance; BBR)[10] equipped with Type 07P infantry fighting vehicle and PTL-02 tank destroyer bought recently from China.[11] The BSA is inspired by the French Special Forces. This brigade is a tactical battle unit under the authority of the Chief of Staff of the armed forces. For this to be engaged, the President's agreement is necessary.[citation needed]
  • Five motorised infantry brigades, supposed to be stationed in one military sector but which can then be engaged without any regard to the territorial division of the country. These brigades currently do not have a general staff. In theory, they consist of 11 motorised infantry battalions; 5 support battalions and 3 backing battalions; however, the motorised battalions are in reality not operational due to a lack of staff, equipment and vehicles.

Organization

[edit]

The territory is divided into 5 combined arms military regions (RMIA):[12]

1st Military Region

[edit]
  • 11th Ebolowa Brigade:
    • 11th BCS (command and support battalion) in Ebolowa
    • 12th BIM (motorized infantry battalion) in Ebolowa
    • 12th BIM at Djoum
    • 13th BIM at Ambam
    • 11th BA (support battalion) at Sangmélima
  • 12th Bertoua brigade

2nd Military Region

[edit]
  • Rapid Intervention Brigade[13]
    • Headquarters at Bafoussam
    • Special Amphibious Battalion (BSA) at Tiko
    • Airborne Battalion (BTAP) in Koutaba
    • Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (BBR) in Douala
  • 21st Motorized infantry brigade of Buéa[12]
    • 21st BCS in Buéa
    • 21 BIM in Buéa
    • 22nd BIM at Mamfé
    • 23rd BIM at Loum
    • 24th BIM at Akwaya
    • 21st BA in Kumba
  • 201st Douala Air Base[12]
    • 21st Air Transport Squadron
    • 211st Transport and Assault Transport Squadron
    • 212nd Transport and Assault Transport Squadron
    • 22nd Air Squadron
    • 221st Transport and Assault Transport Squadron
    • 222nd Reconnaissance Squadron

Army equipment

[edit]
Main article: List of equipment of the Cameroon Army
Oerlikon GDF of the Cameroon Armed Forces in 2016.

Cameroonian Air Force

[edit]
Main article: Cameroon Air Force

The air force has bases in Garoua, Koutaba, Yaoundé, Douala, and Bamenda. The Cameroonian Air Force was founded in 1960, the year of independence from France. There are under 400 troops in the air force.[1] Cameroon's Air Force has 9 combat-capable aircraft.[1]

Cameroon Navy

[edit]
Cameroonian sailors reviewed by an American admiral in Douala, 2015.

There are about 1,300 troops in the navy including naval infantry.[1]

History

[edit]

Around May 1999, Philip Njaru wrote a newspaper article where he alleged ill-treatment of civilians conducted by the 21st Navy Battalion based in Ekondo-Titi. In late May Njaru was approached by the local captain who asked Njaru "to stop writing such articles and to disclose his sources". Refusing to do this, Njaru five days later found his house encircled by armed soldiers, and escaped to Kumba.[14] Here, he was assaulted by police in June 2001, with no particular reason stated.[14] Njaru complained to the local authorities, but later learned that "his complaint had not been received".[14]

Cameroon's Marine Nationale République modernised and increased its capabilities during 2000 with the acquisition of a number of small Rodman patrol craft and the retirement of some small older craft. A number of small patrol boats have been acquired or ordered from France. Latest estimates indicate naval strength consists of two combat patrol vessels, three coastal patrol vessels and approximately 30 smaller inshore and river patrol craft allocated to both the navy and the local gendarmerie. These include two 135 tonne Yunnan-class landing craft, which are able to carry and launch smaller craft for troop insertions. Some effort has been made to assess equipment needs to bring L'Audacieux P103 and Bakassi P104 to an effective combat status. This has resulted in weapons capabilities being reduced in favour of an increase in serviceability and the service is now effectively without missile attack capabilities. Bakassi (a Type P 48S missile patrol craft) completed a major refit at Lorient, France in August 1999. This included removing the Exocet missile system and EW equipment, and fitting a funnel aft of the mainmast to replace the waterline exhausts. New radars were also installed. Bakassi is now armed only with 40 mm cannon. Although the Bizerte (P48 large patrol craft) class L'Audacieux is fitted for SS-12M missiles these are not embarked and its operational status is in some doubt, having not been reported at sea since 1995. The Quartier-Maître Alfred Moto patrol boat was listed as out of service in 1991 but has since been reactivated.

