Arms of the Rhodesian Bush War: Weapons of the Rhodesian Military

During the Rhodesian Bush War (1964–1979), the Rhodesian Security Forces (RSF) faced prolonged guerrilla warfare against insurgent groups such as ZANLA and ZIPRA. With limited international support and severe arms embargoes, the Rhodesian military had to rely on a mix of legacy equipment, imported arms from unconventional sources, and locally modified weapons. Despite these challenges, the RSF developed a reputation for effective counterinsurgency tactics and resourceful use of available weaponry.

The FN FAL: The Workhorse Battle Rifle

The FN FAL, particularly the South African R1 variant, was the standard issue rifle for most branches of the Rhodesian military. Chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, it offered excellent range and stopping power — crucial in bush warfare, where engagement distances varied.

Often carried with 20-round magazines, the FAL was favored for its accuracy and semi-automatic reliability, though full-auto fire was rarely used due to recoil and ammunition conservation. Many Rhodesian soldiers personalized their FALs with camo paint and "baby poop" camouflage (a locally mixed green-brown tone), adding to the weapon's iconic image in the conflict.

Submachine Guns and Carbines

For close-quarters combat, especially in urban operations or vehicle crews, the RSF used various submachine guns. The most notable included:

Uzi (9×19mm): Supplied in limited numbers from Israel, it was compact and reliable, ideal for special forces.
Sten and Sterling SMGs: Leftover from British influence, these older models were still used, particularly by support units.
MAT-49: Captured from insurgents or supplied from French sources, this compact French SMG was occasionally seen.

Specialized units such as the Selous Scouts and Rhodesian SAS often used carbines and suppressed weapons, including shortened FALs and modified hunting rifles for reconnaissance and ambush roles.

Light Machine Guns and Squad Support

For suppressive fire, the RSF relied on a few main types of light machine guns:

FN MAG (7.62 NATO): A reliable belt-fed machine gun that served as the standard GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) in many units. It was used for both mobile operations and static defense.
Bren Gun (.303 and later 7.62 NATO versions): Though obsolete by the 1970s, Bren guns remained in service due to reliability and ease of maintenance.
RPD and PKM: Captured from insurgents or smuggled into the country, these Soviet-designed LMGs were sometimes reused by Rhodesian forces.
FN MAG

Pistols and Sidearms

While pistols were not front-line weapons, officers and vehicle crews commonly carried sidearms. These included:

Browning Hi-Power (9mm): A standard sidearm in Commonwealth militaries, valued for its high capacity and ruggedness.
M1911 (.45 ACP): Used in smaller numbers, often by senior officers or as private purchases.
Tokarev TT-33 and Makarov: Captured from guerrillas trained in the Soviet bloc.
M1911

Shotguns and Civilian Firearms

In rural patrols and for use by auxiliary forces and farmers, shotguns were commonly used. Their effectiveness at close range and deterrent power made them a practical choice in ambush-prone areas.

Additionally, many private citizens and reservists used civilian hunting rifles, often chambered in .303 British or .308 Winchester. These weapons were sometimes modified with military-style stocks, optics, and camouflage for militia use.

Heavy Weapons and Support Arms

Due to embargoes, heavy weapons were scarce. However, Rhodesian forces did operate:

Mortars (60mm, 81mm) for indirect fire support.
Recoilless rifles (84mm Carl Gustaf) for anti-personnel and anti-vehicle roles.
Mounted weapons like the Browning M2 (.50 cal) on gun trucks and helicopters.

Heliborne fire support was crucial in the Rhodesian counterinsurgency strategy. Helicopters like the Alouette III often carried GPMG door gunners or mounted machine guns.

Improvised and Captured Equipment

Under embargo, Rhodesia relied heavily on captured insurgent arms and smuggling networks. Soviet-made AK-47s, SKS carbines, and RPG-7s were often captured from ZANLA/ZIPRA fighters and reused. While the AK was not standard-issue, elite units occasionally used it for infiltration or deception tactics.

The Selous Scouts, in particular, made use of insurgent gear and uniforms to conduct pseudo-operations, blending with enemy forces and gathering intelligence behind enemy lines.

Conclusion

Despite being isolated and under-equipped, the Rhodesian military managed to maintain a formidable and adaptable arsenal throughout the Bush War. By combining Western surplus weapons, captured gear, and local ingenuity, the Rhodesian forces turned logistical adversity into tactical innovation. Their weaponry reflected not only battlefield necessity but also a unique chapter in Cold War-era warfare — where strategy often mattered more than supply.