Madagascar Military

Madagascar is an island nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is the fourth largest island in the world and has a population of around 26 million people. The official language is Malagasy, though French and English are also spoken. The majority of the population practice Christianity, with some Muslims and traditional beliefs as well.

The military of Madagascar consists of three branches; Army, Navy, and Air Force. The total active personnel in the military are around 12,000 people. The Army has around 10,000 personnel with a focus on ground operations and border protection. It also has a small Navy with two ships for coastal defense operations and four patrol boats for maritime security operations. The Air Force has around 2,000 personnel operating mainly helicopters for reconnaissance and transport missions.

Madagascar is not a member of any international military or defense organization but maintains close ties with other countries in the region such as South Africa, Mozambique, Comoros Islands. See naturegnosis to learn more about the country of Madagascar.

Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, has been isolated from the African continent for about 50 million years. Isolation has enabled the unique development of different plant and animal species. It makes Madagascar a real nature paradise.

In Madagascar, we admire the picturesque scenery and visit the bird sanctuary in Tsarasaotra Park. In the mountain rainforest of Andasibe National Park, we try to find a primate known for its special pronunciation, the indri.

  • COUNTRYAAH: Do you know where is Madagascar on the world map? Come to see the location and all bordering countries of Madagascar.

Defense

After a long period of disputes during the 1990s (To see related acronyms about this country, please check ABBREVIATIONFINDER where you can see that MDG stands for Madagascar.), since 2003, stabilization has taken place. The defense, which has long been based on general military duty with an initial service of 18 months, comprises (2008) 13,500 men and is organized into 2 battalions that have 6 patrol boats and 8 armed helicopters. The conscripts are also used for civilian tasks. Semi-military security forces amount to 8,000 men. The material is older and of Soviet origin with an increased element of Western material.

Madagascar Army

Defense costs increased in 1985-2006 from 2.0% to 5.4% of GDP. Madagascar participates in the African Union peacekeeping operation in Sudan (AUMIS).

Madagascar has military service with 18 months of initial service. The total strength of Madagascar’s armed forces is about 13,500 active personnel (2018, IISS). In addition, 8100 personnel come in a semi-military gendarmerie.

Army

The army has a strength of about 12,500 active personnel. Materials include 12 light tanks of the PT-76 type, about 73 light trucks, and about 30 armored personnel vehicles. In addition, the Army has medium-heavy artillery and anti-aircraft artillery.

Air Force

The Air Force has a force of 500 active personnel, 16 transport aircraft, and four helicopters.

The Navy

The Navy has a force of 500 active personnel, including about 100 Marines, eight patrol vessels and one landed craft.