Congo, Democratic Republic

Page 4

 

 

 Presidential forces (GSSP)

 

The president has so far refused to place these forces, said to be the best equipped and trained of DRC forces, under the National Army.

 

A contingent of 50 Zimbabwe Presidential Guard troops provides close defense of the President.

 

            Presidential Guard Division (7000 troops)

                        PIR – police rapid intervention brigade sized unit, Kinshasha.[2]

 

One or more of the following brigades may be part of the Guard Division, but in any case are effectively part of the presidential forces:

           

Airborne Brigade

            Armored Brigade        

            SF Brigade

 

These 3 brigades should be considered as “in name only” brigades

 

Presidential Guard Division (7000)

HQ Infantry Division

Airborne Brigade (stationed in the capital)

Armored Brigade[3] (in reality an anti-coup reserve)

SF Brigade (also in reality an anti-coup reserve)

3 infantry brigades

Helicopters

4 Mil-26 (heavy lift)

6 Mi-35 (attack)

5 Puma 330/530 (medium)

2 SA316 (utility)

Equipment

These are unreliable figures based on known items delivered in the past. The operational percentage is very low because of the years of Civil War and economic chaos. Nonetheless, DRC understands the importance of getting equipment back in working order; some of its T-59s MBTs are being refurbished.

MBT                60

RECON           <140

APC                 At least six types

ARTY (T)        <100, ranging from 75mm to 130mm

MRL                <30 107mm and 122mm

ADA                <50 14.5mm to 40mm

 

 

End Congo, Democratic Republic

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