Editing Niger Armed Forces

{{Short description|Combined military forces of Niger}}
{{Infobox national military
| name = Niger Armed Forces
| native_name = {{lang|fr|Forces armées nigériennes}}
| image = [[File:Niger army logo.svg|180px]]
| caption = Seal of the Niger Armed Forces
| headquarters = [[Niamey]]
| commander-in-chief = [[General]] [[Abdourahamane Tchiani]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Niger: Abdourahmane Tiani reaches the top - promoted to Army General and sworn in as President |url=https://www.actuniger.com/politique/20879-niger-abdourahmane-tiani-atteint-le-sommet-promu-general-darmee-et-investi-president.html |access-date=5 April 2025 |work=ActuNiger |date=26 March 2025 |language=fr}}</ref>
| minister = 
| minister_title = Minister of National Defence
| commander = [[Divisional General]] [[Abdou Sidikou Issa]]
| commander_title = Chief of Staff
| active = 25,000 (2020 est.) <ref name="Niger: les effectifs de l’armée vont doubler d'ici cinq ans">{{Cite web |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20201130-niger-les-effectifs-de-l-arm%C3%A9e-vont-doubler-d-ici-cinq-ans/ |title=Niger: les effectifs de l'armée vont doubler d'ici cinq ans |access-date=2023-08-03 |archive-date=2023-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416210326/https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20201130-niger-les-effectifs-de-l-arm%C3%A9e-vont-doubler-d-ici-cinq-ans |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| deployed = 
| amount = US$33.3 million (2004){{update inline|reason=21 years ago. Do we have more recent information?|date=March 2025}}
| percent_GDP = 1.8% (2017 est.) <ref name="Niger — the World Factbook"/>
| founded = 1 August 1961
| branches = [[#Niger Army|Army]]<br />[[#Niger Air Force|Air Force]]<br />[[Gendarmerie Nationale (Niger)|National Gendarmerie]]<br />[[National Guard of Niger|National Guard]] (GNN)
| age = 18–49
| available = 2,135,680 (2005 est.)
| fit = 1,155,054 (2000 est.)
| conscription = 2 year compulsory<ref name="Niger — the World Factbook">[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ Niger — the World Factbook] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330032003/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/niger/ |date=2021-03-30 }}. Retrieved 10 March 2021.</ref>
| domestic_suppliers = 
| foreign_suppliers = [[North Korea]]<br>[[Russia]]<br>[[South Africa]]<br>[[Algeria]]<br>[[Georgia (country)]]
{{collapsible list|title=Historical:|{{flag|France|name=France}} <ref>[https://www.politico.eu/article/niger-junta-amadou-abdramane-revokes-military-agreements-with-france/ Niger junta revokes military pacts with France]</ref>}}
| exports = <!-- Value of annual arms exports -->
| imports = <!-- Value of annual arms imports -->
| history = [[Tuareg rebellion (1990–1995)]]<ref>[http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=show_article&id_article=33894  Six éléments des Forces Armées nigériennes rejoignent les rebelles au Nord] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305183312/http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=show_article&id_article=33894 |date=2008-03-05 }}. APA, 24 May 2007.</ref><br/>[[Tuareg rebellion (2007–2009)]]<ref>[http://www.jeuneafrique.com/pays/niger/article_depeche.asp?art_cle=AFP11917ifroustnati0 Iférouane, prise en étau, se vide de ses habitants] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184257/http://www.jeuneafrique.com/pays/niger/article_depeche.asp?art_cle=AFP11917ifroustnati0 |date=30 September 2007 }}. Agence France-Presse: 27 August 2007.</ref><br/>[[United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire]]<ref name="desert warriors" /><br/>[[Boko Haram insurgency]]<ref name="desert warriors" /><br/>[[Islamist insurgency in the Sahel]]<ref name="desert warriors" /><br/>[[Jihadist insurgency in Niger]]<br>[[2023 Nigerien coup d'état]] <br/>[[Nigerien crisis (2023–present)|Nigerien crisis]]
| ranks = [[Military ranks of Niger]]|
}}

[[File:Niger Army 322nd Parachute Regiment.jpg|thumb|right|Soldiers from the 322nd Parachute Regiment practice field tactics with the U.S. Army, 2007]]

The '''Niger Armed Forces''' ({{langx|fr|Forces armées nigériennes}}, '''FAN''') includes military armed force service branches ([[#Niger Army|Niger Army]] and [[#Niger Air Force|Niger Air Force]]), paramilitary services branches ([[Gendarmerie Nationale (Niger)|National Gendarmerie of Niger]] and [[National Guard of Niger]]) and the [[National Police of Niger]]. The Army, Air Force and the National Gendarmerie are under the [[Ministry of Defense (Niger)|Ministry of Defense]] whereas the National Guard and the National Police fall under the command of the [[Ministry of Interior (Niger)|Ministry of Interior]]. With the exception of the National Police, all military and paramilitary forces are [[Military education and training|trained in military fashion]]. The [[President of Niger]] is the supreme commander of the entire armed forces. The [[National Assembly (Niger)|National Assembly of Niger]] passed a statute for the Army of Niger in November 2020, planning for the army's size to increase from 25,000 personnel in 2020, to 50,000 in 2025 and finally 100,000 in 2030.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Ministère de la défense nationale {{!}} Forces Armées Nigériennes |url=https://www.defense.gouv.ne/forces-armes-nigriennes.php |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=www.defense.gouv.ne |archive-date=2023-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804193729/https://www.defense.gouv.ne/forces-armes-nigriennes.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Military armed forces ==
The two military service branches (Niger Army and Niger Air Force) are each headed by their respective Chiefs of Staff who serve as adjunct to the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Military Armed Forces ({{langx|fr|Chef d'État Major des Armées|links=no}}). Military operations are headed from the Joint Staff Office ({{langx|fr|État Major Général des Armées|links=no}}). In addition, each military branch has its own Staff Office. The Joint Chief of Staff has operational command of all the military forces and is under the command of civilian [[Minister of Defense (Niger)|Minister of Defense]], who reports to the [[President of Niger]]. This system closely resembles the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (France)|French Armed forces model]].

