Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force
Weapon Country of origin Type Versions In service
Armalite AR-18 United States Assault rifle AR-180 Unknown
INSAS rifle India Assault rifle Yes
IMI Galil Israel Assault rifle Unknown Unknown
SIG SG 540 Switzerland Assault rifle Unknown Unknown
FN FAL Belgium Battle rifle Unknown Unknown
Sterling submachine gun United Kingdom Submachine gun Unknown Unknown
Uzi Israel Submachine gun Unknown Unknown
FN MAG Belgium General-purpose machine gun Unknown Unknown
Equipment -- Weapons
The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) is the official armed national military of the Southern African Kingdom of Eswatini. is used primarily during domestic protests, with some border and customs duties; the force has never been involved in a foreign conflict. The army has struggled with high rates of HIV infection. Since measures were put in place the rate is dropping. The USDF replaced the Royal Swaziland Defence Force, which was created in 1973 to replace the role of the British Army following independence in 1968. The King of Eswatini is the commander-in-chief of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, and the substantive minister of defence. However, he delegates the responsibilities of the day-to-day activities of the executive arm of the government. There is a Defence Council, which is responsible for inter alia advising the King on all matters pertaining to the USDF. The USDF is commanded by Major General Stanley Dlamini; the deputy commander is Brigadier General Patrick Motsa, and the formation commander is Brigadier General Jeffry S. Tshabalala.