Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC)

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Citation :

Thales to provide tactical radios to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on behalf of US and UK governments

15 July 2010



Thales has received a contract to provide PRC-6809 multiband inter/intra team radios (MBITR) and TRC 3700 HF tactical radios to the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC). The project, funded by the US Department of State under project ‘AFRICAP’, and supported by the UK Embassy, will contribute to stabilisation and security sector reform. The provision of these first radios being deployed in the country will enhance the command and control capabilities of the FARDC.

The purpose of the project is to provide tactical communications and training to the FARDC for a rapid reaction force made up of 12 battalions. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will deploy the battalions nationally, focusing initially in the North and East of the country, in support of ongoing stabilisation projects.

Thales was selected for the first phase of the project by Protection Strategies Incorporated, a prime contractor to the US Department of State, and will provide equipment and a training package to a single FARDC battalion, being trained by the US government.

The tactical radios are proven to be robust and reliable in rigorous military operations and are capable of meeting and sustaining the communication requirements of the FARDC. The handheld PRC-6809 MBITR, part of the AN/PRC-148 family of tactical software-defined communications equipment, offers a wideband VHF and UHF solution, plugging into a manpack or vehicle adapter for enhanced capability. The TRC 3700 HF handheld tactical radio is able to securely transmit both voice and data over large distances to support command and control systems.

“Thales UK is proud to support the continuous development and stabilisation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” says Victor Chavez, deputy Chief Executive of Thales UK. “Our tactical communications systems will offer cost-effective handheld radios to the Congolese Armed Forces and meet the needs of interoperability and communication in harsh environments.”

– Ends –

Notes to editors

Thales was down-selected as preferred supplier in September 2009 as a result of a competitive tender process. The equipment contract from Protection Strategies Incorporated and the training contract from the Defence section of the UK Embassy in the DRC were awarded to Thales in June 2010.

The radios and training package will be deployed in October 2010. Deployment of equipment to the remaining battalions is subject to achieving future funding from the international community.

The AN/PRC-148 tactical radio systems have been in service since 2000, with almost 200,000 radios deployed worldwide – more military handhelds than any other provider.

The Thales MBITR system is the handheld radio of choice for the US Army and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and is in use in 28 countries around the world. The TRC 3700 radio, an update of the 3000 SKYF@ST HF radio, was first introduced in 1996 and has been deployed and combat proven in over 30 different countries including 10 NATO countries.

http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Countries/United_Kingdom/2010/100715_Thales_to_provide_tactical_radios/

Citation :

Scramble Magazine

The Su-25 of the Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC-AF) possibly spotted at 558.ARZ in Belarus

Reviewing an article about modernization of the Su-25 aircraft from 22 March 2019 provided by The Belarusian Telegraph Agency BelTa has revealed an interesting detail.
One of the images showing the upgraded cockpit layout of an Su-25UB modernized by 558.ARZ (JSC 558 Aircraft Repair Plant at Baranovichi, Belarus) also reveals something else: another Su-25 with an exhaust nozzle cover sporting a designation FG-508. This marking falls nicely in line with markings applied on the Su-25s of the Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

History of the Su-25s with this elusive air force has been written since 2005, when first grainy pic of an example marked FG-501 in flight has been posted on internet forums. The bird was seemingly devoid of any roundels, with an exception of a DRC flag on the tail. Later in the same year, EUFOR soldiers were able to provide first clear pictures of its sister ships marked FG-500 (basic Su-25) and FG-502 (export Su-25K) parked alongside an ex-Libyan MiG-23U (marked FG-2000) in the hangar of the N'Dolo Airport (IATA: NLO, ICAO: FZAB), a secondary airport in the city of Kinshasa.

The origin of these three aircraft remains unknown, but all Su-25s were sporting a light green/tan camo with light blue underside, very similar to the aircraft seen in Turkmenistan or the Su-25KM demonstrator exhibited by the Georgian company TAM (Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing). The blue flag on the fin has since then been cut diagonally by a red stripe with a thin yellow frame, representing current layout of the flag of the DRC.

In 2012, spotters have provided a set of pictures of two additional Su-25s in the colors of the Air Force of the DRC during test flights at Zaporozhye-Mokraya Airport (IATA: OZH, ICAO: UKDE). The two birds have been marked FG-505 and FG-506, sporting a much darker green/tan camouflage pattern, incl. the newly introduced roundel on the fin. Interestingly, recent pictures from N’Dolo show the same pattern on FG-501 and FG-502 indicating that not only Ukraine has supplied at least two additional Su-25s from their stocks but that the MiGremont Zaporozhye State Aviation Repair Factory got a contract to refurbish the two remaining examples serving in Kinshasa.

