Forces Rwandaises de Défense / Rwanda Defence Forces ( RDF )

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Des commandos marins Rwandais membre de l'Eastern Africa standby force participant à l'exercice Cutlass Express 12-1 organisé le mois de nombre par le Djibouti et l'USN avec la participation de l'Ouganda. Les commandos sont à bord de l'EDIC La Drague

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Rwandan Defence Force Helicopter Pilot Graduation
March 7, 2016




Fourteen RDF pilots that have been training since January 2015 in Akagera Aviation, the first Aviation Training School in Rwanda graduated on 4 March 2016. Among the 14 Rwanda Air Force helicopter pilots was one female graduate pilot Mwiza Ariane who was awarded by the School as the “Best Check ride Performer” while Rukundo Alexis emerged as the “Overall Best Performer” in a ceremony attended by Rwanda Air Force Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Charles Karamba as the Guest of Honour.

“We are going to continue piloting in Rwanda Airforce and contribute to Rwandan aviation industry”, Mwiza Ariane told the Media after the Graduation ceremony held at Kigali International Airport.

The managing Director of Akagera Aviation, Mr Patrick Nkurikiyimfura urged the Graduates of the third intake to acquire more experience for being better pilots.

“Being skilled and safe pilot are the only options you have. So the goal is not to be perfect by the end of your pilot training, the goal is to be better tomorrow and improving every day. There’s simply no substitute for experience in terms of aviation safety”, he emphasized.

The Chief Pilot Instructor, Ndayishimiye Joseph told the Officials and Parents, Friends of the Graduates that Graduates successfully completed theory and practical tests in aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, flight planning performance, radio communication and procedures among the top training subject matters; using Robinson 44 flying helicopter.

Akagera Aviation, a private company that started its operations in Rwanda in 2004 has produced 44 helicopter pilots; some of them are serving in United Nations Peacekeeping missions.




http://www.african-defense.com/defense-news/rwandan-defence-force-helicopter-pilot-graduation/

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Rwanda Military Hospital Partners with Others for International Symposium on Malaria
April 20, 2016



Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners such as World Health Organisation (WHO) is organising a one day malaria symposium, which will take place in Kigali, Serena Hotel on 22nd April 2016.

During a Press Conference held at Rwanda Military Hospital on 19th April 2016, RMH Doctors, Country Representative and officials from World Health Organisation (WHO) explained to the Media the significance of the planned international conference.

They recalled that Rwanda and other countries in the region are experiencing an upsurge of malaria cases since last year. “The symposium represents a unique opportunity to discuss and define strategies and interventions that could be implemented at different levels of the health system and contribute to a significant reduction of malaria cases with a long-term objective of eliminating malaria”, said Lt Col Dr Jules Kabahizi.

According to Celse Rugambura, World Health Organisation Country Representative and Dr Jules Mugabo in charge of Malaria Department in WHO, the upsurge of malaria is due to many causes including people’s reduced efforts in combating the disease, malaria virus that resists to medicine and multiplication of the disease due to climate change factors.

In the past 3 months in this year, Rwanda Military Hospital, a referral hospital in Rwanda, has registered 230 cases of Malaria, while in the whole year of 2014 it registered 158 cases only.

Lt Col Dr Kabahizi said also that the increase of Malaria impacts on the economy. “Imagine people who are spending time in hospitals looking for treatment instead of working for their families and the country, this simply means the country is economically losing” he convincingly explained.

The Symposium will bring together medical specialists and researchers, policy makers, economists from Africa, Europe, Asia and other parts of the World to discuss challenges, share experiences and dress a way forward to eradicate Malaria.

Malaria is among the ten diseases that kill many people in the world particularly in developing countries.





http://www.african-defense.com/defense-news/rwanda-military-hospital-partners-with-others-for-international-symposium-on-malaria/

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Rwandan Defence Minister Calls for Appropriate Response Mechanisms to Regional Security Threats
May 19, 2016 55
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Addressing the issue of insecurity in the region and on the African continent in general will only be successful if countries work together to develop appropriate mechanism to check security threats, rather than operating in isolation.

This was observed yesterday by the Minister for Defence, James Kabarebe, while opening a three-day national security symposium at the Rwanda Defence Forces Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District.

