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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] The CAAF 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]

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 has been 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 attack role as well 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]

References

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Hoyle, Craig (December 2023). World Air Forces 2024. FlightGlobal (Report). London: Flight Global Insight. p. 15. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  2. ^ Central African Republic - CIA World Factbook
  3. ^ – Inter-agency Mission to Birao (CAR): 16 to 23 January 2007
  4. ^ – Centrafrique : Bozizé ou la chronique d’une chute annoncée, 2004 Archived October 8, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ a b https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/mi-8-and-mi-24-helicopters-delivered-to-central-african-republic/
  6. ^ https://mil.in.ua/en/news/russia-keeps-several-thousand-soldiers-in-the-central-african-republic/

Bibliography

  • 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