uzChad is gradually enhancing its military might by acquiring new equipment and modernizing legacy systems across all its service branches. This modernization effort follows significant losses, including half of its air force in a hurricane in 2015 and several defeats at the hands of terrorists. Despite these setbacks, Chad’s military has historically been known for its formidable fighting capabilities, using limited resources to achieve remarkable battlefield victories.
Historical Context: The Toyota War
Turkish Hurkus light attack and trainer aircraft was notably demonstrated during the Chadian-Libyan War (1978-1987), where Chadian forces successfully routed a much larger Libyan force for control of the Aouzou Strip. The conflict, also known as the Toyota War, derives its name from the Toyota pickup trucks, such as the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Land Cruiser, used by Chadian troops for mobility and as technicals. The 1987 war ended in a heavy defeat for Libya, which lost one-tenth of its army, with 7,500 men killed and US$1.5 billion worth of military equipment destroyed or captured. In contrast, Chadian forces suffered 1,000 deaths.
Modernization and Current Suppliers
Chad has historically relied on unconventional fighting tactics, especially in the arid desert environment. The country’s main arms suppliers include Russia, China, the United States, France, Turkey, and Israel. Recently, Chad attempted to shift entirely to Western suppliers to replace its traditional Russian and Chinese partners. However, this endeavor did not yield significant results due to political reasons.
Chad’s military equipment from Eastern bloc suppliers has suffered considerable attrition in recent battles with the FACT rebels. The decision to seek Western arms may be partly aimed at reinforcing the legitimacy of General Itno Déby’s regime. Nevertheless, the West did not supply new equipment, prompting Chad to revert to its traditional arms suppliers.
Enhancing the Army
Chad has implemented several reforms to boost its army’s combat capabilities. These reforms include increasing troop numbers, improving infantry kits, and enhancing training. Early this year, the UAE deployed troops to train Chadian soldiers in warfare and in operating supplied equipment. The UAE has also provided medical assistance and arms to fighters in the Sudanese civil war, based in a remote town in Chad.
In August 2023, the UAE sent military vehicles and security equipment to Chad to support its capabilities in combating terrorism and enhancing border protection. The UAE previously supplied armored vehicles, including an order for sixty vehicles in June 2021 to handle rebellion in Chad. The EU also considers Chad a key partner in the Sahel region, supporting the G5 Sahel Joint Force, a regional security mechanism comprising Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The EU provides funding and training for Chadian forces.
Chadian ground forces, including special forces, have adopted modern assault rifles such as the IWI Galil ACE, IWI Tavor, and FAMAS bullpup rifles, alongside Soviet AK-patterned and Chinese Type 56 rifles. Recent armored vehicle acquisitions include the NIMR Calidus MCAV-20, Nigerian-made Ara II MRAP, Turkish-made Yörük APC, and EJDER YALÇIN 4×4 armored Vehicle, as well as Terrier from the UAE, and David armored vehicles from the United States.
In 2019, the Chadian government signed a contract with Nigeria’s Proforce Defence for the sale of twenty improved Ara (Ara 2) mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles with an option for a hundred more.
Chad has also modernized its legacy anti-aircraft and artillery weapons and recently acquired PHL-81 multiple rocket launchers from China. Its amphibious forces have acquired several Epenal boats from Nigeria.
The country recently acquired 30 heavily upgraded Type 59G main battle tanks from China to supplement the outdated Russian-made T-55 main battle tanks in use on the frontline. It also modernized it’s T-55 medium tanks, while France supplied several ERC-90 Light tank, and also acquired dozens of WMA-301 tank destroyers from China.
In the same vein, early in 2021, France delivered at least nine ERC-90 Sagaie light tanks to Chad, to be used in it’s peacekeeping and counter-terror operations. The ERC-90 Sagaie are armed with a 90 mm main gun and two 7.62 mm machine gun.
Strengthening the Air Force
The Chadian Air Force has improved its tactical airlift capabilities by acquiring C-27 Spartan aircraft and refitting its sole C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The small fleet of tactical transports has been actively airdropping paratroopers and supplies to front lines and during training. Chad took delivery of two Alenia C-27J Spartans in 2013-2014.
In 2015, several aircraft and helicopters were damaged in a storm at N’Djamena International Airport, exacerbated by fabric hangar coverings. Losses included three helicopters, a PC-12, a MiG-29 fighter, and two Su-25 attack planes. Recently, Chad overhauled and upgraded its Mi-24/35 Hind attack helicopters in Georgia and its Mi-17 Hip transport and assault helicopters. The Chadian Air Force has repaired its remaining MiG-29s and revamped its Su-24 close air support aircraft. Additionally, the air branch acquired Turkish Hurkus light attack and trainer aircraft.
America also donated two Cessna 208 ISR-configured aircraft in 2018, as well as a state of the art command and control (C2) Centre to aid and coordinate the ongoing counter terror operations.
Chadian Air Force Su-25s have participated in operations against Boko Haram in neighboring Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Nigeria. To further enhance its surveillance and strike capabilities, Chad has acquired Aksungur and ANKA drones from Turkey.
Addressing Security Threats
Chad faces severe security threats from jihadist insurgencies linked to groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates, particularly in its southern and northern regions bordering Nigeria and Libya. The purchase of modern military gear is part of an ongoing effort to upgrade Chad’s military capabilities to combat these challenges.
On October 28, around 40 soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base in Chad’s Lake region. President Mahamat Idriss Deby was in the area to launch an operation to track down the assailants.
Chad’s deliberate and steady modernization drive will significantly enhance its fighting capacity while improving the safety and security of its citizens.
If the effort is sustained, in the next few decades, Chadian military capacity will be greatly transformed, and will be markedly different from what it was during the Toyota Wars of ’87.
