Gabon - Armed forces

In 2002, Gabon maintained active armed forces numbering some 4,700 personnel. The army numbered 3,200 including the Presidential Guard. The navy consisted of 500 sailors with 5 vessels. The air force of 1,000 personnel commanded 10 combat aircraft and 5 armed helicopters. Paramilitary forces consisted of a gendarmerie of 2,000. France maintained a battalion of 750 marines in Gabon. Defense spending was estimated at $70.1 million in 2001, or 2% of GDP.