The symposium, which is part of a one-year senior officers’ course at the college, brings together academics, national security practitioners, researchers, analysts and students to interact and discuss contemporary security challenges in the African perspective with a view to develop practical solutions.



Negative forces

He said that countries engage in diplomatic and security cooperation to address security threats that affect them collectively stressing it is the reason why they subscribe to bodies like the United Nations, African Union and several other regional economic communities that have political and legal framework to address regional and global security challenges.

“Our region is experiencing security threats as a result of negative forces that continue to target our people and affect our development programmes. The FDLR genocidal force and other negative forces in the eastern DR Congo are not only a threat to Rwanda but also to the region as a whole,” Kabarebe said.

The FDLR is an outfit that is commanded and composed of elements responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

“The prevailing insecurity in Burundi does not affect Burundians alone but the region as a whole; therefore, intrastate conflicts in Burundi, Somalia, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan and elsewhere in Africa require appropriate response mechanisms from within Africa itself ,” He added

He said the symposium was an opportunity for the course students to engage in academic and practical real life security issues that affect military profession.

“By the end of the three day symposium, you will have gained enough tools to enable you perform your duties in the field with clarity and understanding of the geopolitical nature of the contemporary security challenges of the continent,” Kabarebe told participants

“Those are the real challenges that you will be facing when you go back to your respective countries where you will be required to apply the knowledge you acquired from this college to bring about positive changes,” he added

Maj. Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, the college commandant, described the symposium as an additional tool to empower student officers to deal with current and future security challenges.

He said the students will take ideas and lessons from its sessions and knit them together with the view to be among the contributors to a sustainable and secure future of African nations.

“If our world today appears more threatened than ever, and if modern life brings with it so many competing pressures, then nothing would be more relevant than discussing and understanding our role in shaping it,” said Kazura.

The course, the fourth intake, brings together 46 senior officers from eight countries, namely Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda.

Topics of discussion, according to officials, include transnational crimes on the continent, combating cross-border negative forces through interagency cooperation; counter terrorism strategies on the African continent, cyber threats, and plausible measures.

As reported by Jean d’Amour Mbonyinshuti for The New Times





http://www.african-defense.com/defense-news/rwandan-defence-minister-calls-for-appropriate-response-mechanisms-to-regional-security-threats/

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Rwandan Peacekeepers Recognized for South Sudan Mission
May 27, 2016 29





Rwanda Peacekeepers (Rwanbatt2), serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), deployed in Malakal South Sudan, on 25 May 2016 were decorated with the UN Peacekeeping medal.

Presiding over the medal parade event, the Deputy UNMISS Force Commander, Maj. Gen Chaoying Yang hailed the courage and unquestionable professionalism of Rwandan troops in gallantly providing protection to civilians in Malakal. “This was clearly demonstrated during the tragic violent events of 17 and 18 February at this UN civilian protection site. You showed courage and helped to prevent more loss of lives that could have occurred.”

General Yang further told the 798 Rwanbatt2 troops recipient of the UN Medal, that the awarded medal was in particular in recognition of the Rwanda Defence Force Peacekeepers commitment and the hard-working to the UNMISS.

Lt Col Edgar Mugabe Safari, the Commanding officer of Rwanbatt2 revealed that their success can be attributed to RDF values that include Valour, Honour and Patriotism. He assured all participants to the medal parade ceremony that his troops will remain committed to uplift these values.

The colourful medal parade ceremony was held at the Headquarters of the UN Protection of Civilians Site in Malakal, South Sudan.



http://www.african-defense.com/defense-news/rwandan-peacekeepers-recognized-for-south-sudan-mission/

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Rwanda’s Hospital in Central African Republic Decorated
July 11, 2016 3


Rwanda Level 2 Hospital peacekeepers, component of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), were awarded with UN medals in recognition of their contribution to maintaining peace and stability in Central African Republic (CAR).

The medal award ceremony was presided over by the MINUSCA Deputy Force Commander, Maj Gen SIDIKI Daniel TRAORE, and was held in Bria on 8 July 2016.

Maj. Gen. SIDIKI Daniel TRAORE told the recipients that the Rwanda Level 2 Hospital has provided medical services in line with UN Level II Hospital requirements and developed a good collaboration with collocated forces and healthcare units. “We thank the Rwandan government leadership to avail such valuable asset to MINUSCA. I congratulate the Commanding Officer and all the hospital staff for their professionalism, customer care and courage while carrying out this noble cause”, he said.

