Rwanda Defence Force
The Rwanda Defence Force is the national army of Rwanda. The country's armed forces were originally known as the Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), but following the Rwandan Civil War of 1990-94, the victorious Rwandan Patriotic Front (Inkotanyi) created a new organization and named it Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA). Later, it was renamed to its current name.
The RDF comprises:
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High Command Council of the RDF
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General Staff of the RDF
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Rwanda Land Force
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Rwanda Air Force
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Individual units
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Army Band of the RDF
The Rwanda Defence Force’s mission as provided in the Constitution of Rwanda is:
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to defend the territorial integrity and the national sovereignty of the Republic;
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to collaborate with other security organs in safe-guarding public order and enforcement of law;
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to participate in humanitarian activities in case of disasters;
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to contribute to the development of the country;
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to participate in international peace-keeping missions, humanitarian assistance and training.
After it conquered the country in July 1994 in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of April to July 1994, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) decided to split into a political division (which retained the RPF name) and a military division, which would serve as the official army of the Rwandan state.
Defence spending continues to represent an important share of the national budget, largely due to continuing security problems along Rwanda's frontiers with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi, and lingering concerns about Uganda's intentions towards its former ally.
There is an ongoing, low-level insurgency from Rwandan rebels based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (or FDLR).
The RDF is regularly deployed in peacekeeping missions in Africa. Rwanda is now one of the largest contributors of personnel on UN missions.
Founded 1962;
Current form 1994;
Service branches Rwandan Army, Rwandan Air Force;
Headquarters Post Box 23, Kigali;
Available for military service 2,625,917 males, age 16–49 (2010 est.);
Fit for military service 1,685,066 males, age 16–49 (2010 est.);
Active personnel 33,000.
Ref: Wikipedia
Ingabo z'u Rwanda
Rwanda
Air Force
Rwanda
Army
Rwanda
Reserve Force
Rwandan Air Force
The Rwanda Air Force is one of the services that comprise the RDF. It is a young organization that has been growing operational capabilities since 1996. At its inception the Rwanda Air Force was charged with defending Rwandan Air space, offer intimate support to the Rwandan Army, support related civilian agencies in the airspace management function while at the same time, building a fully fledged Air Force. The Rwanda Air Force has been playing complementary roles in special areas like disaster response, fire fighting, VIP transportation, rescue and others.
Mission is to carry out military air operations to advance Rwanda's security interests, with professionalism, integrity and teamwork.
One team with single-minded commitment and ready to conduct Air Operations effectively and efficiently during war and peace time.
To accomplish its primary and secondary roles, Rwanda Air Force is organised in five elements:
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Air Bases
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Air Defence Regiment
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Security Regiment
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Air Support Services
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Service Schools
Rwanda Air Force is a growing force guided by the principles of simplicity, economy, jointness and flexibility. RAF strategy is Defensive with a credible force that is capable of defending Rwandas Airspace against Aerial threats and respond to national security challenges.
Founded 1962;
Size 21 helicopters, and 20 fixed wing;
Ref: Wikipedia, mod.gov.rw.
Equipment
Force aérienne rwandaise
Rwanda Army
The Army is one of the three services comprising the RDF. It evolved from the RPA and integrated elements of the EX-FAR. The Army is a pivot service to the RDF operational effectiveness.
The Army is structured and designed to accomplish operations on its own and in conjunction with the Rwanda Air Force. It also develops and maintains capacity to operate in special environments.
The Army is structured and designed to accomplish operations on its own and in conjunction with the Rwanda Air Force. It also develops and maintains capacity to operate in special environments.
To accomplish its mission, the Rwanda Army is organized into six elements: Combat Units; Combat Support Units; Combat Service Support Units; Special Units and Service Schools.
Presidential Order determining the organisation and responsibilities of each of the military services of Rwanda Defence Forces. Nº 33/01 of 03/09/2012.
The primary mission of the Army Service is to provide combat-ready, multi-skilled Force to play a leading role in sustaining a credible, joint landward defence capability.
Reserve Force
The Reserve Force refers to a part-time military service of the Rwanda Defence Forces that may be recalled whenever necessary to operate alongside the active services.
The primary responsibility of the Reserve Force is to provide reserve units and individuals to stand ready to support and augment the Rwanda Defences Force active services when called upon under partial or total mobilization.
To accomplish its mission, the Reserve Force shall be composed of Rwandan nationals who voluntarily join this service. It shall be comprised of an Infantry Reserve, and a Specialist Reserve.
Presidential Order determining the organisation and responsibilities of each of the military services of Rwanda Defence Forces. Nº 33/01 of 03/09/2012.
Ref: mod.gov.rw
Equipment