From the limited information we have, we can assume that DRC went shopping to Minsk in order to replenish their combat aircraft stocks (two of their Sukhois are assumed crashed, one of them the FG-500) and that they contracted at least two Su-25s of unknown version from Belarus (FG-507, FG-508), which are now in a very advanced assembly stage at 558.ARZ. It is not clear whether these aircraft have been upgraded in the same manner as the Su-25s of the Kazakhstan Air Force or whether the exhibited twinseater (still in natural metal) is a part of the deal with the DRC.

Photo credit: EU, main and Guk Aleksandr via exoticairforces





 

Citation :

EFG : Formation « blindés » au profit des FARDC


Mise à jour :27/01/2020

Courant décembre, le 6e bataillon d’infanterie de Marine des éléments français au Gabon (EFG) a dispensé une formation « blindés » au profit des forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC).

L’objectif de cette formation était de mettre à niveau treize instructeurs de l'école de formation et d’application des troupes blindées, basée à Mbanza-Ngungu, à 160 kilomètres au sud de Kinshasa, dans le domaine du combat des blindés.

La première semaine de formation portait essentiellement sur les missions du peloton : détection, reconnaissance, identification et déplacements. Lors de la deuxième semaine, les stagiaires ont reçu une sensibilisation contre-IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) et ont effectué des tirs réduit sous tourelle. Les stagiaires congolais ont ainsi pu développer leurs compétences tactique et technique dans le domaine des patrouilles blindées, mais aussi et surtout, leur savoir-faire en termes de pédagogie.

Les actions entreprises par les EFG depuis 2015 au profit des FARDC et le travail des coopérants sur place ont permis une réelle amélioration de l’enseignement dispensé à l’école de formation et d'application des troupes blindées (EFATBL) par les instructeurs congolais. De nouveaux outils pédagogiques ont été mis à leur disposition afin de les aider dans leur mission de formation avec, notamment, la création de manuels d’instruction détaillés et adaptés à leurs besoins.

Les EFG ont fait de la formation à destination des cadres, sous-officiers ou officiers, une priorité afin de permettre aux forces armées partenaires d’aller vers l’autosuffisance dans la transmission des savoirs. Durant l’année 2019, les EFG ont formé près de 10 000 militaires de pays d’Afrique centrale, dont 202 militaires des FARDC, et ont conduit 457 actions de formations, dont 34 en République démocratique du Congo. Le partenariat avec les FARDC est appelé à se renforcer en 2020.

Pôle opérationnel de coopération, les EFG complètent la formation des militaires des pays partenaires de la communauté économique des États d’Afrique centrale (CEEAC) durant leur mise en condition avant engagement dans des opérations intérieures ou extérieures. Près de 8 400 stagiaires sont répartis chaque année au sein de plus de 200 stages hautement spécialisés. Les EFG sont également un point d’appui opérationnel et logistique (Base de Soutien Interarmées de Théâtre – BSIAT) en Afrique centrale pour la conduite éventuelle d’une opération par l’armée française ou pour le transit des forces.




Sources : État-major des armées
Droits : Ministère de la Défense

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites2/efg-formation-blindes-au-profit-des-fardc

Citation :

04.06.2022

Les Eléments français au Gabon forment le 2e bataillon jungle des forces armées de RDC

En 2021, la France a proposé à la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) d’accentuer son effort en matière de partenariat militaire opérationnel (PMO), et de contribuer au renforcement des capacités des FARDC pour lutter contre les groupes armés à l’Est du pays au Kivu et en Ituri en particulier (photos MINARM).

Les Eléments français au Gabon (EFG) ont déjà formé un premier bataillon jungle, qui est engagé en opération dans le Nord Kivu depuis septembre 2021. "Les retours sur l’actuel engagement du premier bataillon sont très satisfaisants et témoignent de la qualité de la formation dispensée", précisent les EFG.

La France s’est engagée à former au total trois bataillons jungle. 

Le 11 avril, la formation du 2e bataillon jungle a commencé au camp de Kibomango, en RDC. Elle est dispensée par un détachement de partenariat militaire opérationnel (DPMO) des EFG, composé d’une cinquantaine de militaires issus essentiellement du 3e RPIMa.

L’objectif était de former l’ensemble du bataillon au combat défensif et offensif, avec un accent particulier mis sur le combat en jungle. Le tir, la lutte contre les IED et le secourisme de combat ont fait l’objet d’un effort de formation. Les officiers de l’état-major du 2e bataillon jungle ont également reçu une formation spécifique.