The President also appoints the Special Chief of Staff at the President Office and the head of the Presidential Guard who answer directly to the President. The Special Chief of Staff and the head of the Presidential Guard sit on the Joint Staff.<ref name="actuniger.com">[http://www.actuniger.com/politique/298-politique/1819-au-conseil-des-ministres-le-gouvernement-adopte-plusieurs-projets-de-lois-et-des-mesures-nominatives.html Au Conseil des ministres : le gouvernement adopte plusieurs projets de lois et des mesures nominatives] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323183021/http://www.actuniger.com/politique/298-politique/1819-au-conseil-des-ministres-le-gouvernement-adopte-plusieurs-projets-de-lois-et-des-mesures-nominatives.html |date=2012-03-23 }}. Government of Niger, 2011-06-11.</ref><ref name="nigerdiaspora.info">[http://nigerdiaspora.info/politique/6922-passation-de-commandement-a-la-garde-presidentielle-le-lieutenant-colonel-tiani-abdourahamane-prend-le-commandement Passation de Commandement à la Garde Présidentielle : le Lieutenant Colonel Tiani Abdourahamane prend le Commandement]. Oumarou Moussa, Le Sahel (Niamey), 2011-04-19. {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

===Niger Army===
The Niger Army, which includes 33,000 personnel as of 2023, is the land component of Niger's armed forces.{{Sfn|IISS|2023|p=468}} Niger's special forces consists of two special operations companies and 9 intervention commando battalions.{{Sfn|IISS|2023|p=468}} Niger Army's manoeuvre forces include 14 combined arms infantry battalions and a single amphibious riverine company.{{Sfn|IISS|2023|p=468}} The Army also has one engineer company, one logistics group and one air defence company.{{Sfn|IISS|2023|p=468}}

Each of the combined arms battalions comprises a logistics and engineering or ''génie'' company, a fire fighter company, an infantry company, be it airborne or land, an armoured squadron and an artillery company.

In 2006, the following combined arms battalions existed in the Niger Army: 12th, 13th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 32nd, 33rd, 42nd, 43rd, 52nd, 53rd, 62nd, 63rd, 72nd and 73rd.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |url=https://www.defense.gouv.ne/uploads/documents/TOMEIIITEXTESPORTANTSURLESFORCESARMEESNIGERIENNES.pdf |title=TOME III : FORCES ARMEES NIGERIENNES |pages=8–9 |language=fr |access-date=2023-08-04 |archive-date=2023-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728214642/https://www.defense.gouv.ne/uploads/documents/TOMEIIITEXTESPORTANTSURLESFORCESARMEESNIGERIENNES.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, there was the Artillery Battalion of the Niger Armed Forces.<ref name=":1" />

The Army is commanded by the Chief of Staff of the Army in Niamey through appointed commandeers of each of the nine "Defense Zones", which largely overlap each of the civilian [[Regions of Niger]].<ref name="actuniger.com" /><ref name="nigerdiaspora.info" /><ref name=":0" />

==== History ====

The Niger Army was created on 28 July 1960 by decree. At the time, the National Police was a subsection of the military. Initially, units of the army were created from three companies of the [[French Colonial Forces]] made of Nigérien soldiers officered by Frenchmen who agreed to take joint French-Nigerien citizenship. In 1960, there were only ten African officers in the Nigérien army, all of low ranks. As Nigérien officers gradually assumed command roles, President [[Hamani Diori]] signed legislation to end the employment of expatriate military officers in 1965. However, French military personnel remained in Niger both to serve in the Niger Army and in the ''4<sup>e</sup> Régiment Interarmes d'Outre-Mer'' ([[Troupes de marine|Troupes de Marine]]) with bases at [[Niamey]], [[Zinder]], [[Bilaro]] and [[Agadez]].<ref>[http://www.troupesdemarine.org/traditions/unites/histo/hs000174.htm 4e Régiment Interarmes d'Outre-Mer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317115242/http://www.troupesdemarine.org/traditions/unites/histo/hs000174.htm |date=2016-03-17 }}: the 4th RIAOM was dissolved after leaving Niger.</ref> In the late 1970s, a smaller French force returned again to Niger. After the 1974 military coup, all French military personnel were evacuated although a smaller French force returned in the late 1970s.

In 1970, the army was reorganised and divided into four Infantry battalions, one paratroop company, one light armored company, a camel corps, and a number of support units. It was reorganized in 2003 to create the [[Niger Air Force]] as a distinct service branch.

==== Training ====
Basic training is carried out at Niamey at the [[Tondibiah]] base and at Agadez. Other special training centers include the National Officers Training School (French: ''École de Formation des Forces Armées Nigériennes'' or  EFOFAN) and The Paramedical Personnel Training School (EPPAN) both based at the [[Tondibiah]] base.<ref>[http://www.lesahel.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8013:forces-armees-nigeriennes-fan--ceremonie-de-sortie-de-25-stagiaires-de-la-6eme-promotion-dan-kassaoua&catid=34:actualites&Itemid=53 Forces Armées Nigériennes (FAN) : cérémonie de sortie de 25 stagiaires de la 6ème promotion Dan Kassaoua] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322211335/http://www.lesahel.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8013%3Aforces-armees-nigeriennes-fan--ceremonie-de-sortie-de-25-stagiaires-de-la-6eme-promotion-dan-kassaoua&catid=34%3Aactualites&Itemid=53 |date=2012-03-22 }}. Laouali Souleymane, le Sahel (Niamey) 2011-08-02</ref><ref>[http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-militaire-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/f.a.-no250-dossier-envr_14896/f.a.no250-dossier-envr_39536.html?artsuite=14 F.A.n°250 : dossier ENVR Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121133842/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-militaire-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/f.a.-no250-dossier-envr_14896/f.a.no250-dossier-envr_39536.html?artsuite=14 |date=2007-11-21 }}. Seminaire ENVR 2006, Point de Situation: Quand l'Histoire Nous Parle d'ENVR Localisation des ENVRs dans le Monde. Ministère des affaires étrangères et européennes, France (2008)</ref> In addition to training in Niger, army officers also train in France at the [[École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr]], in Morocco at the [[Académie Royale Militaire de Meknès (ARM)|Royal Military Academy of Meknès]], in Algeria and the US. With the growing cross-border threats of terrorism in West Africa, the Niger Army has benefited from training exercises with France and the U.S. The Niger Army has participated in the U.S. led Flintlock Exercise which it hosted in 2014.<ref name="africom1">[http://www.africom.mil/what-we-do/exercises/flintlock U.S. Africa Command Flintlock Exercise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727105840/http://www.africom.mil/what-we-do/exercises/flintlock |date=2014-07-27 }}. Yearly Flinklock Exercise in Niger in 2014 (last retrieved on July 7/26/2014)</ref>

