A closer look at Rwanda's classified military assets #rwanda #RwOT

For years, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has earned recognition both within Rwanda and internationally, particularly in Mozambique and the Central African Republic, for its discipline and professionalism.

Building on this reputation, new reforms announced at the end of August 2025 introduced updated measures to ensure that certain categories of military assets are kept strictly confidential.

A Presidential Order issued on August 25, 2025, outlined the types of military assets that must be classified. The directive makes clear that weapons, systems, ammunition, and military vehicles â€" main battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers and light and heavy duty vehiclesâ€" are to remain secret.

The 2025 Order expands on earlier provisions. A 2012 regulation had already stipulated that fighter jets, helicopters, and their related systems were classified.

The new framework not only reaffirms these categories but also includes unmanned aerial vehicles and their accessories. In addition, information and telecommunication devices â€" ranging from radars, telephones, and radios to cameras, computer software and other related equipment, â€" are all deemed classified.

Military installations also fall under this classification. These include the RDF General Headquarters, barracks, arms and ammunition depots, as well as military industries and related raw materials.

Military uniforms and accessories are equally considered classified, along with imported and exported military assets and related information.

The modalities of audit related to the use and management of military classified assets is determined by instructions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force.

The Rwanda Defence Force itself was formally established under Law No. 19/2002 of May 17, 2002. Since then, it has undergone substantial transformation in governance, weaponry, training, uniforms, and professionalism.

Today, Rwanda operates its own defense industry through the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), which produces a wide range of military equipment for the RDF and with goals to support partner nations with defense supplies.

Among its output are weapons for ground forces, special forces, and counterterrorism operations, as well as equipment for riot control, training, and other military purposes.

Weapons and ammunition are among military assets that must remain classified.

Tanks and other military vehicles are also considered classified.

Rwanda operates its own defense industry through the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), which produces a wide range of military equipment.

IGIHE

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/a-closer-look-at-rwanda-s-classified-military-assets