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The Niger Armed Forces total 8,000 personnel, in addition to 2,700 national gendarmes and 4,000 members of the Garde Republicaine. The air force has four operational transport aircraft, including one C-130. The armed forces include a general staff, two paratroop companies, four light armored squadrons, and nine motorized infantry companies located in Tahoua, Agadez, Dirkou, Zinder, N'Guigmi, N'Gourti, and Madaweli.
Niger's defense budget is modest, accounting for about 6% of government expenditures. France provides the largest share of military assistance to Niger. Morocco, Algeria, the People's Republic of China, and Germany also provide military assistance. Approximately 10 French military advisers are in Niger. Many Nigerien military personnel receive training in France, and the Nigerien Armed Forces are equipped mainly with materiel either given by or purchased in France. United States assistance has focused on training pilots and aviation support personnel, professional military education for staff officers, and initial specialty training for junior officers. A small foreign military assistance program was initiated in 1983 and a U.S. Defense Attache office opened in June 1985. After being converted to a Security Assistance Office in 1987, it was subsequently closed in 1996. A U.S. Defense Attache office reopened in July 2000.
Military branches:
Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police
Military manpower - military age:
18 years of age
Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49:
2,137,181 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49:
1,155,054 (2000 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:
males:
105,884 (2000 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure:
$20 million (FY96)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:
1.1% (FY96)
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