==== Equipment ====
The army of Niger is poorly equipped with armored vehicles and tanks. With the exception of two armored vehicles purchased from China in 2009, most armoured vehicles are at least 20 years old.<ref name="traderegistry">[http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php Army trade registry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |date=2010-04-14 }}. Last accessed in July 2014</ref> The army is however well-stocked with 4x4 [[Toyota Land Cruiser (J70)|Toyota Land Cruiser]]s mounted with various caliber machine guns. Logistically, fuel and water transportation tanks, and ambulances have been recently improved to help in long-distance patrol missions as well as with general increased logistic capacity of the army.<ref name="jeuneafrik">[http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20140325171053/ Cooperation militaire Niger-US] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011214514/https://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20140325171053/ |date=2022-10-11 }}. Last accessed on July 15, 2014.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lesahel.org/index.php/component/k2/item/5241-coop%C3%A9ration-militaire-niger-royaume-darabie-saoudite--38-camions-et-dimportants-mat%C3%A9riels-militaires-au-profit-des-forces-arm%C3%A9es-nig%C3%A9riennes |title=Coopération militaire Niger/Royaume d'Arabie Saoudite : 38 camions et d'importants matériels militaires au profit des Forces Armées Nigériennes |trans-title=Military Cooperation Niger / Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 38 trucks and important military equipment for the benefit of the Nigerian Armed Forces |access-date=2014-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729212934/http://lesahel.org/index.php/component/k2/item/5241-coop%C3%A9ration-militaire-niger-royaume-darabie-saoudite--38-camions-et-dimportants-mat%C3%A9riels-militaires-au-profit-des-forces-arm%C3%A9es-nig%C3%A9riennes |archive-date=2014-07-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 [[File:Flag of niger armed forces obv.jpg|thumb|{{nowrap|Flag of the Niger Armed Forces{{tsp}}{{#tag:ref |The reverse side of the Flag of the Niger Armed Force:<br />[[File:Flag of niger armed forces rev.jpg|100px|left]]{{Clear}} |group="nb"}}<!--(end nowrap:)-->}}]]

===Armor===
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Name
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|Type
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes
|-
! colspan="5" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Armored fighting vehicle]]
|-
| [[ZFB-05]]
|{{flag|China}}
| [[Armoured personnel carrier]]
| 8<ref name="armyrecognition" />
|
|-
| [[WZ-523]]
|{{flag|China}}
| Armoured personnel carrier
| 2<ref name="armyrecognition" />
|
|-
| [[Thyssen Henschel UR-416|UR-416]]
| {{flag|West Germany}}
| Armoured personnel carrier
| 8<ref name="armyrecognition">[http://www.armyrecognition.com/niger_nigerien_army_land_ground_forces_uk/niger_nigerien_army_land_ground_armed_defense_forces_military_equipment_armored_vehicle_intelligence.html Niger Land Forces military equipment and vehicles of Nigerien army] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726105611/https://www.armyrecognition.com/niger_nigerien_army_land_ground_forces_uk/niger_nigerien_army_land_ground_armed_defense_forces_military_equipment_armored_vehicle_intelligence.html |date=2023-07-26 }}. Last accessed July 19, 2014.</ref>
|
|-
| [[Mamba APC|Mamba Mk7]]
| {{flag|South Africa}}
| Armoured personnel carrier
| 35<ref name="traderegistry" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.military.africa/2020/08/niger-gets-8-million-worth-of-mamba-armored-vehicles-from-the-us/|title=Niger gets $8 million worth of Mamba armored vehicles from the US – Military Africa|first=Ekene|last=Lionel|date=20 August 2020|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719140941/https://www.military.africa/2020/08/niger-gets-8-million-worth-of-mamba-armored-vehicles-from-the-us/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[Puma M36]]
| {{flag|South Africa}} 
| Armoured personnel carrier
| 11<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.actuniger.com/societe/18582-lutte-contre-le-terrorisme-les-etats-unis-d-amerique-renforcent-les-capacites-de-deux-centres-de-formation-des-forces-armees-nigeriennes.html|title=Lutte contre le terrorisme : les États-Unis d'Amérique renforcent les capacités de deux centres de formation des Forces Armées Nigériennes|date=September 20, 2022|website=ActuNiger|access-date=July 19, 2023|archive-date=July 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719144004/https://www.actuniger.com/societe/18582-lutte-contre-le-terrorisme-les-etats-unis-d-amerique-renforcent-les-capacites-de-deux-centres-de-formation-des-forces-armees-nigeriennes.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[Véhicule Blindé Léger|Panhard VBL]]
| {{flag|France}}
|[[Armored car (military)|Armored car]]
| 7<ref name="armyrecognition"/>
|
|-
| [[Panhard AML|AML 60/90]]
| {{flag|France}}
|Armored car
| 125 <ref name="traderegistry"/><ref name="dweb">[http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32343:niger-air-force-gets-new-helicopter-hangar&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 Defense Web - Africa leading defense portal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625185821/https://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32343:niger-air-force-gets-new-helicopter-hangar&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |date=2023-06-25 }}. Last accessed in July 2014.</ref>
|
|-
| [[Panhard M3]]
| {{flag|France}}
| Armoured personnel carrier
| 32<ref name="traderegistry"/>
| 
|-
|[[Nurol Ejder]]
|{{TUR}}
|[[MRAP|Mine-resistant ambush protected]]
|Uknown (1 captured)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ejder |title=Nurol |url=https://x.com/war_noir/status/1923448839798764015?s=46}}</ref>
|On order.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2022-03-18 |title=Niger orders APCs from Turkey's Nurol Makina |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/niger-orders-apcs-from-turkeys-nurol-makina/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA |archive-date=2024-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104165914/https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/niger-orders-apcs-from-turkeys-nurol-makina/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|}