Rwanda Level 2 Hospital Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel Dr King KAYONDO pledged the continuous commitment of the Rwandan Peacekeepers to MINUSCA. “We would like to ensure the MINUSCA leadership of our entire availability and that we are strongly committed to complete the task assigned to us with dedication, discipline and professionalism”, Lt Col Dr King said. He further thanked his team for completing their mission with courage, professionalism and determination, as well as for their team work spirit.



http://www.african-defense.com/defense-news/rwandas-hospital-in-central-african-republic-decorated/

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Rwanda exercises new ATMOS 2000 howitzers

Jeremy Binnie, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

08 November 2016

   
The SOLTAM ATMOS 2000 self-propelled howitzer seen during Exercise 'Hard Punch'. Source: Paul Kagame  


The Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) has acquired 155 mm/52-calibre SOLTAM ATMOS 2000 self-propelled howitzers, a photograph released by President Paul Kagame's office on 4 November confirmed.

The image showed a single SOLTAM ATMOS system during a combined-arms fire exercise that was viewed by Kagame at the RDF's Combat Training Centre in Gabiro.

Made by the Israeli company Elbit Systems, the SOLTAM ATMOS is designed for rapid deployment in difficult terrain and incorporates automatic laying and loading systems. However, the RDF's variant might be 4x6 rather than 6x6 vehicles and not fitted with all-terrain tyres.

Rwanda has previously acquired Israeli-made military equipment. Israel told the UN Register of Conventional Arms that it exported five "160 mm launchers" under the 'large calibre artillery systems' category in 2008, an apparent reference to the Israel Military Industries (IMI) Lynx multiple rocket launcher, which can fire rockets of various calibre, including the 160 mm LAR-160.

A Ti-67 Tiran - an Israeli-modified T-54/55 tank with a 105 mm L7-type gun and Blazer explosive reactive armour - has also been seen in Rwanda.

Kagame's website said that Exercise 'Hard Punch' demonstrated how the RDF is integrating various military capabilities as part of an ongoing structural transformation aimed at building an increasingly capable and professional force.

Another photograph taken during the exercise showed soldiers displaying a Narda STS IDA handheld signals direction finder. What appeared to be a vehicle-mounted signals intelligence system could be seen in the background.



The use of what appeared to be a Chinese aerial target during the exercise suggested Rwanda may have acquired a Chinese air
defence system. (Paul Kagame)


A Narda IDA signals direction finding system is demonstrated to Kagame. A vehicle-mounted SIGINT system might be visible in the
background. (Paul Kagame)
 

http://www.janes.com/article/75650/rwandan-sh3-self-propelled-howitzer-spotted
Rwandan SH3 self-propelled howitzer spotted
Jeremy Binnie - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
14 November 2017
A Norinco 122 mm SH3 tracked self-propelled howitzer was observed in service with the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) for the first time on 10 November, with President Paul Kagame’s office releasing a photograph of a vehicle that participated in a combined-arms exercise designated ‘Hard Punch II’.
The SH3 superficially resembles the PLZ-89 in service with China’s People’s Liberation Army, but it is an entirely different vehicle, with a stated combat weight of 24.5 tons compared with the PLZ-89’s 20 tons. The variant was not previously known to have been exported, and no longer features in the Norinco catalogue.
The system that participated in the exercise may have been one of six unidentified large-calibre artillery platforms that China exported to Rwanda in 2007, according to Beijing’s confirmation to the UN Register of Conventional Arms at the time. The RDF is also known to possess Russian-manufactured 2S1 self-propelled howitzers, which feature similar 122 mm D-30-derived guns.
The Rwandan Ministry of Defence stated that Hard Punch II was carried out at the Combat Training Centre Gabiro on 10 November, and demonstrated “how different military capabilities are integrated and synchronised during a military operation at the level of an infantry division”.

Citation :

La Renaissance a ajouté 4 photos.

