View source for Rwandan Defence Force

{{Short description|Combined military forces of Rwanda}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox national military
| name = Rwanda Defence Force
| native_name = {{langx|rw|Ingabo z'u Rwanda}}<br />{{langx|fr|Forces rwandaises de défense}}<br />{{langx|sw|Jeshi la Ulinzi la Rwanda}}
| image = Rwanda_Defence_Force_emblem.png
| alt = 
| caption = 
| image2 = 
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
| motto = Honour Patriotism Valour
| founded = 1962
| current_form = 1994
| disbanded = 
| branches = [[#Land Forces|Rwandan Land Force]]<br />[[Rwandan Air Force]]<br />Rwandan Reserve Force
| headquarters = [[Kigali]]<ref name=WDARwanda>{{cite journal |year=2008 |title=World Defence Almanac |journal=Military Technology |volume=XXXII |issue=1 |publisher=Monch Publishing Group |location=Bonn, Germany |issn=0722-3226}}</ref>
| flying_hours = 
| website = {{official website|https://www.mod.gov.rw/rdf/overview}}
<!-- Leadership -->| commander-in-chief = [[Paul Kagame]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[President of Rwanda|Commander-in-Chief]]
| chief minister = 
| chief minister_title = 
| minister = [[Juvenal Marizamunda]]
| minister_title = [[Minister of Defence (Rwanda)|Minister of Defence]]
| commander = General [[Mubarak Muganga]]
| commander_title = [[Chief of Defence Staff (Rwanda)|Chief of Defence Staff]]
<!-- Manpower -->| age = 
| conscription = 
| manpower_data = 
| active = 33,000{{sfn|IISS|2016|page=462}}
| ranked = 
| reserve = 
| deployed = <!-- Financial -->
| amount = $154&nbsp;million (2024)
| percent_GDP = 1.1% (2015){{sfn|IISS|2016|page=462}}
<!-- Industrial -->| domestic_suppliers = 
| foreign_suppliers = {{flag|Brazil}}<br />{{flag|China}}<br />{{flag|France}}<br/>{{flag|Indonesia}}<br />{{flag|Israel}}<br />{{flag|Poland}}<br />{{flag|South Africa}}<br />{{flag|Turkey}}<br />{{flag|Russia}}<br/>{{flag|Vietnam}}<br/>{{flag|United Kingdom}} <hr> '''Former''': <br/>{{flag|Belgium}} (formerly)
| imports = 
| exports = <!-- Related articles -->
| history = {{tree list}}
* [[Bugesera invasion]]
* [[Rwandan Civil War]] 
* [[Kibeho Massacre]] 
* [[First Congo War]] 
* [[Second Congo War]]
** [[Six-Day War (2000)]] 
* [[Dongo conflict]]
* [[Kivu conflict]]
** [[2009 Eastern Congo offensive]]
** [[M23 campaign (2022–present)]]
** [[Democratic Republic of the Congo–Rwanda conflict]]
* [[Insurgency in Cabo Delgado]]
{{tree list/end}}
| ranks = [[Military ranks of Rwanda]]
}}

The '''Rwandan Defence Force''' ('''RDF''', {{langx|rw|Ingabo z'u Rwanda}}, {{langx|fr|Forces rwandaises de défense}}, {{langx|sw|Nguvu ya Ulinzi ya Watu wa Rwanda}}) is the military of [[Rwanda]]. Prior to 1994, Rwanda's military was officially known as the '''Rwandan Armed Forces''' (FAR), but following the [[Rwandan Civil War]] and the [[Rwandan genocide]], the [[Rwandan Patriotic Front]] (RPF) renamed it the '''Rwandan Patriotic Army''' (RPA), which was the military wing of the RPF. In late 1994, the military was rebuilt and reorganized as the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF).

The RDF is organized into three service branches: Rwandan Land Force, [[Rwandan Air Force]] and Rwandan Reserve Force. After the RPF conquered the country in July 1994 in the aftermath of the [[Rwandan genocide]], the RPF decided to reform solely as Rwanda's ruling political party and separate from its military wing, where the latter would serve as the country's official military.

Defence spending continues to represent an important share of the national budget, largely due to continuing security problems along Rwanda's frontiers with the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] and [[Burundi]], and lingering concerns about [[Uganda]]'s intentions towards its former ally.

The RDF has been engaged in a low-level insurgency from Rwandan rebels based in eastern Congo, primarily the [[Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda]] (FDLR), since the late 1990s. The RDF is regularly deployed in peacekeeping missions in Africa, as [[Rwanda]] is currently one of the largest contributors of personnel on UN missions.

== Independence and early history (1960–1994) ==
{{Hutu militants}}
While Rwanda was a Belgian colony administered as a part of [[Ruanda-Urundi]], its security was provided by the [[Force Publique]], the colonial army of the [[Belgian Congo]]. As the Congo was due to achieve independence in 1960 and withdraw its forces, the Belgian Special Resident decided to create an indigenous army to provide for Rwanda's security. On 19 May 1960, he ordered the recruitment of a 650-strong military force to become the Garde Territoriale. The force was later renamed the Garde Nationale.{{sfn|Lemarchand|1970|p=280}} The U.S. Army's ''Area Handbook for Rwanda'', compiled in 1968–9, describes the security forces of Rwanda in 1969 as the 2,500 strong National Guard and the National Police, about 1,200 strong.<ref>Richard F,. Nyrop, 'Area Handbook for Rwanda,' DA 550-84, research completed 1 April 1969, p.184-185</ref>

The Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR) was the national army of Rwanda until July 1994, when the government collapsed in the aftermath of the [[Rwandan genocide]] and the war with the [[Rwandan Patriotic Front]] (Inkotanyi). The FAR was estimated at 7,000 strong, including approximately 1,200 members of the [[Gendarmerie]]. Elite troops included the Presidential Guard, estimated at between 1,000 and 1,300 troops, as well as the Paracommando and Reconnaissance units.<ref>Des Forges, 1999, p.43</ref> These two units were of battalion strength by 1994, and then counted a total of 800 troops.<ref>Des Forges, 1999, p.194</ref>

In response to the RPF invasion of 1990, the 5,000-man FAR rapidly expanded, with French training assistance (as many as 1,100 French troops were in Rwanda at a time<ref>Prunier, The Rwanda Crisis, p.163, cited in Des Forges, 1999, p.118</ref>), to some 30,000 by 1992.<ref>[[Alison Des Forges]], 'Leave None to Tell the Story,' [[Human Rights Watch]], March 1999, {{ISBN|1-56432-171-1}}, p.60</ref>

The [[Arusha Accords (Rwanda)|Arusha Accords]], signed on 4 August 1993, laid out a detailed plan for the integration of the Rwandan Government and Rwandan Patriotic Front military forces.<ref>See [http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/services/cds/agreements/pdf/rwan1.pdf Arusha Accords], hosted at [[University of Ulster]], pages 49–71</ref> The Rwandan government was to provide 60% of the troops for the new integrated army, but would have to share command positions with the RPF down to the level of battalion. The new army was to consist of no more than 19,000 soldiers and 6,000 Gendarmerie.<ref>Des Forges, 1999, p.124-125</ref> However radical elements within the Rwandan government were implacably opposed to implementation of the Accords and, instead, began the planning that would lay the foundations for the genocide.