Ships

[edit]
Cameroon Navy patrol boat during a military parade in Douala, 2019

List of active ships.

  • 1: DIPIKAR patrol boat (former French navy "Grèbe", upgraded with LYNCEA PATROL CMS) (Gun)
  • 2: FRA P-48 (Gun)
  • 6: Rodman 101/46 (Gun)
  • 1: Quartier class (Gun)
  • 3: Boston Whaler patrol boats
  • 1: Bakassi class patrol boat (P48S type)
  • 1: L’Audacieux class missile FAC (P48 type)
  • 1: Alfred Motto class patrol craft
  • 20: Swiftships type river boats
  • 2: Yunnan landing craft utility
  • 8: Simoneau
  • 2: Aresa 2400 CPV Defender patrol boats[15]
  • 1: Aresa 2300 landing craft
  • 6: Aresa 750 Commandos RIBs
  • 5: 1200 Stealth RIBs
  • 1: 1200 Defcon RIB
  • 2: P108 and P109 patrol boats

[15]

Gendarmerie

[edit]

The Gendarmerie is a paramilitary force composed of about 9,000 soldiers as of 2016. It performs both law enforcement and national security responsibilities across the country. (See Gendarmerie)

Military education

[edit]

After an initial period of development, training requirements were formalized in an April 1967 per government decree. There was a shortage of Cameroonian instructors at that time. The two educational institutions of the nation are the following:

  • Combined Services Military Academy (Ecole Militaire Interarmes Camerounaises—EMIAC): It is the interforce academy for officers, being the educational center for future officers of the armed forces and the National Gendarmerie. It was established in 1959 and inaugurated on 18 January 1961.[16][17] No officers were graduated until 1970. Every graduation of cadets takes place on 18 January.
  • Non-Commissioned Officer Training School (Ecole des sous officiers du cameroun)

Both commissioned and noncommissioned officers were sent to various military schools in France, Greece, and the Soviet Union. The total number of Cameroonian military cadets with a Russian educational background were few.[18]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e International Institute for Strategic Studies. (2014). Chapter Ten: Country comparisons - commitments, force levels and economics. The Military Balance, 114(1), 471–492. doi:10.1080/04597222.2014.871887
  2. ^ a b defenceWeb (14 February 2013). "Cameroon". Defence Web. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  3. ^ "2024 Cameroon Military Strength". www.globalfirepower.com. Retrieved 2024-06-01.
  4. ^ "Emerging military-society interaction and political change in Cameroon". ACCORD. Retrieved 2022-04-19.
  5. ^ Harkness, Kristen A. (2020-12-17). "Cameroon: The Military and Autocratic Stability". Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.1800. ISBN 978-0-19-022863-7. Retrieved 2022-04-19.
  6. ^ "Page d'erreur 404 - France-Diplomatie - Ministère des Affaires étrangères et du Développement international". Diplomatie.gouv.fr. 9 February 2015. Archived from the original on 9 February 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  7. ^ Source: Revue Frères Armées, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  8. ^ Niagalé Bagayoko, Cameroon's Security Apparatus: Actors and Structures Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine, 21.
  9. ^ "Presentation".
  10. ^ "intervention-brigade". Armée de Terre. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
  11. ^ "Cameroon displays new Chinese military hardware". 23 May 2014.
  12. ^ a b c "Décrets du président de la République réorganisant l'armée et nommant des officiers au ministère de la défense" (PDF). Cameroon Tribune: 4–11. 22 February 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09.
  13. ^ "Defense forces: new units created - Journal du Cameroun". Journal du Cameroun. June 26, 2015.
  14. ^ a b c "Njaru v Cameroon HRC Decision". Scribd.com. 3 April 2007. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  15. ^ a b Martin, Guy. "Cameroon Navy receives new patrol vessels, landing craft - defenceWeb". Defenceweb.co.za. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  16. ^ "Nouvelles du Cameroun: Cameroon News". 1977.
  17. ^ "Combined Services Military Academy (EMIA) | Yaounde, Cameroon – Military School Directory".
  18. ^ "Cameroon - Military Personnel".
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