Military of Swaziland

Military of Swaziland

The military of Swaziland is used primarily during domestic protests and has never been involved in a foreign conflict.[1] Voluntary military service is open to all between the ages of 18 and 30.[2] The army has struggled with high rates of HIV infection.[3]

The army is commanded by Major General Stanley Dlamini; the deputy commander is Brigadier General Patrick Motsa,[4] and the formation commander is Brigadier General Jeffry S. Tshabalala.[5]

Active manpower: 3000 (2005 est.)

Military branches: Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (Army), Royal Swaziland Police Force, Air force and Navy[6]

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 284,530 (2003 est.), 253,510 (2002 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 165,005 (2003 est.), 146,805 (2002 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $20 million (FY01/02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 4.75% (FY00/01)

Contents

Small Arms

Armoured Personnel Carriers

Air Force

Swaziland also maintains a small air wing, part of the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force.

Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service[7] Notes
IAI Arava  Israel Transport IAI 202 1 3 delivered, one crashed in the 1980s and the other in 2004
Cessna 337
 United States
Utility aircraft
Super Skymaster
1
Status Unknown
Canadair Global Express
 Canada
VIP-Jet Global-Express
1

Alouette III  France Utility helicopter 3 Received from South Africa in 2000
Piper PA-28
 United States
Utility aircraft
PA-28-140 Cherokee
1

Retired Aircraft

An Arava 201 was lost in 2004, after bad weather caused the pilots to miss the runway and crash into a sugar cane field. Although no injuries were reported, the incident was reported to leave the air force with just one Arava.[1]

Source

 This article incorporates public domain material from the CIA World Factbook document "2003 edition".

References

http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=3D-DAC&distinct_entry=true http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Sentinel-Security-Assessment-Southern-Africa/Air-force-Swaziland.html

  • World Aircraft Information Files. Brightstar Publishing, London. File 340 Sheet 05.

Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.