The Reconnaissance Battalion's commander, [[François-Xavier Nzuwonemeye]], and his subordinates played a key role during the genocide. Together with the Reconnaissance Battalion, the Paracommando Battalion under Major Aloys Ntabakuze and the Presidential Guard under Major [[Protais Mpiranya]] became the three most significant ''genocidare'' units.

Col. [[Marcel Gatsinzi]] was briefly named chief of staff of the Rwandan army from 6 to 16 April 1994, but was replaced by [[Augustin Bizimungu]], who was also promoted to major general on 18 April,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Guichaoua |first1=André |title=From War to Genocide: Criminal Politics in Rwanda, 1990–1994 |date=2015 |publisher=University of Wisconsin Press |isbn=978-0-299-29820-3 |page=251 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KseuCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA251}}</ref> since Col. Gatsinzi opposed the genocide.<ref>Des Forges, 1999, p. 264</ref> Bizimungu was only briefly chief of staff before fleeing the country. Many soldiers of the FAR have since been implicated by the [[International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda]] in the genocide, including its leader during the genocide, Col. [[Théoneste Bagosora]], who was chief of the ''cabinet'' (private office) of the Ministry of Defence prior to the genocide.

Many elements of the former Rwandan regime, including soldiers of the FAR, fled to eastern [[Zaire]] after the RPF victory, where they formed the [[Rassemblement Démocratique pour le Rwanda]] (RDR), which later became the [[Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda]] (FDLR), which is still active in eastern [[Democratic Republic of Congo|Congo]]'s [[North Kivu]] Province.

== Post-1994 operations ==

=== First Congo War (1996–1997) ===
{{main|First Congo War}}

=== Second Congo War (1998–2003) ===
{{main|Second Congo War}}
Circa 2000 during the [[Second Congo War]], the Rwanda Patriotic Army unofficially admitted to having 4,000 to 8,000 troops deployed in the Congo, according to the [[Economist Intelligence Unit]], but this was believed to be a substantial understatement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.willum.com/dissertation/3rpa.PDF |title=The Rwandan patriotic Army and Military Commercialism in Eastern Congo |access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> The [[International Crisis Group]] estimated that the RPA had between 17,000 and 25,000 troops deployed in the Congo. In April 2001, a [[United Nations]] report on the exploitation of the Congo, said the RPA had a minimum of 25,000 troops in the Congo, an estimate the report attributes to "military specialists with a great deal of experience in the region."<ref>[[United Nations Security Council]], Report of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, S/2001/357, 12 April 2001</ref> During the deployment in the DRC, Rwandan forces fought the so-called "[[Six-Day War (2000)|Six-Day War]]" against [[Uganda]]n forces over the city of [[Kisangani]], leaving at least 1,000 dead.

On 17 September 2002, the first Rwandan soldiers were withdrawn from the eastern DRC. On 5 October Rwanda announced the completion of its withdrawal; [[MONUC]] confirmed the departure of over 20,000 Rwandan soldiers.

=== Ongoing insurgency ===
There is an ongoing, low-level insurgency from Rwandan rebels based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; mainly the ''Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda'' (or [[FDLR]])<ref>'Militia Leader Wanted for War Crimes Killed in Congo', Voice of America (Washington, DC), 19 September 2019.</ref> During early 2009 the RDF operated in eastern DRC against [[FDLR]] rebels in [[2009 Eastern Congo offensive|joint operations]] with the armed forces of the DRC. The initial 2009 deployment was code-named Operation Umoja Wetu.  The RDF re-entered the DRC in 2009 to assist the DRC in putting down the [[Dongo conflict|Dongo Rebellion]]. These operations inside the DRC did not prevent cross-border attacks within Rwanda during late 2012, August 2013, December 2018 and December 2019.

There has also been a small number of attacks in southern [[Rwanda]] from Burundi-based rebels.  These attacks are usually blamed on the National Forces of Liberation (''Forces nationales de libération''), or FNL.<ref>{{cite news |title=Burundi rebels killed in clashes with DR Congo troops |agency=Reuters |website=Defenceweb |date=15 April 2019 |accessdate=16 April 2019 |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/national-security/burundi-rebels-killed-in-clashes-with-dr-congo-troops/}}</ref><ref>Munyaneza, James (2 October 2020). "Victims of MRCD-FLN attacks in southern Rwanda". 'The New Times', Kigali. Retrieved 18 February 2021</ref> The FNL is the armed wing of an externally-based opposition party: the Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change, or MRCD, which was formed by [[Paul Rusesabagina]] and Callixte Nsabimana.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paul Rusesabagina admits backing rebels, denies violence' |work=Aljazeera (Doha) |date=25 September 2020 |accessdate=26 September 2020 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/25/hotel-rwanda-hero-admits-forming-armed-group-behind-attacks}}</ref> [[Rusesabagina]] is considered by some to be a hero of the 1994 [[Rwandan Genocide]] and his actions are portrayed in the Hollywood film 'Hotel Rwanda'.  Rusesabagina and Nsabimana were kidnapped and flown to Kigali, where they were arrested, in September 2020.  Their trial continues.<ref name="Munyaneza">{{Cite web |last=Munyaneza |first=James |date=24 May 2021 |title=Rwanda army says foils attack near Burundi border |url=https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/186204/News/rwanda-army-says-foils-attack-near-burundi-border |access-date=13 December 2023 |website=The New Times |language=en}}</ref> Incursions into southern Rwanda by armed members of the FNL occurred in 2018 and 2019<ref>Munyaneza 2020.</ref><ref name="Munyaneza" /> and, more recently, on 27 June 2020<ref>[https://mod.gov.rw/news-detail/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4709&cHash=38b9603bc975bb9b987cd3077ddc72d4 Press Release on Ruheru/Nyaruguru Attack (Updated)], Ministry of Defence (Kigali), 27 June 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2020</ref> and 23 May 2021.<ref>Munyaneza 2021.</ref>