==Niger Air Force==
=== History ===

The predecessor of the Niger Air Force, the Niger National Escadrille (Escadrille Nationale du Niger) was first formed in 1961.<ref name=shael82011>{{cite web |url=http://www.lesahel.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8012%3Acinquantenaire-de-laviation-militaire-du-niger--un-demi-siecle-de-professionnalisme-et-dexcellence-au-service-de-la-nation&catid=34%3Aactualites&Itemid=53 |title=Cinquantenaire de l'aviation militaire du Niger : un demi siècle de professionnalisme et d'excellence au service de la Nation |first=Moussa |last=Zabeirou |date=3 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322211258/http://www.lesahel.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8012%3Acinquantenaire-de-laviation-militaire-du-niger--un-demi-siecle-de-professionnalisme-et-dexcellence-au-service-de-la-nation&catid=34%3Aactualites&Itemid=53 |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |website=Le Sahel}}</ref> It was later restructured into the National Air Wing (Groupement Aérien National)<ref name="desert warriors">{{cite web |last1=Delalande |first1=Arnaud |title=Niger's desert warriors |url=https://www.key.aero/article/nigers-desert-warriors |website=Key Aero |date=15 March 2018 |access-date=9 July 2022 |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516023304/https://www.key.aero/article/nigers-desert-warriors |url-status=live }}</ref> in 1989. Prior to 2003, the armed forces of Niger ({{langx|fr|Forces armées nigériennes}} or FAN) were grouped in one branch with one Chief of Staff overseeing both the ground forces and the National Air Wing. Following an organizational restructuring in 2003, the armed forces of Niger were structured into two main service branches: Niger Army (French: armée de terre) for all ground forces and Niger Air Force (Armée de l'air). Each branch was headed by a Chief of Staff answerable to the Joint Chief of Staff of military armed forces.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} As part of this new structure, the National Air Wing was renamed as Niger Air Force (Force Aérienne du Niger) on December 17, 2003.<ref name="desert warriors"/> The Niger Air Force is led by the Air Force Chief of staff, answerable to the Joint Chief and the Defense Minister.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

=== Structure ===

Organizationally, the air force is composed a Chief of Staff Office, operation units (French: ''escadrons''), technical units, an infantry company (''compagnie de fusilliers'') and generalized staff.<ref>[https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/editorial/mae/freres-armes/241/1319.html Dossier Niger:La nouvelle armée de l'air], [[France Diplomatique]], 2003. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208115247/https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/editorial/mae/freres-armes/241/1319.html|date=February 8, 2012}}</ref> The Chief of Staff of the Niger Air Force is the colonel [[Abdoul Kader Amirou]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.aniamey.com/h/101743.html|title=Niger: vers le renforcement de la coopération militaire avec le Nigéria|date=2021-02-09|website=Niamey.com|language=fr|access-date=2021-10-04|archive-date=2021-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004191446/http://news.aniamey.com/h/101743.html|url-status=live}}</ref> (''chef d'état major'').

=== Training ===

At the moment, there is no air force special training facilities in Niger. Basic training of Air Force recruits is conducted at the [[Tondibiah]] base along with recruits of other military service branches. Air force officers, pilots and mechanics are additionally trained in France, the United States and other North African countries like Morocco at the [[École royale de l'air de Marrakech|Royal Air Force School of Marrakech]] and Algeria.<ref name="dweb"/> In addition, local training activities are undertaken with foreign partners (United States, France etc.) to update skills. In 2014, a logistic company was trained and equipped by the United States with fuel and water trucks, ambulances and 4x4 unarmed vehicles.<ref>[http://news.aniamey.com/v/15195.html Edition du Journal Televise de Tele Sahel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904005045/http://news.aniamey.com/v/15195.html |date=2015-09-04 }}; 12 Septembre 2014. Accessed on 8 September 2014</ref>

The [[United States Air Force]] has a presence both at Nigerien Air Base 101 near Niamey and [[Nigerien Air Base 201]] at [[Agadez]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-15 |title=New USAF Base in Niger Begins Limited Operations |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/new-usaf-base-in-niger-begins-limited-operations/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Air Force Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516123116/https://www.airforcemag.com/New-USAF-Base-in-Niger-Begins-Limited-Operations/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Aircraft inventory ===
The aircraft inventory of the Niger Air Force is modest though it has increased with new acquisitions beginning in 2008, and further assistance from France and the United States.<ref name="traderegistry" /> This expansion in capacity is guided by the need for better border patrol following the crisis in [[Libya]] and [[Mali]]. 
[[File:Roundel of Niger.svg|thumb|210px|Roundel of the Niger Air Force]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Combat aircraft]]
|-
| [[Sukhoi Su-25]]
| [[Soviet Union]]
| [[Attack aircraft|Attack]]
| 
| 2<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=30 January 2025 |publisher=Flight Global |doi=}}</ref>
|
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
| [[Dornier 228]]
| [[Germany]]
| [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|
| 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> 
|
|-
| [[Cessna 208 Caravan|Cessna 208]]
| [[United States]]
| [[Utility aircraft|Utility]]
|
| 4<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 2 units are used for [[Reconnaissance aircraft|reconnaissance]]
|-
| [[Beechcraft Super King Air]]
| United States
| Transport 
| [[Beechcraft Super King Air#Variants|350]]
| 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 
|-
| [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
| United States
| Transport
| [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules#Variants|C-130H]]
| 3<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Helicopters]]
|-
| [[Bell 412]]
| [[Italy]]
| Transport / [[Search and rescue|SAR]]
| [[Bell 412#Variants|AB-412]]
| 4<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
| [[Mil Mi-17]]
| [[Russia]]
| Transport 
| 
| 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> 
|
|-
| [[Mil Mi-24]]
| Russia
| [[Attack helicopter|Attack]]
|[[List of Mil Mi-24 variants#List of variants|Mi-35]]
| 1
| 2 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
|[[Aérospatiale Gazelle]]
| [[France]]
|Scout / [[Anti-tank warfare#Helicopter|Anti-armor]]
|[[Aérospatiale Gazelle#Variants|SA342]]
| 5<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 
|-
! colspan="6" center; background: lavender;" colspan="6"  |[[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
|[[TAI Hürkuş]]
|[[Turkey]]
|[[Trainer aircraft#Basic training|Basic trainer]] 
|B
|2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
! colspan="6" |[[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]
|-
|[[Vestel Karayel]]
|Turkey
|[[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|UCAV]]
|
|.
|5 on order
|-
|[[Bayraktar TB2]]
|Turkey
|UCAV
|
|6<ref>{{Cite web |last=Işık |first=Yusuf Emir |date=2022-05-21 |title=Nijer'e Bayraktar TB2 SİHA teslimatı |url=https://www.defenceturk.net/nijere-bayraktar-tb2-siha-teslimati |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=DefenceTurk |language=tr |archive-date=2024-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224165742/https://www.defenceturk.net/nijere-bayraktar-tb2-siha-teslimati |url-status=live }}</ref>||-
|}