DIPLOMATIE MILITAIRE : LE PRÉSIDENT TOUADERA A REÇU EN AUDIENCE LE GÉNÉRAL PATRICK NYAMVUMBA, CHEF D’ÉTAT MAJOR DES FORCES DE DÉFENSE RWANDAISE
Le Président de la République Son excellence Pr Faustin Archange TOUADERA a reçu en audience ce matin du, le Général Patrick NYAMVUMBA, chef d’État-major des Forces de Défense Rwandaise. Le Chef de l’État-major de l’armée rwandaise est en mission en Centrafrique pour visiter ses troupes déployées au sein de la MINUSCA.
Arrivé à Bangui le dimanche dernier dans l’après-midi, le Général Patrick NYAMVUMBA s’est rendu à Bria où il a rendu visite aux soldats Rwandaises stationnés dans cette zone.
Abordant les questions d’actualité dominées par le retour de la violence dans la ville de Bangui, le Général a exprimé sa compassion à l’endroit du peuple centrafricain et a exprimé des regrets pour les nombreuses pertes en vie humaine qu’elle a occasionnées.
Le Chef d’État-major de l’armée rwandaise est également porteur d’un message personnel du président Paul KAGAME à son homologue Pr Faustin Archange TOUADERA. Faisant suite à la demande du Président centrafricain TOUADERA, le numéro un rwandais est favorable au renforcement des relations bilatérales dans tous les domaines avec la RCA.
L’officier général rwandais a déclaré être ravi de voir ses troupes avec un moral de fer sur le terrain et se dit honoré par le soutien de la population civile et par celui du Président Centrafricain à leur égard.
Enfin, le Général Patrick NYAMVUMBA a déclaré que cette visite lui a non seulement permis de toucher du doigt les vrais problèmes de paix et de sécurité en Centrafrique, mais qu’elle lui permettra aussi de voir comment intervenir pour garantir la vie des paisibles citoyens centrafricains. Il note par ailleurs que des efforts ont été fournis pour le rétablissement de l’ordre public même si beaucoup reste à faire.
« Le problème de l’insécurité doit et peut être surmonté avec l’apport du peuple Centrafricain et de toutes les troupes de la Minusca ici présentes en République Centrafricaine » a conclu le général rwandais NYAMVUMBA.

https://www.janes.com/article/83253/rwanda-to-receive-two-medevac-aircraft-for-un-missions-in-africa
« Rwanda to receive two MEDEVAC aircraft for UN missions in Africa
Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
21 September 2018

een here in Iraqi service, the Cessna Grand Caravan satisfies all of the Rwandan requirements for a medical evacuation aircraft as set out by the US Air Force. Source: US Air Force
Rwanda is to receive two new aircraft to be used for medical evacuation and light transport missions during international peacekeeping operations throughout Africa, it was disclosed on 20 September.
A sources sought notification issued by the US Air Force (USAF) calls for two single-engined propeller-driven aircraft suitable for medical/casualty evacuation and patient transport, as well as passenger and light cargo movement.
Both aircraft are to be delivered in the paint scheme and livery of the Rwanda Air Force (Force Aerienne Rwandaise: FAR), and will be available for United Nations deployment in the Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, or another location in Africa.
To be procured under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, the aircraft shall be a current commercial design with an all-up weight no greater than 12,500 lb (5,670 kg); newbuild; fixed landing gear; and feature a high-wing configuration for maximum pilot visibility of the ground.
Performance parameters set out by the USAF include a short take-off and landing (STOL) capability of less than 2,500 ft (762 m) on a narrow austere strip 25-50 ft (7.62-15.24 m) wide, and the ability to fly in excess of 10,000 ft with a load of 3,500 lb (1,588 kg). It should have a 900 n mile (1,667 km) ferry range, and be able to fly 450 n miles (833 km) with 13 persons onboard (11 passengers and two crew) on internal fuel. External hardpoints and internal plumbing and electrical points to support auxiliary fuel tanks should also be fitted. The main cabin must accommodate up to two patient-care units and associated patients, or 11 passengers.”

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54047:rwanda-unveils-new-chinese-weaponry&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105
“Rwanda unveils new Chinese weaponry
Written by defenceWeb, Friday, 14 December 2018
Rwanda’s military is now operating Chinese PCL-09 self-propelled howitzers and Red Arrow 9A anti-tank missiles.

These were displayed for the first time at the annual combined arms exercise at the Gabiro Combat Training Centre on 11 December. The Hard Punch III exercise was attended by President Paul Kagame.