The [[Rwanda National Congress]] is another opposition group reported by the Kigali Government as carrying out attacks in Rwanda.<ref>Kleinfeld, P. (2019) In Eastern Congo, a Local Conflict Flares as Regional Tensions Rise, ''The New Humanitarian'' (Geneva), 28 October 2019.</ref><ref>Karuhanga, J. (2019) 'A Glimpse at Anti-Rwanda Militia Groups in Eastern DR Congo', ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 10 December 2019.</ref> These include blame for grenade attacks in Rwanda between 2010 and 2014 that killed at least 17 people and injured over 400 others.<ref>Bishumba, N. (2019) 'Ugandans, Burundians Among Captured RNC Militia Combatants', ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 2 October 2019.</ref>

=== Mozambique ===
On 9 July 2021, a 1000-strong joint Rwandan military police force started deploying to northern Mozambique to assist the national security forces in combating Islamic extremists.<ref>Karuhanga, J. (2021) 'Rwanda Deployment to Mozambique Mission Specific, Not Time Specific – RDF', ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 10 July 2021.</ref><ref>Vieira, A. (2021) 'Rwandan Troops Arrive in Mozambique to Help Fight Insurgents', ''The Nation'' (Nairobi), 11 July 2021.</ref><ref>'Rwandan Forces Will Only Leave When Mission Is Over,' ''Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique'' (Maputo), 12 July 2021.</ref> The Joint Task Force was commanded by Maj. Gen. Innocent Kabandana and initially comprised 700 soldiers and 300 police.<ref>'Rwandan Forces Will Only Leave When Mission Is Over', Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo), 12 July 2021.</ref> The Rwandan deployment to Mozambique under a bilateral agreement pre-empted a long-planned Southern African Development Council (SADC) military operation.<ref>'SADC to Deploy Troops in Mozambique', ''The Herald'' (Harare), 24 June 2021.</ref>

The Joint Task Force was soon in action and within the month was reported to have overrun a terrorist base and inflicted casualties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karuhanga |first=James |date=27 July 2021 |title=Mozambican, Rwandan troops overrun major insurgents base in Cabo Delgado |url=https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/187996/News/mozambican-rwandan-troops-overrun-major-insurgents-base-in-cabo-delgado |access-date=13 December 2023 |website=The New Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>Mangwiro, C. (2021) 'Govt Says Influx of African Troops Will Target Cabo Delgado Insurgents', Voice of America (Washington, DC), 30 July 2021.</ref> In August 2021 it was reported that the contingent had eliminated 14 insurgents in total.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=3 August 2021 |title=Rwanda says it has killed 14 insurgents in Mozambique |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/civil-security/rwanda-says-it-has-killed-14-insurgents-in-mozambique/ |access-date=13 December 2023 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The port town of Mocimboa da Praia was then recaptured from insurgents.<ref>'Cabo Delgado – a Closer Look at Rwanda-Mozambican Forces’ Joint Operations', ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 16 August 2021.</ref>

Operations then became more scattered across the northern province, and President Kagame announced in February 2022 that 80% of the enemy occupied Cabo Delgado province had been recaptured since mid-2021.<ref>'Security Problems in DR Congo Affect the Whole Region – Kagame', ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 8 February 2022.</ref> At this time the Rwandan Joint Task Force was commanded by Brig. Gen. P. Muhizi.<ref>[https://www.mod.gov.rw/news-detail/rwanda-security-forces-rsf-and-forcas-armadas-de-defensa-de-mocambique-fadm-dismantle-new-terrorist-hideouts 'RWANDA SECURITY FORCES (RSF) AND FORÇAS ARMADAS DE DEFENSA DE MOÇAMBIQUE (FADM) DISMANTLE NEW TERRORIST HIDEOUTS'], Ministry of Defence, Kigali, 14 February 2022</ref>

The Joint Task Force was reported to have increased to 2,500 personnel in December 2022 and, in January 2023, the commander was Maj. Gen. Eugene Nkubito.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bahati |first=Moise M. |date=22 February 2023 |title=Rwanda, Mozambique step up fight against terrorism – President Nyusi |url=https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/5256/news/security/rwanda-mozambique-step-up-fight-against-terrorism-president-nyusi |access-date=13 December 2023 |website=The New Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='MOZAMBIQUE'S DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS RWANDA SECURITY FORCES IN MOCIMBOA DA PRAIA, CABO DELGADO PROVINCE' |url=https://www.mod.gov.rw/news-detail/mozambiques-defense-minister-visits-rwanda-security-forces-in-mocimboa-da-praia-cabo-delgado-province |access-date=26 August 2024 |website=Ministry of Defence, Kigali}}</ref>

On 4 August 2023, there was a change of command when Maj. Gen. Alexis Kagame assumed command of the Joint Task Force from Maj. Gen Eugene Nkubito and the Task Force Battle Group (TFBG) commander Brig. Gen. F. Mutembe handed over to Col. T. Bahizi, the incoming TFBG 3 Commander.<ref>Ministry of Defence, Kigali, website, 31 July 2023, [https://www.mod.gov.rw/news-detail/rdf-army-chief-of-staff-sees-off-relief-force-departing-to-cabo-delgado-mozambique "RDF ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF SEES OFF RELIEF FORCE DEPARTING TO CABO DELGADO, MOZAMBIQUE"]</ref><ref>Ministry of Defence, Kigali, website, 4 August 2023, [https://www.mod.gov.rw/news-detail/maj-gen-alex-kagame-takes-over-the-joint-task-force-command-in-mozambique "MAJ GEN ALEX KAGAME TAKES OVER THE JOINT TASK FORCE COMMAND IN MOZAMBIQUE"]</ref>

=== Peacekeeping support operations ===
The RDF has deployed forces on a number of UN and AU-endorsed peacekeeping support operations in Africa. Rwanda is now one of the largest contributors of personnel on UN missions. Deployments include the following:

'''[[African Union Mission in Sudan]] (AMIS)''': Units were deployed on year-long tours of duty between August 2004 and December 2007. The peak commitment was four battalions.

'''[[United Nations Mission in Sudan]] (UNMIS)''': In the first ever deployment of Rwandan personnel on a United Nations mission, a small contingent of 254 personnel was deployed for year-long tours between November 2005<ref>Akanga, E. (2005) 'Sudan UN Mission Force Set to Leave', ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 20 November 2005.</ref> and September 2010.