Au Gabon.
Depuis le 23 mai et pendant 6 semaines, les Eléments français au Gabon (EFG) forment l’encadrement et certaines unités spécialisées du 2e bataillon jungle des FARDC au Centre d’entrainement au combat en forêt du Gabon (CEC-FoGa). La formation dispensée à 40 cadres par compagnie concerne en particulier le combat, l’orientation et à la vie en milieu forestier équatorial. Elle est destinée à compléter la formation déjà dispensée au camp de Kibomango, par le détachement de partenariat militaire opérationnel (DPMO) des EFG.

Le 9 juin prochain (un peu avant la fin effective du stage), une cérémonie officielle va clore, à Kibomango, la formation du 2e bataillon jungle.

Les Eléments français au Gabon forment le 2e bataillon jungle des forces armées de RDC : Lignes de défense (ouest-france.fr)

Citation :

Les éléments français au Gabon - EFG

Le général Ngoma Yelemiya Germain de la maison militaire des FARDC inspecte la formation du bataillon "jungle" au camp de Kibomango

Dans le cadre de la formation du second bataillon « jungle » des Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo par un détachement de partenariat militaire opérationnel, le général NGOMA YELEMIYA Germain, chef du département opérations, organisation et instruction de la « maison militaire » (état-major particulier du Président) des forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo s’est rendu, le 27 avril dernier, au camp de Kibomango[/url], pour une inspection de routine sur l’instruction en cours.
Au cours de la matinée passée avec les instructeurs français, et les hommes du bataillon « jungle », il a assisté à une séance de tir et noté la progression des hommes du bataillon, aussi bien dans l’exécution que dans la précision des tirs.
A cette occasion, le général NGOMA a pu exprimer toute sa satisfaction au sujet de l’organisation de la mission et rappelé l’excellence du partenariat entre les militaires français et les militaires de forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo. Il a pu également s’exercer au tir avec un HK416 français.

Bonsoir,

Question aux specialistes du sujet: Les Forces Armées Congolaises sont dans un mauvais état. Le pays n'arrive pas à sécuriser ses frontières ni a controler son propre territoire (avec des pans entiers sous le controle de milices ou des forces Rwandaises).

Si vous pouviez restructurer les forces armées de la RDC comment vous y prendriez-vous? Quels seraient les choses à réparer en priorité?
Doivent-ils doubler les effectifs? acheter de l'armement plus moderne? se concentrer sur la gouvernance et la qualité des officiers? Eliminer les officiers corrompus?
Comment feriez-vous?

L’armée n’est que le reflet de l’état.

Si l’état est pourri …. Son armée le sera.

Le chantier est énorme mais avant de penser au matériel et la formation, la base son les salaires et les conditions de vie digne pour les soldats et leur proche. Ceci acheté sinon solidifie la loyauté envers l’état.


Le reste formation puis équipement.

Faoudrais déja que la RDC soit une nation avant d'avoir une armée nationale

Citation :

DRC operating Calidus MCAV-20, Paramount Mbombe armoured vehicles

Guy Martin -8th Aug 20239050


Calidus MCAV-20s in the DRC.


The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) military is operating two new armoured vehicle types, acquired from the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

On 22 July, a number of MCAV-20 vehicles were seen on the streets of the DRC’s capital Kinshasa as authorities stepped up security ahead of the International Francophone Games starting that week. Around 4 500 additional police backed by state security agents were deployed ahead of the event.

The license plates of the Republican Guard’s MCAV-20s seen in the capital ran from 001.11.23 to 030.01.23, suggesting 30 were delivered earlier in 2023, Janes reported. It added that a memorandum of understanding was announced in October 2021, under which the UAE pledged to provide the DRC with 30 tactical armoured vehicles.

The MCAV-20 is one of several vehicles manufactured by Calidus, along with the LRV-20 lightweight 4×4 and Al Wahash 8×8. The latter was designed by South Africa’s ADG Mobility.

Few details are available on the MCAV-20 but based on information from the Calidus website, it may be powered by a 330 hp engine and protected against ballistic and landmine threats. A ‘smart hull design’ allows for the integration of turrets and weapon stations – the DRC’s vehicles have open turrets fitted with sniper/assault rifles. The vehicle weighs around 7-9 tons and has a top speed of about 110 km/h.