== Paramilitary forces ==
There are two paramilitary services branches: ([[National Gendarmerie of Niger]] under the [[Ministry of Defense (Niger)|Ministry of Defense]] and the [[National Guard of Niger]]) under the [[Ministry of Interior (Niger)|Ministry of Interior]]. Each of these branches are headed by Chief of Staff answerable to the overseeing ministry.

=== National Gendarmerie ===
{{Main|Gendarmerie Nationale (Niger)|l1=National Gendarmerie of Niger}}
The National Gendarmerie is commanded by the Superior Commander of the National Gendarmerie. Unlike the National Police and the National Guard, the National Gendarmerie is under the control of the Ministry of Defense of Niger. It is divided between territorial brigades and mobile brigades. In addition to territorial defense and maintaining public order, it provides military and paramilitary justice to other corps of the armed forces and participates to the judicial and the surveillance police activities. It is regarded as an elite force due to its stringent recruitment criteria of all armed forces. Due to increasing cross-border traffic of weapons and drugs, its activities have increased border areas. The national gendarmerie, unlike the Army or the National Guard, has never been directly involved in an attempt to seize or control power by force.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dcaf.ch/Publications/Security-Sector-Governance-in-West-Africa |title=DCAF - Publications - Security Sector Governance in West Africa |access-date=2014-06-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714215853/http://www.dcaf.ch/Publications/Security-Sector-Governance-in-West-Africa |archive-date=2014-07-14 }} Gouvernance du secteur de la sécurité en Afrique de l’Ouest: les défis à relever – Le Niger</ref>

=== National Guard ===
{{Main|National Guard of Niger}}
Formerly known as the National Forces of Intervention and Security, the National Guard of Niger is responsible for security in rural areas where the national police is absent. It is overseen by the superior commander of the National Guard who reports to the Ministry of Interior. This body is responsible for: border and territorial surveillance of the country, public safety, maintaining and restoring of order, protecting public buildings and institutions, people and their property, the execution of the administrative police in rural and pastoral areas, management and monitoring of prisons, humanitarian actions in the case of national disaster or crisis and protection of the environment. It is also responsible for providing security to administrative authorities and the diplomatic and consular representations of Niger abroad.<ref name="unicef2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibcr.org/editor/assets/NIGER%20etat_int_epr3.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-06-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213622/http://www.ibcr.org/editor/assets/NIGER%20etat_int_epr3.pdf |archive-date=2014-07-14 }} Etats de lieux de la formation des forces de defense et de securité sur le droit de l’enfant au Niger</ref>

== National Police ==
{{Main| National Police of Niger|l1=The National Police of Niger}}
The General Directorate of [[National Police (Niger)|National Police]], headquartered in Niamey was until the 1999 Constitution under the command of the Armed Forces and Ministry of Defense. Today, only the ''National Gendarmerie'' reports to the Ministry of Defense, with the National Police and its Para-Military Arm—FNIS—moved to the [[Nigerien Interior Ministry|Nigérien Interior Ministry]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.afdevinfo.com/htmlreports/org/org_50327.html |title=Contact information for The General Directorate of National Police |access-date=2008-07-03 |archive-date=2018-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929233724/http://www.afdevinfo.com/htmlreports/org/org_50327.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Gendarmerie Nationale (Niger)|National Gendarmerie]] (modeled on the French [[Gendarmerie]])  and the [[National Forces for Intervention and Security (FNIS)]] (''Forces nigérienne d'intervention et de sécurité'' - FNIS) count a combined 3,700 member [[Gendarmerie|paramilitary police]] force.  The FNIS, along with some special units of the Gendarmerie, are armed and trained in military fashion, similar to the [[Internal Troops]] of the nations of the former Soviet Union.<ref>[http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-militaire-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/freres-armes-254-dossier-centres-formation-au-maintien-paix_17765/actualites_17768/niger_56219.html Déplacement du Directeur au Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214093235/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-militaire-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/freres-armes-254-dossier-centres-formation-au-maintien-paix_17765/actualites_17768/niger_56219.html |date=2012-02-14 }}, Ministère des Affaires étrangères (France).  [http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/niger_228/france-and-niger_5345/framework-partnership-document-france-niger-2006-2010_9121.html Framework partnership document France - Niger (2006-2010)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224220034/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/niger_228/france-and-niger_5345/framework-partnership-document-france-niger-2006-2010_9121.html |date=2012-02-24 }}, Ministère des Affaires étrangères (France), 2006.   Dossier Niger: Les forces armées nigériennes (FAN), Ministère des Affaires étrangères (France), 2003.</ref>  The Gendarmerie has law enforcement jurisdiction outside the [[Communes of Niger|Urban Communes]] of Niger, while the National police patrols towns.  Special internal security operations may be carried out by the Military, the FNIS, the Gendarmerie, or whatever forces tasked by the Government of Niger.

