Central African Republic Air Force
Aerial warfare branch of the Central African Republic Armed Forces
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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] The CAAF is reported to be almost inactive due to the unserviceability of its aircraft.
| 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 | |
| Roundel | |
| Fin flash |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Trainer | Aero L-39 |
Dassault Mirage F1s of the French Air Force regularly patrol troubled regions of the country and also participate in direct confrontations.[3]
History
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 CAAF received two Mi-24V/Mi-35 helicopters from Ukraine in 2011.[5]
In May 2021, the CAAF received one Mi-8MT and one Mi-24V from Russia.[5]
In early January 2023, it was reported that between 6 and 8 ex-Russian Air Force L-39 trainer jets were donated or delivered.[1][6] Presumably, they will also be used in an attack role by Wagner forces present.
Aircraft
Current inventory
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainer aircraft | ||||||
| Aero L-39 | Czech Republic | Primary trainer | 6-8[1] | |||