Chad Military Forces 🇹🇩

Chad's has historically played a substantial military role in West Africa and the Sahel, notably as a major troop contributor to the MINUSMA in Mali and as part of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) combating Boko Haram. The country is a founding member of the G5-Sahel and has become a partner for international actors, including France and the United States, in counter-terrorism operations. However, Chad's decision in November 2024 to end its defense cooperation agreement with France suggests a potential shift in its foreign alliances. The government's official neutrality in the Sudanese civil war is tested by accusations from the Sudanese Armed Forces that Chad facilitates support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), creating regional tensions.

Military Forces

The Chadian National Army (ANT) is a battle-hardened force, experienced in both conventional and asymmetric warfare. Its main components are the Ground Forces, the Air Force, and the National Gendarmerie. The military's structure also includes the General Directorate of the Security Services of State Institutions (DGSSIE), which handles presidential security, intelligence, and counter-terrorism, reporting directly to the president. The military has long been central to Chadian politics, with a history of politicization and dominance by the Zaghawa ethnic group.

The armed forces are undergoing a gradual modernization. The ground forces have recently acquired heavily upgraded Type 59G main battle tanks and WMA-301 tank destroyers from China, in addition to ERC-90 light armored vehicles from France. Infantry units are increasingly equipped with modern assault rifles like the IWI Tavor and Galil ACE.

The Chadian Air Force has also seen significant upgrades. It has enhanced its airlift capabilities with C-27J Spartan and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Its strike and surveillance capabilities have been bolstered by the acquisition of Turkish Aksungur and Anka drones, as well as Hürkuş light attack aircraft. The United States has supported Chad's ISR capabilities by providing Cessna 208 aircraft and a command and control center.

Current and Foreseeable Strategic Trends

Chad faces significant internal and external security threats that shape its military posture. Internally, the government confronts armed opposition groups, notably the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), which operates from rear bases in Libya. The May 2024 presidential elections, which consolidated the power of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, were contentious and have exacerbated underlying ethnic and political tensions.

Regionally, the instability in neighboring countries poses a direct threat. The conflict in Sudan has led to a major refugee crisis in eastern Chad and has created friction between the two governments. The porous borders with Libya and the Central African Republic remain conduits for arms trafficking and militant activity. These persistent security challenges will continue to drive Chad's military strategy, forcing it to maintain a high level of readiness and to seek new strategic partnerships to counterbalance the withdrawal of French forces. The focus on drone warfare and modernized armor indicates a strategic adaptation to counter both state and non-state threats in a volatile region.