Comoros Military

The military resources of the Comoros consist of a small standing army and a 500-member police force, as well as a 500-member defense force. A defense treaty with France provides naval resources for protection of territorial waters, training of Comorian military personnel, and air surveillance. France maintains a small troop presence in Comoros at government request. France maintains a small maritime base and a Foreign Legion Detachment (DLEM) on Mayotte. See also Military of Comoros.

Anjouan has invested heavily in its national security. Main components are the Gendarmerie commanded by Commander Abdou, the younger brother of Col. Mr. Bacar, the strongman of Anjouan. A battalion size militia of approx. 500 backs the Gendarmerie. The readiness status of Anjoun defence forces is unknown as is the armament and equipment status. However, The Anjouan defence forces outweigh the neighbouring Comoran defence forces and are regarded as somewhat more professional than the opponent (Comorian defence forces).

The Anjouan defence forces is not known to have any air defence or naval warfare capacity.

The main strategic area is the airfield at Ouani with its 1.5 km runway and the bay with the coastal road from the capital Mutsamudu in the east out to the city of Sima in the west.