A single truck-mounted PCL-09 (export designation CS/SH1) was seen during the exercise (not to be confused with the Norinco SH1 155 mm self-propelled artillery system). The CS/SH1 mounts a Soviet D-30 122 mm gun on a Shaanxi 6x6 truck. It is built by Poly Technologies. Alongside the CS/SH1 was an SH3 122 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer, which was first seen during the 2017 edition of the exercise.

The CS/SH1 can fire projectiles out to a range of around 27 km with a rate of fire of eight rounds per minute. A total of 40 rounds are carried. The vehicle can be fitted with a 12.7 mm machinegun on the crew cabin for self-protection – the cab has seating for five persons. The vehicle weights around 16 500 kg and can reach a top speed of 85 km/h with a range of 600 km.

Also on display on 11 December was an Otokar Cobra armoured vehicle fitted with Red Arrow 9A (HJ-9A) millimetre wave guided anti-tank missiles. This has a range of 5 500 metres and carries a tandem high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead able to penetrate 1 200 mm of armour. Rwanda could be the first export user for the type, which is in service with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

According to the UN Register of Conventional Arms, China exported six unidentified large-calibre artillery platforms to Rwanda in 2007. Some of these are believed to have been SH3s. The tracked SH3 weighs 24.5 tons and uses the chassis of the Type 97 infantry fighting vehicle. It is armed with a variant of the Type 96 howitzer, based the Soviet D-30 howitzer, and a 12.7 mm machinegun.

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) also operate 2S1 self-propelled howitzers armed with 122 mm D-30-derived guns.

During Exercise Hard Punch in November 2016, Rwanda displayed for the first time ATMOS 2000 155 mm self-propelled howitzers from Israel’s Soltam. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s Arms Transfers database, Israel supplied three systems to Rwanda in 2013.”

Citation :

La Renaissance

LES ÉLÉMENTS DU 5eme CONTINGENT RWANDAIS DE LA MINUSCA EN FIN DE MISSION REÇOIVENT DES DISTINCTIONS HONORIFIQUES DU PRÉSIDENT DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE, CHEF DE L’ETAT, CHEF SUPRÊME DES ARMÉES.
Déployés en République Centrafricaine depuis le 28 février 2018 dans le cadre des opérations du maintien de la paix, les éléments du 5eme contingent rwandais en fin de mission ont reçu des distinctions honorifique du président TOUADERA.
La cérémonie de cette décoration a eu lieu ce matin du 23 février au palais de la Renaissance en présence des membres du cabinet présidentiel.
Par ce geste solennel, le Président de la République, Chef suprême des Armées a voulu témoigner la reconnaissance du peuple centrafricain au contingent rwandais pour les loyaux services rendus en faveur du rétablissement de la paix et de la sécurité en RCA.
Dans son discours de circonstance, le Lieutenant-Colonel Nepomusene RUBAYITA, Commandant force du Contingent rwandais a fait savoir qu’en dehors de leur mission d’assurer la protection rapprochée du Président de la République et des institutions républicaines, les forces rwandaises ont également mené conjointement avec les autres contingents de la MINUSCA d’autres opérations.
Les opérations telles que : l’opération SUKULA, la restauration de l’ordre public et la protection des populations civiles à travers une série d’interventions rapides dans la capitale font partie des actions réalisées avec brio par le chef de l’Etat.
Ces différentes actions, dit-il, ont permis le rétablissement d’un environnement qui a permis le retour des personnes déplacées, la réduction des accrochages communautaires et la sécurisation des institutions de la République.

Le Lieutenant-Colonel Nepomusene RUBAYITA n’a pas manqué de saluer les autorités centrafricaines et les organes de défense nationale pour leur franches collaboration et coopération avec le contingent rwandais durant leur mission tant à Bangui qu’a l’intérieur du pays.
Il a rassuré le Président de la République, Chef suprême des Armées de l’enthousiasme, du courage et du professionnalisme du 6eme contingent rwandais qui prendra la relève dans quelques jours.