'''[[United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur|African Union/ United Nations Hybrid Mission to Darfur]] (UNAMID)''': This UN mission superseded the AU mission in the Darfur region of Sudan.  Infantry battalions have been deployed, for year-long tours, between January 2008 and mid-2020. Starting with a peak deployed strength of four battalions, the numbers had declined by mid-2020 to two battalions.

'''[[United Nations Mission in South Sudan]] (UNMISS)''': In April 2012 a Rwandan contingent was deployed to this [[United Nations|UN]] mission in the newly independent country of South Sudan.  The deployment was continuing in mid-2020, by when an aviation unit, two infantry battalions and a [[Regional Protection Force]] battalion were deployed.

'''[[MISCA|AU-led International Support Mission to the CAR]] (MISCA)''': This African Union mission to the troubled Central African Republic was joined, between January and September 2014, by a Rwandan mechanised battalion.<ref>'Rwanda deploys peacekeeping troops to the Central African Republic', Ministry of Defence website, Kigali, 15 January 2014.</ref><ref>Waugh, L. (2014) Central African Republic: Will MINUSCA Deployment Make a Difference in CAR? ''African Arguments'', 15 September 2014.</ref>

'''[[United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic]] (MINUSCA)''': This UN mission superseded the AU-led mission in the Central African Republic. Rwanda provides a protection battalion in the capital of Bangui, a level two hospital in the town of Bria and, from September 2017, a battle group comprising a mechanised infantry battalion.  During August 2021 the Rwandan was expanded again, when a third Rwandan infantry battalion was deployed to the CAR.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rwanda deploys an additional Infantry Battalion to MINUSCA |url=https://www.mod.gov.rw/news-detail/rwanda-deploys-an-additional-infantry-battalion-to-minusca |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241226045725/https://www.mod.gov.rw/news-detail/rwanda-deploys-an-additional-infantry-battalion-to-minusca |archive-date=2024-12-26 |access-date=2025-02-25 |language=en}}</ref>

== Command ==
{{Main|Chief of Defence Staff (Rwanda)}}The RDF command comprises the following:<ref>Rwandan Ministry of Defence, [http://www.mod.gov.rw/?Law-establishing-Rwanda-Defence Law Establishing Rwanda Defence Forces], LAW N° 19/2002 of 17 May 2002, J.O. n° 13, 1 July 2002</ref>

*The chief of defense staff: General [[Mubarakh MUGANGA]] 
*Army Chief of Staff: Maj Gen [[Vincent NYAKARUNDI]]
*Air Force Chief of Staff: Lt Gen [[Jean-Jacques MUPENZI]] 
*Medical Health Service Chief of Staff: Maj Gen Dr Ephrem RURANGWA
*Reserve Force Chief of Staff: Maj Gen Alex KAGAME  
* High Command Council of the RDF
* General Staff of the RDF

== Organisation ==
The RDF comprises the Rwanda Army (Land Forces), the [[Rwandan Air Force|Rwanda Air Force]] (Air Forces), the Military Health Service, the Rwanda Reserve Force and Special Units.

The RDF structure reflects a Joint Headquarters; Commands and Institutions placed directly under the CDS; Service Headquarters and various staff groups.

=== Ranks ===
{{Main|Military ranks of Rwanda}}

=== Training establishments ===
Major training centres include:<ref>Kagire, E. (2010) ‘240 Officer Cadets Pass-Out’, ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 26 March 2010.</ref><ref>Karuhanga, J. (2011) ‘Gen. Karenzi to Head Nyakinama Military Academy’, ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 23 March 2011.</ref><ref>Nkurunziza, S. & Musoni, E. (2012) ‘Senior Officers College Inaugurated’, ''The New Times'' (Kigali), 24 July 2012.</ref><ref>Karinganire, E.D. (2012) ‘RDF Command and Staff College inaugurated’, ''Rwanda Focus'' (Kigali), 24 July 2012.</ref>
* RDF Command and Staff College, Nyakinama (Musanze District, Northern Province)
* Rwanda Military Academy, Gako (Bugesera District, Eastern Province)
* School of Infantry (Combat Training Centre), Gabiro
* Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC), Nasho (Kirehe District, Eastern Province)

== Land Forces ==
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inspecting the Guard of Honour, on his arrival, at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda on July 23, 2018. The President of Rwanda, Mr. Paul Kagame is also seen.JPG|thumb|The RDF providing a [[guard of honour]].]]
Several sources, including [[Gérard Prunier]], document U.S. aid to the RPA before the [[First Congo War]].<ref>[[Gerard Prunier]], From Genocide to Continental War, 2009, p.126-127 and {{cite web |url=http://cncblog.congonewschannel.net/2009/09/rwanda-installing-us-protectorate-in.html |title=Congo News Channel: Rwanda: Installing a US Protectorate in Central Africa the US was behind the Rwandan Genocide |access-date=17 November 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022053035/http://cncblog.congonewschannel.net/2009/09/rwanda-installing-us-protectorate-in.html |archive-date=22 October 2009}}</ref> The officially admitted part of the training was [[Joint Combined Exchange Training]]. Prunier strongly implies the United States supplied communications equipment, vehicles, boots, and medicines to the RPA before the war began and after it broke out, delivered second-hand [[Warsaw Pact]] weapons and ammunition either directly to [[Goma]] or by airdrop along the AFDL front lines. He reports that after the war's outbreak, the [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] had switched from using [[C-141 Starlifter]]s and [[C-5 Galaxy]]s to deliver the non-lethal aid to [[Kigali Airport]] and [[Entebbe Airport]], to airdrops by [[C-130 Hercules]] aircraft.<ref>[[Gerard Prunier]], ''From Genocide to Continental War: The "Congolese" Conflict and the Crisis of Contemporary Africa'', C. Hurst & Co, 2009, {{ISBN|978-1-85065-523-7}}, p.127, citing author's direct personal observation and several interviews with journalists, both local and foreign, in Kigali and Kampala, 1995 and 1996, for the Kigali/Entebbe report, and interviews with [[DGSE]] officers, Paris, May 1997, and UPDF officers, Kampala, November 1997 for the C-130 airdrop report.</ref>

From July 1994 until December 1997 the RPA had six brigades, as designated in the Arusha Accords: 402nd in Kigali and Kigali Rurale Prefecture; 201st in Kibungo, Umatura, and Byumba Prefectures; 301st in Butare, Gikongoro, and Cyangugu Prefectures; 305th in Gitatama and Kibuye Prefectures; and 211th in Gisenyi and Ruhengeri Prefectures. The brigade boundaries mirrored the political administrative boundaries, which often complicated military operations.<ref>Rick Orth (former [[United States Army]] attache in Rwanda), Rwanda's Hutu Extremist genocidal Insurgency: An Eyewitness Perspective, Small Wars & Insurgencies, Volume 12, Number 1, Spring 2001, pp. 76–109 (34), note 67, page 108</ref> During the [[First Congo War]] the brigade headquarters remained inside Rwanda but directed operations inside the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]].<ref>Orth, 2001, note 67, page 108</ref>