The MCAV-20, launched in February 2021, has also been acquired by Sudan, where it was seen earlier this year. Vehicles in service with the Sudanese Armed Forces were observed with twin anti-aircraft guns mounted in open turrets on the rear load bed. The UAE has supplied other armoured vehicles to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, including Pathera T6, NIMR Ajban and Typhoon vehicles.

The DRC is believed to have taken delivery of 20 Mbombe 4 vehicles at the beginning of this year, following the delivery of an unknown number of new Maatla lightweight 4×4 armoured vehicles from Paramount in late 2022 (at the time of its launch, Paramount said the Maatla had orders for 50 vehicles from two customers). The Mbombe 4s are fitted with gun turrets on their roofs.


A Mbombe 4 in the DRC.


The Mbombe family (4×4 Mbombe 4, 6×6 Mbombe 6, and 8×8 Mbombe 8.) features a flat mine-protected floor, giving a lower and better stability than V-shaped armoured hulls, which were pioneered by South Africa. All three models share 80% common components to reduce through life costs and make training and logistics easier. A six-cylinder diesel gives a top speed of more than 110km/h – the Mbombe 4 has a top speed of some 150km/h, making it one of the fastest armoured vehicles in the world.

Since its launch in 2019, the Mbombe 4 has been ordered by six nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, United Arab Emirates, Togo, and India – it is being built in large numbers for the Indian Army by Bharat Forge as the Kalyani M4. In August 2022 Paramount revealed that the Mbombe 4 would be built in Thailand as the D-Lion. The company also hopes to produce the Mbombe 4 in Saudi Arabia.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is also acquiring aircraft from Paramount, and is receiving six Mwari intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. During the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in September last year, Paramount said it had orders for nine from two air forces – Mozambique has acquired the other three.


https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/drc-operating-calidus-mcav-20-paramount-mbombe-armoured-vehicles/  

Pictures showing emirati made Calidus MCAV-20 armored personnel carriers of the DRC Republican Guard. pic.twitter.com/mfAzO6gU7L

— Hammer Of War (@HammerOfWar5) August 28, 2023

Citation :

 Hammer Of War
@HammerOfWar5

Pictures showing soldiers of the DRC Republican Guard with israeli made 5,56 x 45 mm EMTAN MZ-4/P/FRB assault rifles.

Citation :

  SEP 25

Congolese Air Force buys South African Paramount AHRLAC aircraft


The Congolese Air Force recently acquired four units of the Paramount AHRLAC (Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft),
according to a company announcement dated September 12, 2023. In doing so, the Democratic Republic of Congo joins Mozambique
as the operator of this multi-role aircraft. Manufactured in South Africa, the AHRLAC is designed for use in a variety of roles and is being
considered by smaller air forces in Africa.



AHRLAC incorporates a high inverted swept wing, a twin fin tail, and a semi-retractable tricycle landing gear (Picture source: Paramount)



http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2023/09/congolese-air-force-buys-south-african.html

Picture showing south african made Maatla and Mbombe 4 APC/MRAP of the Democratic Republic of Congo security forces.
1/2 : pic.twitter.com/OCzMXIyZy4

— Hammer Of War (@HammerOfWar5) February 14, 2024

O CIGS forma os melhores Guerreiros de Selva do mundo, referência no combate nesse ambiente. Treina militares estrangeiros para missões reais, como os da @MONUSCO na República Democrática do Congo. Com expertise, capacita tropas para garantir segurança e estabilidade na região. pic.twitter.com/c1zJSIWms5

— Comando Militar da Amazônia (@cma_exercito) March 16, 2024

A special forces unit from the FARDC walking in a reconnaissance mission to secure perimeter on new grounds. #fardc #congo #ponabendele #military #africanmilitary #kongo pic.twitter.com/nwMREO560f

— FARDC archives (@fardcnation) March 25, 2024

Pictures showing brazilian made EE-9 Cascavel reconnaissance vehicles of the Democratic Republic of Congo military. pic.twitter.com/EqggQX1wrQ

— Hammer Of War (@HammerOfWar5) April 15, 2024

Picture shows a team of two FARDC snipers. #fardc #congo #ponabendele #military #africanmilitary #kongo #thegreatcongo #specialforces #fardcsnipers pic.twitter.com/CrlqF7dzYK

— FARDC archives (@fardc_archives) April 16, 2024

Picture showing a DRC soldier with a american made 60 mm M2 mortar and israeli made 5,56 x 45 mm EMTAN designated marksman rifle. pic.twitter.com/7c6yJhnVRF

— Hammer Of War (@HammerOfWar5) April 21, 2024