== Domestic conflicts ==
[[Image:Niger Rebel-Leader-fighting-01apr08.jpg|thumb|right|Member of the rebel MNJ, northern Niger, 2008]]

=== The First Tuareg Rebellion of 1985–1995 ===
From 1985 to 1995, the armed forces of Niger were engaged in armed fights with the [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Niger]] (FPLN). An armed attack by FPLN members in [[Tchin-Tabaradene|Tchin - Tabaradene]] in 1985 sparked the closing of the borders with Libya and Algeria, and the resettlement of thousands of Tuareg and other nomads away from the area. Failed promises by the government of [[Ali Saïbou]] fueled growing Tuareg discontent leading to an attack on a police station in [[Tchin-Tabaradene|Tchin - Tabaradene]] in May 1990. The Niger Army violently responded in May 1990, arresting, torturing, and killing several hundred Tuareg civilians in [[Tchin-Tabaradene|Tchin - Tabaradene]], Gharo and [[In-Gall]] in what is known as the [[Tchin-Tabaradene massacre|Tchin - Tabaradene massacre]].<ref>for the Tchin-Tabaradene massacre and human rights abuse of the period in Niger, see a summary in [[Amnesty International]]'s [https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr43/002/1999/en/ Niger: Impunity enshrined in the constitution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325110854/https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr43/002/1999/en/ |date=2022-03-25 }}. 8 September 1999. [http://www.conflict-prevention.net/page.php?id=40&formid=73&action=show&surveyid=37 Bram Posthumus] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511150706/http://www.conflict-prevention.net/page.php?id=40&formid=73&action=show&surveyid=37 |date=2008-05-11 }} (see below) gives the number of civilians killed as a range between 650 and 1500.</ref> Tuareg outrage sparked the creation of two armed insurgent groups: the [[Front for the Liberation of Aïr and Azaouak]] and the [[Front for the Liberation of Tamoust]] and continued armed fights until 1995 when a peace agreement end fighting. The Nigérien Armed Forces has been extensively involved in politics since independence, and has been denounced at several points for broad abrogation of human rights and unlawful detentions and killings.

=== The Second Tuareg Rebellion of 2007–2009 ===
The Nigerien Armed Forces were involved from 2007 to 2009 in an insurgency in the north of the country, labeled the [[Second Tuareg Rebellion]]. A previously unknown group, the [[Niger Movement for Justice|Mouvement des Nigériens pour la Justice]] (MNJ), emerged in February 2007. The predominantly Tuareg group has issued a number of demands, mainly related to development in the north. It has attacked military and other facilities and laid landmines in the north. The resulting insecurity has devastated Niger's tourist industry and deterred investment in mining and oil. The government has labeled the MNJ criminals and traffickers, and refuses to negotiate with the group until it disarms. As of July 2008, some 100 to 160 Nigérien troops have been killed in the ongoing conflict.<ref>Initial text taken from November 2007 United States State Department report: [https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm Bureau of African Affairs, Background Note: Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524232128/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5474.htm |date=2019-05-24 }}.</ref> The second tuareg rebellion ended in 2009 with Peace Talks hosted by Libya.

=== Jihadist insurgency in Niger ===
{{Seealso|Jihadist insurgency in Niger}}
On 10 December 2019, a large group of fighters belonging to the [[Islamic State in the Greater Sahara]] (IS-GS) [[Battle of Inates|attacked]] a military post in [[Inates]], Niger,<ref>{{cite news |title=Behind the Jihadist Attack in Inates |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/niger/behind-jihadist-attack-inates |work=[[ReliefWeb]] |date=13 December 2019}}</ref> killing over seventy soldiers and kidnapping others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191211-niger-soldiers-killed-attack-sahel-military-camp-issoufou-keita-macron-france-tuareg-islamic-state-al-qaeda-dead|title=At least 70 soldiers killed in attack on Niger military camp|date=2019-12-11|website=France 24|language=en|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref> The attack was the deadliest single incident Niger's military has ever experienced.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/scores-soldiers-killed-niger-base-attack-191211184533878.html|title=Scores of soldiers killed in Niger base attack|date=11 December 2019|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=15 December 2019}}</ref>

On 9 January 2020, a large group of IS-GS militants [[Battle of Chinagodrar|assaulted]] a Nigerien military base at Chinagodrar, in Niger's [[Tillabéri Region]]. At least 89 Nigerien soldiers were confirmed to have been killed in the attack, with more casualties suspected, making it the worst attack on the army since the start of the insurgency.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Aksar |first1=Moussa |last2=Lewis |first2=David |last3=Balima |first3=Boureima |last4=Ross |first4=Aaron |date=2020-01-11 |title=Niger army base attack death toll rises to at least 89: security sources |language=en |work=Reuters |editor-last=Elgood |editor-first=Giles |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-niger-security-idUSKBN1ZA0TH |access-date=2023-07-09}}</ref> 

== Foreign missions ==
In 1991, Niger sent a 400-man military contingent to join the American-led allied forces against [[Iraq]] during the [[Gulf War]]. Niger provides a battalion of peace-keeping forces to the UN Mission in [[Ivory Coast]]. As of 2003, the FAN had troops deployed in the following foreign missions:<ref>[https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/editorial/mae/freres-armes/241/1313.html  Dossier Niger: Les forces armées nigériennes (FAN)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214124724/https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/editorial/mae/freres-armes/241/1313.html |date=2012-02-14 }}, Ministère des Affaires étrangères (France), 2003.</ref>
*[[ECOMOG]]: [[Liberia]], [[Guinée-Bissau]];
*[[African Union]]: [[Burundi]] (MIOB), [[Comoros]] (MIOC), [[Mali]] (AFISMA);
*[[United Nations]]: [[Rwanda]] (MINURCA), [[Democratic Republic of Congo]] (MONUC); [[Mali]] (MINUSMA)
[[Image:Niger Panhard AML.JPG|thumb|right|Nigerien [[Panhard AML]] light armored cars with 90mm guns stand in a holding area during Operation Desert Shield.]]