Jane's World Armies said in July 2009 that the RDF is deployed to protect the country's borders and defend against external aggression. There are four divisions, each deploying three brigades:

* 1 Division, based at [[Kigali]], covers the central and east region;
* 2 Division, based at [[Byumba]], covers the north and east region;
* 3 Division, based at [[Gisenyi]], covers the northwest region; and
* 4 (Mechanised) Division, based at [[Butare]], covers the southwest region.<ref>Jane's World Armies: Rwanda, Role and Deployment,' July 2009</ref><ref>[https://mod.gov.rw/news-detail/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4021&cHash=7d250d18dc0b30b6b85498e2d54ab37b#.XK7Y7-j7TIU RDF Press Release – Appointments and Changes WIthin RDF REF]: RDF/MPR/A/07/02/19; 9 April 2019</ref><ref>Munyaneza, J. (2019) ‘Gen Mupenzi Named New Army Chief of Staff, The New Times (Kigali), 9 April 2019.</ref>
* Artillery Division<ref>Munyaneza, J. (2019) [https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/gen-kazura-replaces-gen-nyamvumba-kagame-shakes-top-military-brass ‘General Kazura Replaces General Nyamvumba as Kagame Shakes Up Top Military Brass’], The New Times (Kigali), 5 November 2019</ref>

Brigades reported include:
* Republican Guard Brigade, Kigali<ref>Cooper, Tom, ''Great Lakes Conflagration: The Second Congo War, 1998–2003'', Helion & Co, United Kingdom, 2013.</ref>
* Special Forces Brigade<ref>[https://mod.gov.rw/news-detail/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=3449&cHash=5d490fc2817fbc316e3ba3d313f9b5ff#.WRGyudKGPIU’ RDF Special Operations Forces donate blood as part of Army Week activities], Ministry of Defence Kigali, 6 May 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017</ref>
* Engineering Brigade<ref>Munyaneza ''op cit.''</ref>
* 201 Brigade, Kibungo<ref name="Cooper op cit">Cooper ''op cit''.</ref><ref>[https://mod.gov.rw/news-detail/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=3401&cHash=e08c8b21684ea2e95bd7a6650c16df20#.WM-zUfmGPIU ‘19 Infantry Battalion relieved from peacekeeping mission in South Sudan’], Ministry of Defence, Kigali, 19 March 2017. Retrieved 20 March 2017</ref>
* 204 Brigade, Gasabo District, Kigali<ref>[https://mod.gov.rw/news-detail/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4006&cHash=bed3195e10c729b36a4349c587e45868#.XJtI5pj7TIU 'RDF continues alternating its peacekeepers in South Sudan'], Ministry of Defence Kigali, 11 March 2019</ref>
* 211 Brigade, Gisenyi<ref name="Cooper op cit" /><ref name="mod.gov.rw">[https://mod.gov.rw/news-detail/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=3659&cHash=b9ee19ed31b3250a65dd24a564384309#.Wm03eqiWbIU ‘Rwanda Defence Force completes rotation for peacekeepers deployed in Zalinge – Darfur’], Ministry of Defence Kigali, 19 December 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2018</ref>
* 301 Brigade, Butare<ref name="Cooper op cit" />
* 305 Brigade, Gitatama<ref name="Cooper op cit" /><ref name="mod.gov.rw" />
* 307 Brigade<ref>Bizimungu, J. (2020) ‘Kagame Promotes Two Senior Military Officers’, ''The New Times'', Kigali, 9 July 2020.)</ref>
* 402 Brigade, Kigali<ref name="Cooper op cit" />
* 408 Brigade, Rusizi District<ref name="Cooper op cit" /><ref>‘RDF 408 Brigade get Brigade Medical Clinic’, Ministry of Degfence, Kigali, 20 August 2015.</ref>
* 411 Brigade
* 501 Brigade
* 503 Brigade
* 511 Brigade, Gicumbi District

Many soldiers from the former Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), the national army under the previous regime, have been incorporated into the RDF since 1994. This process began soon after the genocide in January 1995, when several former FAR officers were given senior positions in the new armed forces: Col. (later Gen.) Marcel Gatsinzi became the Deputy Chief of Staff of the RPA, Col. Balthazar Ndengeyinka became commander of the 305th Brigade, Lt. Col. Laurent Munyakazi took command of the 99th Battalion, and Lt. Col. (later Brig. Gen.) Emmanuel Habyarimana became an RPA Member of Parliament and Director of Training in the Ministry of Defence. Gen. Gatsinzi later became Director of Security and then Minister of Defence in 2002.<ref>Orth 2001</ref>
== Marine Unit ==
The Rwandan Land Forces also contain a marine unit which operates on [[Lake Kivu]]. The unit utilizes several ''Fabio Buzzi'' [[Motorboat|powerboat]]s equipped as fast attack craft, each armed with a single [[Type 77 heavy machine gun|Chinese Type-85 heavy machine gun]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hisutton.com/Rwandan-Navy.html|title=H I Sutton - Covert Shores|website=www.hisutton.com}}</ref> In 2021, Rwanda deployed several of the powerboats to operate in littoral waters in the Indian Ocean as part of its deployment to support Mozambique during the [[Insurgency in Cabo Delgado]].

== Air Force ==
{{Main|Rwandan Air Force}}
[[File:Roundel of Rwanda.svg|thumb|right|150px|Current roundel of Rwanda]]
[[File:Rwanda Defense Force MEDEVAC skills, January, 2011 - Flickr - US Army Africa (6).jpg|thumb|Rwanda Defense Force MEDEVAC skills, January 2011 – Flickr – US Army Africa (6)]]
[[File:Rwanda Defense Force MEDEVAC skills, January, 2011 - Flickr - US Army Africa.jpg|thumb|Rwanda Defense Force MEDEVAC skills, January 2011 – Flickr – US Army Africa]]
After achieving independence in 1962, the air arm (''Force aérienne rwandaise'') was formed with Belgian help.<ref>World Aircraft Information Files Brightstar Publishing London File 338 sheet 4</ref> By 1972 the first modern equipment started to arrive in the form of seven [[Alouette III]]s. Other deliveries included [[Aérospatiale Gazelle]], [[Britten-Norman Islander]]s, [[Nord Noratlas]], [[SOCATA]] Guerrier armed light planes and [[Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil]]. After fighting began between the RPA and the government in 1990 most aircraft were shot down, destroyed on the ground or crashed. Few survived.