Citation :

Rwanda closes in on medevac Caravan
Posted 6 March 2019

A US Air Force (USAF) notification, issued on September 20, revealed that Rwanda is to receive two new aircraft to be used for medical evacuation and light transport missions during international peacekeeping operations throughout Africa


The aircraft will be used especially for United Nations deployments in the Central African Republic, Sudan, and South Sudan.
The notification called for the supply of two single-engined, propeller-driven aircraft that would be suitable for passenger and light cargo transport, carrying a load of 3,500lb (1,588kg) or up to 11 passengers and two crew, and for medical/casualty evacuation and patient transport with two patient-care units.
Performance parameters set out by the USAF include a short take-off and landing (STOL) capability of less than 2,500ft (762m) on a narrow 25-50ft (7.62-15.24m) wide austere strip.
A ferry range of 900nm (1,667km) was specified, and a normal range on internal fuel of 450nm (833km), while carrying 11 passengers and two crew.
The aircraft were to be fitted with external hardpoints and were to be ‘plumbed’ for the carriage of auxiliary fuel tanks.
It was laid down that the aircraft should be a new-build, current commercial design with an all-up weight no greater than 12,500lb (5,670kg) with a fixed landing gear and a high-wing configuration to ensure maximum pilot visibility of the ground.
The notification called for both aircraft to be delivered in the livery and paint scheme and of the Rwanda Air Force (Force Aerienne Rwandaise).
The aircraft will be supplied under the US foreign military sales (FMS) programme.
No mention was made of armament or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, so it is assumed that the aircraft will be additional to the 22 AC-208 armed ISR aircraft being acquired by the USAF for allied air arms.
The aircraft are likely to be ‘vanilla’ Caravans, and not armed AC-208 Combat Caravans or Block 2 AC-208 Eliminators. These variants are modified by Orbital ATK, and carry a range of ISR systems and sensors and a variety of weapons systems.


https://www.africanaerospace.aero/rwanda-closes-in-on-medevac-caravan.html

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  25 June 2020 00:00 GMT+0

Rwanda to receive two MEDEVAC aircraft for Africa UN missions in 2022

by Gareth Jennings


Rwanda is to receive two new aircraft in 2022 that will be used for medical evacuation and light transport missions during international peacekeeping operations throughout Africa, it was disclosed on 24 June.


The Cessna Grand Caravan (pictured here in Iraqi service) is to equip the Rwandan Air Force as it prepares to receive a pair of aircraft for
US medical evacuation and other light transport duties. (US Air Force)

A Foreign Military Sales (FMS) notification issued by the US Air Force (USAF) said that ATI Engineering Services LLC of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a USD10.1 million contract for Rwanda Cessna C-208 EX Grand Caravan aircraft acquisition.

The award, which includes a flight training device and other support, will see the aircraft delivered by 31 July 2022.

Janes first reported in 2018 that the USAF was looking for a pair of single-engined propeller-driven aircraft for the Rwanda Air Force (Force Aerienne Rwandaise: FAR) for United Nations deployments in the Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, or other locations in Africa.

While no type was disclosed at that time the performance parameters as set out by the USAF strongly suggested the Grand Caravan would be selected. These parameters and specifications comprised a current commercial design with a maximum all-up weight of 12,500 lb (5,670 kg), newbuild, fixed landing gear, and featuring a high-wing configuration for maximum pilot visibility of the ground.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/rwanda-to-receive-two-medevac-aircraft-for-africa-un-missions-in-2022      

Citation :

La Renaissance

Levée de Corps le mardi 21 juillet 2020 du Sergent Major rwandais Edouard NSABIMANA mort en opération le 13 juillet dernier

Le Président de la République Faustin Archange TOUADERA, a assisté ce mardi 21 juillet 2020 sur le tarmac de l’Aéroport Bangui-Mpoko, à la cérémonie de levée du corps du Sergent Major Edouard NSABIMANA, membre du contingent rwandais de la MINUSCA, tombé sur le théâtre des opérations le 13 juillet dernier au Nord-Ouest de la République Centrafricaine.

En lui rendant ce dernier hommage, le Président de la République, en sa qualité de Chef suprême des Armées a déposé une gerbe de fleurs sur la dépouille mortelle de ce valeureux soldat.

