04.03.2026 13:40
Following the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, Burkina Faso's leader Captain Ibrahim Traore made a surprising statement, saying, "Burkina Faso is ready to provide military assistance if Iran requests it. The days of Americans escaping punishment are over." After this statement, everyone began to wonder about Burkina Faso's military strength. Details are in our news...
The ongoing tension between the USA and Iran, along with the diplomatic efforts in Geneva, culminated on the morning of February 28 when Israel, in conjunction with the USA, struck Iran. As mutual attacks continued along the USA-Israel and Iran lines, notable statements regarding the process came from various country leaders.
One of these was Captain Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso. He has become a symbolic figure on the continent as a reformist and fearless leader who rejects the regime that hands over his country's resources to imperialist powers and prioritizes the interests of the people above all else. He stated that they stand alongside Iran in the war, saying, "Burkina Faso is ready to provide military assistance if Iran requests it. The days of Americans escaping punishment are over."
MILITARY POWER RANKING
After this statement, everyone began to wonder about Burkina Faso's military strength. According to Global Firepower data, Burkina Faso ranks 127th out of 145 countries in military power rankings.
Total Number of Soldiers
- Total active personnel: approximately 12,000 soldiers
- Land forces: approximately 7,000
- Air forces: approximately 300–1,000 personnel
- Paramilitary forces: approximately 4,500
- Reserve forces: no official reserve
Burkina Faso has also established a militia force called "Volunteers for Homeland Defense (VDP)" composed of civilians, and this number is estimated to be between 30,000 and 100,000.
Military Structure
The Burkina Faso Armed Forces consist of the following units:
- Land Forces (Army)
- Commando infantry battalions
- Parachute commando units
- Artillery and engineering units
- Armored vehicle units
Air Forces
- It has a small-scale air force.
Main aircraft:
- Su-25 attack aircraft
- Mi-17 helicopters
- transport aircraft
Navy
- None. (Burkina Faso is a landlocked country)
Armored Vehicles
- More than 100 armored vehicles
- Light wheeled armored vehicles
Artillery
- More than 30 artillery systems
New weapons acquired in recent years
Some modern systems acquired from China:
- VN22B armored fire support vehicles
- PLL-05 120 mm mortar/gun system
- SR5 multiple rocket launcher
World military power ranking
According to Global Firepower data:
- 2026 ranking: 127th out of 145 countries
Military Budget
- Annual defense budget is approximately 500-600 million dollars....
This budget is quite low compared to the large armies in Africa.