Military of Algeria
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| Military manpower | |
|---|---|
| Military age | 19-30 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (October 2003) |
| Availability | males age 15–49: 8,033,049 (2005 est.) |
| Fit for military service | males age 15–49: 6,590,079 (2005 est.) |
| Reaching military age annually | males: 374,639 (2005 est.) |
| Active troops | |
| Military expenditures | |
| Amount | $2.48 billion (2004) |
| Percent of GDP | 3.2% (2004) |
The armed forces of Algeria is comprised of the People's National Army (ANP), Algerian National Navy (MRA), Air Force (QJJ), and Territorial Air Defense Force. It is the direct successor of the Armé de Libération Nationale (ALN), which fought French colonial occupation during the Algerian War of Independence (1954-62).
The People's National Army totals 119,000 members, with some 100,000 reservists. The army is under the control of the president, who also is minister of National Defense (current president is Abdelaziz Bouteflika). Defense expenditures accounted for some $2.48 billion or 3.2% of GDP. One and a half years of national military service is compulsory for males.
Algeria is a leading military power in North Africa and has its force oriented toward its western (Morocco) and eastern (Libya) borders. Its primary military supplier has been the former Soviet Union, which has sold various types of sophisticated equipment under military trade agreements, and the People's Republic of China. Algeria has attempted, in recent years, to diversify its sources of military material. Military forces are supplemented by a 45,000-member gendarmerie or rural police force under the control of the president and 30,000-member Sûreté nationale or Metropolitan police force under the Ministry of the Interior.
Recently, the Algerian Air Force has made a big step forward. It has signed a deal with Russia to purchase 49 MiG-29SMT and 6 MiG-29UBT at an estimated $1.5 Billion. They also agreed to return old airplanes purchased from the Former USSR.
See also
References
- ''CIA World Factbook, 2005
- ''U.S. Department of State Background Notes, 2003
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