The Central African Republic Air Force () is the aerial warfare branch of the Central African Republic Armed Forces. As of 2017 it has been a branch of the Ground Force.Central African Republic - CIA World Factbook 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.– Inter-agency Mission to Birao (CAR): 16 to 23 January 2007
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.– Centrafrique: Bozizé ou la chronique d’une chute annoncée, 2004
The CAAF received two Mi-24V/Mi-35 helicopters from Ukraine in 2011.
In May 2021, the CAAF received one Mi-8MT and one Mi-24V from Russia.
In early January 2023, it was reported that between 6 and 8 ex-Russian Air Force L-39 trainer jets were donated or delivered. Presumably, they will also be used in an attack role by Wagner forces present.
Aircraft Current inventory
AircraftOriginTypeVariantIn serviceNotes Trainer aircraft Aero L-39 Czech Republic Primary trainer 6-8
References
Notes
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
External links Photo of AS-350B Ecureuil TL-KAZ