Flight International's ''World Air Forces 2017'' states the Rwandan Air Force has twelve [[Mil Mi-8]]/17 helicopters, five [[Mil Mi-24]] and four [[Aerospatiale Gazelle]] SA.342.<ref name="WAF2017">{{cite journal |title=World Air Forces 2017 |journal=FlightGlobal |page=14 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/14484 |access-date=10 February 2017}}</ref>

During December 2012 an aviation unit of three helicopters was sent to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).<ref>'Rwanda deploys Aviation Units in UN Mission in South Sudan', RDF website, 27 December 2012, viewed 13 February 2013.</ref> The Rwandan Aviation Unit was subsequently increased to six helicopters – reportedly Mi-17.<ref>'Female Rwandese pilots deployed with UNMISS', RDF website reprinted from UNMISS News Issue 4, 16 April 2015, viewed 20 April 2015.</ref>

=== Aircraft ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Type
! Manufacturer
! Origin
! Class
! Role
! style="text-align: left;" | In service<ref name="World Air Forces 2025">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |year=2024 |title=World Air Forces 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |access-date=28 January 2025 |publisher=Flight Global |doi=}}</ref>
! style="text-align: left;" | Photo
|-
| [[Mil Mi-24|Mi-24]]
| [[Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant|Mil]]
| {{USSR}}
| [[Helicopter]]
| [[Attack Helicopter|Attack]]
| N/A
| [[File:Mi24CP (modified) b.jpg|150px]]
|-
| [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8/17]]
| [[Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant|Mil]]
| {{USSR}}
| [[Helicopter]]
| [[Transport Helicopter|Transport]]
| N/A
| [[File:Rwandan Air Force Mil Mi-17.jpg|150px]]
|-
|[[Diamond DA42 Twin Star]]
|[[Diamond Aircraft Industries]]
|{{Flag|Austria}}
|Utility
|[[Transport]]
|2
|[[File:Diamond DA42 Twin Star ‘F-GZJX’ (33604272473).jpg|left|frameless|159x159px]]
|-
|[[Cessna 208 Caravan|Cessna 208 EX]] 
|[[Cessna]] 
|{{USA}}
|Utility
|Transport
|2
|[[File:Iraqi Air Force Cessna 208 Caravan training mission.jpg|center|150x150px]]
|-
! colspan="7" |[[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]
|-
|[[Bayraktar TB2]]
|[[Baykar]]
|{{TUR}}
|[[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]
|[[UAV]]
|N/A
|[[File:PAF Bayraktar TB2 at Radom-2023.jpg|left|frameless|155x155px]]
|}

== Equipment ==

=== Armoured fighting vehicles ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Model
!Image
!Origin
!In service
!Notes
|-
! colspan="5" |Main battle tanks
|-
|[[T-54/T-55|T-55]]
|[[File:T-55 4.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|24
|<ref name="IISS2023">{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032780047 |edition=1st |pages=513}}</ref>
|-
|[[T-54/T-55 operators and variants|Tiran-5]]
|[[File:Tiran-5-latrun-1.jpg|left|frameless|148x148px]]
|{{USSR}}<br />/ {{ISR}}
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="5" |Reconnaissance 
|-
|[[Panhard AML|AML-90]]
|[[File:Panhard AML-90 img 2308.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{FRA}}
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="5" |Infantry fighting vehicle
|-
|[[BMP-1]]
|[[File:БМП-1 с учебного полигона Алматинского Института Сухопутных Войск.JPG|left|frameless|153x153px]]
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Ratel IFV|Ratel-IFV]]
| rowspan="3" |[[File:Ratel 90 armyrecognition South-Africa 008 (cropped).jpg|left|frameless|155x155px]]
| rowspan="3" |{{flagicon|ZAF|1928}} / {{RSA}} 
| rowspan="3" |N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="5" |Armoured personnel carrier
|-
|[[BTR-60]]
|[[File:Armored Maneuver 190611-Z-SD713-188.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{flag|Soviet Union}}
|20
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[Panhard M3]]
|[[File:PanhardM3.png|150x150px]]
|{{FRA}}
|10
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[WZ-551]]
|[[File:PLA Hong Kong Garrison ZSL92B.JPG|left|frameless|145x145px]]
|{{CHN}}
|20
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="5" |Mine-Resistant ambush protected vehicle
|-
|[[RG-31 Nyala]]
|[[File:RG-31.JPG|left|frameless|146x146px]]
|{{RSA}}<br />{{UK}}
|40
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="5" |Infantry mobility vehicle
|-
|[[Otokar Cobra |Cobra]]
|[[File:Otokar Cobra in Kabul.jpg|left|frameless|150x150px]]
| rowspan="2" |{{TUR}}
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[Otokar Cobra II|Cobra II]]
|[[File:CEREMONIA MILITAR-ENTREGA DE VEHÍCULOS COBRA II AL EJÉRCITO ECUATORIANO, QUITO 11 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2023.jpg|left|frameless|151x151px]]
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[Véhicule Blindé Léger]]
|[[File:Véhicule Blindé Léger At Bagram Air Base Afghanistan.JPG|left|frameless|148x148px]]
|{{FRA}}
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|}

=== Engineering and maintenance vehicles ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model
!Image
!Origin
!In service
!Notes
|-
! colspan="5" | Armoured recovery vehicle
|-
|[[T-54/T-55 operators and variants|T-54/T-55 ARV]]
|[[File:T55T 3.JPG|left|frameless|163x163px]]
|{{USSR}}
|3
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|}

=== Anti-tank/anti-infrastructure ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model
!Image
!Origin
!caliber
!In service
!Notes
|-
! colspan="6" |Anti-tank and air-to-surface missile
|-
|[[HJ-9|HJ-9A]]
|[[File:HJ-9 mounted on WZ550.jpg|left|frameless|143x143px]]
|{{CHN}}
|120mm
|N/A
|on Cobra<ref name="IISS2023" />
|}

