Starting June 1977 the conditions of the French forces were set by the framework of a provisional protocol (equivalent to a defense agreement).

5ème Regiment Interarmes d'Outre Mer (RIAOM)) was recreated in Djibouti, then named the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas.

Its location, as well as the missions entrusted to the Republic of Djibouti, a region of the globe in perpetual evolution, with multiple upheavals, imposes a permanent operational posture.

Grouped in the Brière de l'Isle district, it is made up of: On 1 August 2008, the Battalion of the Light Air Djibouti (BATALAT) was attached to the 5th RIAOM.

After becoming a Detachment of the Light Aviation of the Army (DETALAT) with 70 soldiers, it was equipped at the end of 2014 with four Puma and two Gazelle Hot helicopters.

Two Engins de Débarquement Amphibie – Standards (EDA-S) landing craft are to be delivered to naval forces based in Djibouti by 2025.