Central African Republic Air Force
The Central African Republic Air Force (French: Force Aérienne Centrafricaine) is the aerial warfare branch of the Central African Republic Armed Forces. As of 2017 it has been a branch of the Ground Force.[2]
| Central African Air Force | |
|---|---|
| Force Aérienne Centrafricaine | |
Central African Republic Air Force Roundel | |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Country | Central African Republic |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Part of | Central African Armed Forces |
| Equipment | 6 aircraft[1] |
| Insignia | |
| Fin flash | |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Trainer | Aero L-39 |
The Air Force is reported to be almost inactive due to the unserviceability of its aircraft. Dassault Mirage F1s of the French Air Force regularly patrol troubled regions of the country and also participate in direct confrontations.[3] According to some sources, former President François Bozizé used the money he got from the mining concession in Bakouma to buy two old Mil Mi-8 helicopters from Ukraine and one Lockheed C-130 Hercules, built in the 1950s, from the U.S.[4] The air force otherwise operates several light aircraft, including a single helicopter. In early January it has been reported that between 6 and 8 ex-Russian Air Force L-39 trainer jets were donated or delivered.[1][5] Presumably they will also be used in attack role as well by Wagner forces present.
Aircraft edit
Current inventory edit
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainer Aircraft | ||||||
| Aero L-39 | Czech Republic | primary trainer | 6-8[1] | |||
References edit
Notes edit
- ^ a b c Hoyle, Craig (December 2023). World Air Forces 2024. FlightGlobal (Report). London: Flight Global Insight. p. 15. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ Central African Republic - CIA World Factbook
- ^ – Inter-agency Mission to Birao (CAR): 16 to 23 January 2007
- ^ – Centrafrique : Bozizé ou la chronique d’une chute annoncée, 2004 October 8, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ https://charly015.blogspot.com/2024/01/l-39-para-la-republica-centroafricana.html
Bibliography edit
- Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". Flight International, Vol. 180 No. 5321, 13–19 December 2011. pp. 26–52.
- World Aircraft Information Files. Brightstar Publishing, London. File 338 Sheet 02
External links edit
- Photo of AS-350B Ecureuil TL-KAZ 2020-06-28 at the Wayback Machine