=== Artillery ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model
!Image
!Origin
!caliber
!In service
!Notes
|-
! colspan="6" |Mortar
|-
|[[L16 81mm mortar]]
|[[File:81mmMORT L16.png|left|frameless|213x213px]]
|{{Flag|UK}}
|81mm
| rowspan="3" |N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[M1938 mortar]]
|[[File:Zagan 82 mm moździerz wz 37.jpg|left|frameless|191x191px]]
|{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|82mm
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[Soltam K6]]
|[[File:SV minomet 120 mm.jpg|left|frameless|149x149px]]
|{{ISR}}
|120mm
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="6" |Self-propelled howitzer
|-
|[[PCL-09|CS/SH-1]]
|[[File:PCL-09 (cropped).png|left|frameless|164x164px]]
|{{CHN}}
|122mm
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="6" |Towed howitzer
|-
|[[M101 howitzer]]
|[[File:M101-105mm-howitzer-camp-pendleton-20050326.jpg|left|frameless|152x152px]]
|{{USA}}
|105mm
|10
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[122 mm howitzer 2A18 (D-30)|D-30]]
|[[File:122-_мм_гаубица_Д-30_(1).jpg|150x150px]]
|{{USSR}}
|122mm
|6
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30)|Type-54]]
|[[File:VDVHistorymuseum-21.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{CHN}}
|152mm
|30
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[ATMOS 2000]] 
|[[File:2022-03-23 PA ATMOS 001.jpg|left|frameless|153x153px]]
|{{ISR}}
|155mm
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="6" |Multiple rocket launcher
|-
|[[RM-70 multiple rocket launcher|RM-70]]
|[[File:RM-70 Grad Korps Marinir HUT TNI Ke-70.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{CZS}}
|122mm
|5
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[LAR-160]]
|[[File:Lynx LAR-160.jpg|left|frameless|149x149px]]
|{{ISR}}
|160mm
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|}

=== Air defence ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Image
!Origin
!caliber
!In service
!Notes
|-
! colspan="6" |Surface-to-air missile
|-
|[[9K32 Strela-2]]
|[[File:SA-7.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{USSR}}
|72mm
|N/A
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|}

=== Small arms ===
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align: left;" | Name
! style="text-align: left;" | Type
! style="text-align: left;" | Origin
! style="text-align: left;" | Photo
! style="text-align: left;" | Caliber
|-
| [[FN FAL]]<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35th edition (27 January 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref>
| [[Battle rifle]]
| {{BEL}}
| [[File:FN-FAL belgian.jpeg|150px]]
| [[7.62x51mm NATO]]
|-
| [[AKM]]<ref name="Rwanda">{{cite magazine |journal=Human Rights Watch Arms Project |date=January 1994 |volume=6 |issue=1 |title=Arming Rwanda: The Arms Trade and Human Rights, Abuses in the Rwandan War |page=15 |url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/RWANDA941.PDF |access-date=7 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318054036/https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/RWANDA941.PDF |archive-date=18 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{USSR}}
| [[File:AKM automatkarbin - 7,62x39mm.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62x39mm]]
|-
| [[Vektor R4|Vektor R5]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=612 |title=Rifle R4 – Assault Rifle / Carbine – History, Specs and Pictures – Military, Security and Civilian Guns and Equipment |publisher=Militaryfactory.com |date=23 May 2012 |access-date=1 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/ar/documents/pol30/050/2006/ar/ |title=تقرير إعلامي موجز: عيارات نارية في أيدي متمردي جمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية مصدرها اليونان والصين وروسيا والولايات المتحدة &#124; منظمة العفو الدولية |date=6 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206002033/https://www.amnesty.org/ar/documents/pol30/050/2006/ar/ |access-date=6 September 2019 |archive-date=6 December 2018}}</ref>
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{flagicon|ZAF|1928}} / {{RSA}}
| [[File:Vektor LM5 Feb 2008.jpg|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm NATO]]
|-
| [[IWI Tavor]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/jazz-singer-iwi-tavor-review/ |title=The Jazz Singer: IWI Tavor Review – Guns & Ammo |access-date=8 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629120105/http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/jazz-singer-iwi-tavor-review/ |archive-date=29 June 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{ISR}}
| [[File:IWI-Tavor-TAR-21w1.jpg|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm NATO]]
|-
| [[Type 56 assault rifle]]<ref>[http://books.sipri.org/files/misc/UNAE/SIPRI07UNAERwa.pdf Rwanda] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117112809/http://books.sipri.org/files/misc/UNAE/SIPRI07UNAERwa.pdf |date=17 January 2013 }}</ref>
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{CHN}}
| [[File:Type 56 mod02 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62x39mm]]
|-
|[[FB MSBS Grot]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Świerkowski |first=Adam |date=2024-08-02 |title=Polski Grot w rwandyjskiej służbie |url=https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/polski-grot-w-rwandyjskiej-sluzbie |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=defence24.pl |language=pl}}</ref>
|[[Assault rifle]]
|{{Flag|Poland}}
|[[File:MSB (standard).png|frameless|160x160px]]
|[[7.62×39mm|7.62x39mm]]
|-
| [[Zastava M76]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Sgt. Thomas Mills |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/usarmyafrica/12202653993/in/datetaken/ |title=More images from Rwandan Airlift Mission |publisher=US Army Africa |date=16 January 2014 |access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref>
| [[Sniper rifle]]
| {{YUG}}
| [[File:Zastava M76 Full noBG.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.92×57mm Mauser]]
|-
| [[M2 Browning]]<ref name="jones2009" />
| [[Heavy machine gun]]
| {{USA}}
| [[File:M2 Browning, Musée de l'Armée.jpg|150px]]
| [[.50 BMG]] (12.7×99mm NATO)
|-
| [[DShK]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Albert Gonzalez Farran |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/unamid-photo/12494871673/in/datetaken/ |title=WFP food distribution |publisher=UNAMID |date=10 February 2014 |access-date=4 June 2017}}</ref>
| [[Heavy machine gun]]
| {{USSR}}
| [[File:12,7-мм станковый пулемёт ДШК образца 1938 года (3-1).jpg|150px]]
| [[12.7×108mm]]
|-
| [[Vektor SS-77]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.francerwandagenocide.org/documents/HRWarmingRwandaJanvier1994.pdf |title=Human Rights Watch (Jan '94): Arming Rwanda|access-date=20 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728035634/http://www.francerwandagenocide.org/documents/HRWarmingRwandaJanvier1994.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2014}}</ref>
| [[General purpose machine gun]]
| {{Flagicon|South Africa|1982}} [[South African Constitution of 1961|Republic of South African]]
| [[File:24- Saudi Border Guards Machine Gun (My Trip To Al-Jenadriyah 32).jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm NATO]]
|-
| [[PK machine gun|PKM]]
| [[General purpose machine gun]]
| {{USSR}}
| [[File:PKM of Hungarian Army.JPG|150px]]
| [[7.62×54mmR]]
|-
| [[IMI Uzi]]<ref name="jones2009" />
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{ISR}}
| [[File:Uzi of the israeli armed forces.jpg|150px]]
| [[9mm Parabellum]]
|-
| [[Browning Hi-Power]]<ref name="jones2009" />
| [[Semi-automatic weapon]]
| {{BEL}}<br />{{USA}}
| [[File:High power Inglis (6971784217).jpg|150px]]
| [[7.65×21mm Parabellum|9mm Parabellum]]
|-
| [[RPG-7]]
| [[Rocket launcher]]
| {{USSR}}
| [[File:RPG-7 detached.jpg|150px]]
|
|}