== Defense cooperation ==
Niger defense forces have a long history of military cooperation with neighboring countries in the region, France, the United States, China as well as many other countries.

=== Regional defense cooperation ===
Through [[ECOWAS]] and the [[African Union]], Niger defense forces have been involved in multiple missions in the Africa and the West Africa. Niger has been a supporter and volunteered to participate in the African Union future rapid intervention forces.<ref>[http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140201-union-africaine-projet-caric-fait-pas-unanimite/ The Rapid Intervention Forces of the African Union] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717135057/http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140201-union-africaine-projet-caric-fait-pas-unanimite/ |date=2014-07-17 }}. The African Union is envisioning to create Rapid Intervention Forces at the continental or the regional levels (retrieved on 7/27/2014).</ref> In addition, with the growing threat of Boko Haram, defense forces of Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad have intensified cooperation to address the trans-border threat of this organization.<ref>[http://www.elysee.fr/declarations/article/conclusions-du-sommet-de-paris-pour-la-securite-au-nigeria/ Summit of Paris for the Security in Nigeria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719204918/http://www.elysee.fr/declarations/article/conclusions-du-sommet-de-paris-pour-la-securite-au-nigeria/ |date=2014-07-19 }}. Regional plan of action against Boko Haram by neighboring countries of Nigeria (retrieved on 7/27/2014).</ref>

=== Counter-terrorism defense cooperation ===


U.S. and France defense cooperation with Niger has intensified post 9/11 as part of the Global War on Terror.<ref name="jeuneafrique">[http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20140325171053/ Niger - États-Unis : une coopération militaire soutenue] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011214514/https://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20140325171053/ |date=2022-10-11 }} (retrieved on July 26, 2014).</ref> The Niger defense forces along with forces from [[Chad]], [[Mali]], [[Mauritania]] have become major partners of France and the United States in counter-terrorism efforts in Africa. The counter-terrorism efforts focused mainly on [[Al-Qaeda|Al-Qaïda]] affiliated groups  in Africa, in particular the Algerian Group for Call and Combat which will later become AQMI. The collapse of the [[Muammar Gaddafi|Gaddafi]] regime, followed with the disbandment of his arsenal in the region, accentuated the precarious situation of many sahelian nations. The [[Northern Mali conflict]] and beginning of [[Operation Serval]] to free northern Mali of Islamic militant groups solidified the role of Niger in counter-terrorism activities in the region. Following an agreement with the Niger government, the air force base 101 of Niamey became a permanent drone hub for French and U.S. forces since 2013.<ref name="jeuneafrique" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.algerie1.com/actualite/mise-en-oeuvre-des-drones-us-obama-envoie-des-militaires-au-niger/ |title=Obama sends U.S. military to Niger (retrieved in 7/26/2014). |access-date=2014-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810092943/http://www.algerie1.com/actualite/mise-en-oeuvre-des-drones-us-obama-envoie-des-militaires-au-niger/ |archive-date=2014-08-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/les-infos-du-pays/politique-niger/politique-niger/item/66122-presence-militaire-etrangere-au-niger-des-bases-s-implantent-durablement Foreign military bases in Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727082122/http://nigerdiaspora.net/index.php/les-infos-du-pays/politique-niger/politique-niger/item/66122-presence-militaire-etrangere-au-niger-des-bases-s-implantent-durablement |date=2014-07-27 }}. Article by Nigerdiaspora.net (retrieved on 7/26/2014).</ref> Drone intelligence gathering activities in Mali and the region were carried out from this base during [[Operation Serval|Serval]]. Niamey has become the Intelligence gathering pole of French and U.S. forces in the region.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140719-niger-niamey-francois-hollande-visite-base-101-centre-drones-francais/| title = Operation Barkhane (retrieved on 7/27/2014).| date = 19 July 2014| access-date = 27 July 2014| archive-date = 27 July 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140727000931/http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140719-niger-niamey-francois-hollande-visite-base-101-centre-drones-francais/| url-status = live}}</ref>

In March 2024, Niger announced it was ending its security relationship with the United States, which had been in place since 2012.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Turse |first=Nick |date=2024-04-18 |title=U.S. Troops in Niger Say They're "Stranded" and Can't Get Mail, Medicine |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/04/18/niger-us-troops-stranded-gaetz-report/ |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=The Intercept |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420183734/https://theintercept.com/2024/04/18/niger-us-troops-stranded-gaetz-report/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Niger, the security pact violated Niger's constitution.<ref name=":02" /> In a report issued by United States member of Congress [[Matt Gaetz]] the following month, Gaetz stated that the United States embassy in Niger was suppressing information related to the decay of [[Niger–United States relations|Niger-United States diplomatic relations]].<ref name=":02" /> According to Gaetz's report, Niger has not authorized flights for United States Department of Defense efforts, including the sending of food, equipment, mail, or medical supplies.<ref name=":02" />

== Political involvement ==
In 1974 General [[Seyni Kountché]] overthrew the first president of Niger [[Hamani Diori]]. The military regime that followed, while plagued by coup attempts of its own, survived until 1991. While a period of relative prosperity, the military government of the period allowed little free expression and engaged in arbitrary imprisonment and killing.<ref>For a detailed account in english of the inner workings of the military regime, see Samuel Decalo (1990), pp.241–285.</ref>
[[Image:Niger soldier-89-07307.JPEG|thumb|right|A paratrooper of the '''FAN''' Parachute Company armed with an Israeli-made [[Uzi]] submachine gun, 1988]]
In 1996, a former officer under Kountché and the then chief of staff, [[Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara]], staged his own coup, placing the military again in power. During the Maïnassara regime, human rights abuses were reported by foreign NGOs, including the discovery of 150 dead bodies in a mass grave at Boultoungoure, thought to be [[Toubou]] rebels. In April 1999, the third coup led by [[Douada Mallam Wanké]] was staged leading to murder of President [[Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara|Baré]] by his own guards. To date, the authors this crime have been prosecuted.<ref>[https://archive.today/20071019025427/http://fra.controlarms.org/library/Index/ENGAFR430032000?open&of=ENG-2F5 Niger: The people of Niger have the right to truth and justice], 6 April 2000, [[Amnesty International]]. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/315840.stm President Mainassara: A profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728131214/https://archive.today/20071019025427/http://fra.controlarms.org/library/Index/ENGAFR430032000?open&of=ENG-2F5 |date=2023-07-28 }}, BBC, April 9, 1999.</ref> Major [[Daouda Mallam Wanke]], commander of the Niamey-based military region and the head of the Republican Guard assumed power, but returned the nation to civilian rule within the year.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/315663.stm Niger: A copybook coup d'etat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202132822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/315663.stm |date=2020-02-02 }}, April 9, 1999, BBC.  [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/316037.stm Military controls Niger ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202133756/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/316037.stm |date=2020-02-02 }}, April 10, 1999, BBC.</ref>  The military regime of [[Douada Mallam Wanké]] ended with the election of [[Mamadou Tandja]] in 1999 who deposed ten years later by another military coup, the fourth in the history of the country.