Cette cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence du Ministre de la défense Nationale Marie Noëlle KOYARA et des contingents rwandais de la MINUSCA




 

L'équipement de leurs soldats est excellent

Citation :

Rwanda military contingent in Mozambique operating with Turkish made Otokar Cobra II APCs


Defense News September 2022 Global Security army industry

POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 11:48


On September 13, Hammer of War tweeted pictures of the Rwandan military contingent in northern Mozambique operating with Turkish-made Otokar Cobra II APCs. The men also use Serbian-made 40 mm PPT Namenska M07 grenade launchers during the visit of the commander of the Mozambican Police at Macomia, on 13th May 2022.



Rwandan army contingent with Otokar Cobra II APCs (Picture source: Twitter account of Hammer of War)


As explained by Jordan Smith on africanarguments.org, in July 2021, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) deployed 1,000 soldiers and police officers to northern Mozambique, where, since October 2017, the Mozambican government has been fighting ISIS-linked militants in its gas-rich Cabo Delgado province. To date, the conflict has led to at least 3,700 deaths and the internal displacement of 820,000 people.

Earlier in the conflict, President Filipe Nyusi’s administration spent an estimated $154 million on private military companies such as Russia’s Wagner Group to support the nation’s struggling and poorly equipped military. But this assistance, equipment and training failed to improve the situation. Militants from ISIS-Mozambique continued to grow in strength, capturing towns like the key port city of Mocimboa de Praia and carrying out sporadic attacks along the Tanzanian border.

Alarmed neighbours in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) including South Africa and Tanzania became concerned by the potential for the insurgency to spread across the region and pressured Mozambique to accept its help. Nyusi initially declined and instead turned to Rwanda before later approving an SADC presence.

The Rwandans also exported their concept of Muganda (community work) which it had successfully introduced in the Central African Republic where RDF troops have been active as part of the UN mission and under a bilateral agreement. Umuganda involves working with residents in recaptured areas to create a liveable environment through projects such as street cleaning and the rebuilding of infrastructure, which helps stabilize the security situation.

Despite its military successes, some observers and opposition groups in Mozambique have raised concerns about Rwanda’s intervention and the reasons behind it. President Nyusi insists Rwanda asked nothing in return for its deployment, and Kigali has said it was motivated to help by its commitment to the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine and the 2015 Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians. But not everyone buys this.



Otokar Cobra II APC (Picture source: Army Recognition)


Otokar Cobra II

Cobra II offers a high level of protection, payload capacity, and large internal volume. In addition to superior mobility, COBRA II APC also comes with the capacity to accommodate 10 personnel including the driver and commander, offering high protection against ballistic, mine and IED threats. Delivering high performance in the toughest terrain and climate conditions with a high power-to-weight ratio, COBRA II is tested rigorously in different parts of the world, on the toughest terrain and climate conditions, and made thousands of miles.

Preferred especially for offering a wide range of weapons integration and mission equipment options, Cobra II is successfully in service for border protection as well as internal security and peacekeeping missions. The modular structure of the vehicle also makes it a flexible platform to be used as a personnel carrier, weapon platform, ground surveillance radar, CBRN reconnaissance vehicle, command control vehicle, and ambulance.



Rwandan army contingent with PPT Namenska M07 grenade launcher (Picture source: Twitter account of Hammer of War)


PPT Namenska M07 grenade launcher

PPT Namenska is a Serbian manufacturer of arms, mortars, grenade launchers, unmanned ground vehicles, hydraulics and pneumatics, airplane parts and some complex weapons system including modernized M-77 Oganj, Pasars-16, and LRSVM Morava in various stages of production. Its headquarters and main production facilities are located in the town of Trstenik.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2022_global_security_army_industry/rwanda_military_contingent_in_mozambique_operating_with_turkish_made_otokar_cobra_ii_apcs.html    

Pictures showing turkish made Otokar Cobra and Nurol Makina Ilgaz II armored personnel carriers of the Rwandan contingent in Northern Mozambique. pic.twitter.com/0OfoogZWHw

— Hammer Of War (@HammerOfWar5) January 18, 2024

Rwanda Army troops equipped with 5.56x45mm (NATO cartridge) QBZ-97B / NQZ03B carabine. A short automatic assault export version of the QBZ-95 / Type 95
(via wb/籁YAO) pic.twitter.com/6m0FV5L18u

— Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) January 28, 2024

CZ 806 BREN 2 rifles used by Rwanda Defence Forces pic.twitter.com/5IS904C61r

— B-AREV (@trip_to_valkiri) February 6, 2024