== Characteristics ==

=== Marching style ===
[[File:Amahoro Stadium Kigali.jpg|thumb|The military parade of the RDF during the Liberation Day celebrations in 2014.]]
[[File:Members of the Rwanda Defense Force move into formation after arriving in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), Jan. 16, 2014 140116-A-ZZ999-007.jpg|thumb|Members of the Rwanda Defense Force move into formation after arriving in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), 16 January 2014 140116-A-ZZ999-007]]
Despite not being a former British colony, Rwanda has generally used British [[foot drill]] during official parades and functions. Since 2019, however, the RDF has adopted the Chinese variant of the [[goosestep]], which is today mostly used by countries in [[central Europe|Central]] and [[Eastern Europe]], by communist countries, as well as by countries with a large Prussian/German influence ([[Russia]], [[China]] and [[Chile]] all being examples of each). It was first displayed in April during the [[military parade]] in honor of the [[Rwandan genocide]]'s [[silver jubilee]] on [[Liberation Day (Rwanda)|Liberation Day]], in which over 1,500 RDF soldiers and policemen trained by six members of the [[Beijing Garrison Honor Guard Battalion]] of the [[People's Liberation Army]]'s [[Central Theater Command]] marched while using the goosestep. [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] parade commands are used, such as "Look to the right!" to which the soldiers respond with "One! Two!", which is done similarly in the PLA honor guard.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.inkstonenews.com/politics/rwandan-troops-trained-chinese-military-mark-25th-anniversary-liberation/article/3017682 |title=Rwandan troops trained by China mark genocide anniversary |website=Inkstone |language=en |access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://english.chinamil.com.cn/view/2019-07/08/content_9550997.htm |title=Chinese guards of honor help Rwandan troops complete military parade marking liberation anniversary – China Military |website=english.chinamil.com.cn |access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> Prior to this, only the rebels utilized the goosestep during the Civil War, as they received military training in the neighboring country of [[Uganda]], which uses the goosestep.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Parker |first1=Allison |title=Hidden in Plain View: Refugees Living Without Protection in Nairobi and Kampala |date=2002 |publisher=Human Rights Watch |location=New York, NY |isbn=978-1-56432-281-4 |page=89 |quote=The RPF had very close ties with the Ugandan government as many of its leaders came from the exiled Tutsi community in Uganda and had become an important force within Museveni's rebel force ... As a result, many members of the elite in Rwanda look back on a period of military training in Uganda, and retain close links with the Ugandan military.}}</ref>

=== RDF Band ===
[[File:RDF Army Band.jpg|thumb|The RDF Band.]]

The [[Rwanda Defence Forces Army Band]] is the [[military band]] of the RDF. The RDF Band was founded in 1992 during the [[Rwandan Civil War]] and gave its first performance on 8 March 1992. After the war, it was re-established with 46 members. Although it represents the defence forces, it falls under the command of the Land Forces.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://saarmybandcapetown.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/the-rwandan-defence-force-army-band-receive-training-from-the-sa-army-band-cape-town/ |title=The Rwandan Defence Force Army Band receive training from the SA Army Band Cape Town |first=Cool Classic |last=Kidz |date=4 February 2011 |website=SA Army Band Cape Town |access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref>

== Endnotes ==
{{reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* Cooper, Tom, ''Africa@War Volume 14: Great Lakes Conflagration, The Second Congo War, 1998–2003'', Helion & Co Ltd, England, 2013.
* Dallaire, Lt. Gen. Romeo, ''Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda'', Random House of Canada Ltd, Toronto, 2003.
* [[Alison Des Forges|Des Forges, Alison]], 'Leave None to Tell the Story,' [[Human Rights Watch]], March 1999, {{ISBN|1-56432-171-1}}
* Fontanellaz, Adrien & Cooper, Tom, ''Africa@War Volume 24: The Rwandan Patriotic Front 1990–1994'', Helion & Co Ltd, England, and Thirty Degrees South Publishers Pty Ltd, Johannesburg, 2015.
* {{cite book |last=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2016 |year=2016 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-85743-835-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Lemarchand |first=René |title=Rwanda and Burundi |publisher=Praeger Publishers |date=1970 |location=New York |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n4UZAAAAMAAJ |oclc=254366212}}
* Nyrop, Richard F., Brenneman, Lyle E., Hibbs, Roy V., James, Charlene A., MacKnight, Susan & McDonald, Gordon C., Army Area Handbook for Rwanda, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969. Research and writing completed 1 April 1969.
* Orth, Rick (former [[United States Army]] attache in Rwanda), Rwanda's Hutu Extremist genocidal Insurgency: An Eyewitness Perspective, Small Wars & Insurgencies, Volume 12, Number 1, Spring 2001.
* [[Gérard Prunier|Prunier, Gerard]], ''From Genocide to Continental War: The "Congolese" Conflict and the Crisis of Contemporary Africa'', C. Hurst & Co, 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-85065-523-7}}

== Further reading ==
* Patrick Lefèvre, Jean-Noël Lefèvre, [https://archive.today/20130115035447/http://www.racine.be/content/racine/fondsen/histoire/memoires/2/index.jsp?titelcode=12522&fondsid=22 Les militaires belges et le Rwanda 1916–2006], Racine, 2006
* Richard Muhirwa, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110520115441/http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA380247 Rwandese Patriotic Army Logistics Unit (G4) Assessment and Recommendations for Change], Master's thesis, Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA, 2000
* [http://allafrica.com/stories/200810230362.html allAfrica.com: Rwanda: Military Integration Key to Peace-Building and Democratic Governance]
* {{cite book |last1=Rusagara |first1=Frank K. |title=Resilience of a Nation: A History of the Military in Rwanda |date=2009 |publisher=Fountain Publishers |location=Kigali |isbn=9789970190010}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.mod.gov.rw/ Ministry of Defence, Republic of Rwanda]

{{Rwanda topics}}
{{Military of Africa}}

[[Category:1994 establishments in Rwanda]]
[[Category:Military of Rwanda|*]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1994]]
[[Category:Rwandan genocide]]