==Cultural sponsorships==
The Army, National Guard and the National Police sponsor semi-professional [[association football|football]] clubs, [[ASFAN]], [[AS-FNIS]] and [[AS Police (Niamey)|AS Police]], which play in the [[Niger Premier League]].

== Professionalisation ==
The Armed Forces—which includes the National Gendarmerie—have undergone a series of structural changes aimed at professionalisation of the ranks and the retaining of more skilled recruits. Greater emphasis on recruiting officers and NCOs, lessening recruitment of lower ranks, and more training required between promotions have been instituted. Annual recruitment for the Army and the Gendarmerie now stands at one thousand each.<ref>[http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=show_article_eng&id_article=87935 Nigerien army, security officers get new status]. APA. 2009-02-05 {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

==Budget and foreign aid==
[[Niger]]'s defense budget is modest, accounting for about 1.6% of government expenditures. France provides the largest share of military assistance to Niger. The [[People's Republic of China]] also provide military assistance. Approximately 18 French military advisers are in Niger. Many Nigérien military personnel receive training in France, and the Nigerien Armed Forces are equipped mainly with material either given by or purchased in France. United States assistance has focused on training pilots and aviation support personnel, professional military education for staff officers, and initial specialty training for junior officers. A small foreign military assistance program was initiated in 1983 and a U.S. [[Defense Attaché System|Defense Attaché]] office opened in June 1985. After being converted to a Security Assistance Office in 1987, it was subsequently closed in 1996, following a coup d'état. A U.S. Defense Attaché office reopened in July 2000.

The United States provided transportation and logistical assistance to Nigerien troops deployed to Ivory Coast in 2003.

Additionally, the US provided initial equipment training on vehicles and communications gear to a company of Nigerien soldiers as part of the Department of State [[Pan Sahel Initiative]]. Military to military cooperation continues via the [[Trans-Saharan Counter Terrorism Partnership]] and other initiatives. [[EUCOM]] contributes funds for humanitarian assistance construction throughout the country. In 2007, a congressional waiver was granted which allows the Niger military to participate in the [[International Military Education and Training]] (IMET) program, managed by the Security Cooperation Office. This program funded $170,000 in training in 2007.

== Flag Note ==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==Citations==
{{Reflist}}
{{Commons category|Military of Niger}}

== References ==
* Bram Posthumus. ''Niger: A Long History, a Brief Conflict, an Open Future, in Searching for Peace in Africa'', European Centre for Conflict Prevention (1999). {{ISBN|90-5727-033-1}}
* Samuel Decalo. ''Historical Dictionary of Niger''.  Scarecrow Press, London and New Jersey (1979). {{ISBN|0-8108-1229-0}}
* Samuel Decalo. ''Coups and Army Rule in Africa'', Yale University Press (1990). {{ISBN|0-300-04045-8}}
* Jolijn Geels. ''Niger''. Bradt London and Globe Pequot, New York (2006). {{ISBN|1-84162-152-8}}
* [http://humacom.typepad.com/reseau_humacom/2007/10/touaregs-laccor.html Full text of the 15 April 1995 Niger peace accords (French). ''Accord établissant une paix définitive entre le Gouvernement de la République du Niger et l'Organisation de la Résistance Armée (O.R.A.)''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629202911/http://humacom.typepad.com/reseau_humacom/2007/10/touaregs-laccor.html |date=29 June 2008 }}.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080307022634/http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/suttonlink/ng_fct.html Niger Factfile: The White Fathers, Sutton Coldfield], 14 June 2007.
*[http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-militaire-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/freres-armes-254-dossier-centres-formation-au-maintien-paix_17765/actualites_17768/niger_56219.html Niger, Déplacement du Directeur au Niger] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214093235/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/actions-france_830/defense-securite_9035/cooperation-militaire-defense_9037/revue-freres-armes_12582/freres-armes-254-dossier-centres-formation-au-maintien-paix_17765/actualites_17768/niger_56219.html |date=2012-02-14 }}, Ministère des Affaires étrangères (France), 2007. ''Gives 2007 force commanders''.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071023035316/http://www.ambafrance-ne.org/article.php3?id_article=312 L’Ambassade de France au Niger:Les relations France-Niger:Coopération franco-nigérienne:La Mission de Coopération Militaire et de Défense] (France), 2007.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080108185115/http://www.amnesty.org/en/report/info/AFR43/001/2000 Niger: The right to justice]. Amnesty International. Published: 6 April 2000. ''Report on Army involvement in the 1999 coup, the killing of General Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara, and other human rights abuses carried out by the FAN in the period 1990–2000''.
*[http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Sentinel-Security-Assessment-West-Africa/Armed-forces-Niger.html Summary:Armed forces (Niger), Armed forces]. Sentinel Security Assessment – West Africa. Jane's Information Group. Oct 17, 2008.
*World aircraft information files Bright Star Publishing London File 337 Sheet 4
*{{Cite book |last=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2023 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-032-50895-5 |location=London |issn=0459-7222}}
{{Niger topics}}
{{Military of Africa}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Government of Niger]]
[[Category:Military of Niger| ]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Niger]]