JAMAICA
JAMAICA DEFENCE FORCE AIR WING
Formed in 1963, shortly after Jamaica's independence, the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing's primary role is air mobility for the infantry. The Air Wing also supports the police on observation duties, is active in counter drug operations missions and is used as an air ambulance. Fixed-wing aircraft are used for maritime and coastal patrol as well as VIP transport. The Air Wing is split into three flights. No 1 operates the fixed-wing types based at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport. Nos 2 Flight and 3 Flight are based at the Jamaica Defence Force headquarters at Up Park Camp, Kingston. No 2 Flight operates the UH-1H/Bell 205s in utility roles and No 3 Flight flies observation missions with the JetRangers. The AS355Ns were delivered in 1999.
Type No Role
Bell 206B JetRanger 6 liaison/SAR
AS335N Squirrel 4 liaison/patrol
Bell 212 2 utility
UH-1H Iroquois 2 trans
BN-2A Defender 1 patrol/trans
Cessna 210m Centurion 1 utility
King Air 100 1 patrol/VIP
JAPAN
NIHON KOKU JIEITAI (JAPAN AIR SELF-DEFENCE FORCE/JASDF)
Japan's biggest indigenous aircraft project is the Mitsubishi F-2A/B, a major development of the F-16 being designed and built with Lockheed Martin assistance. Four prototypes are flying including two two-seaters. It is due to enter service at Misawa AB in March 2000, replacing Mitsubishi F-1s, but further problems in 1999 with cracking in the composite wing, which is one of the largest changes from the F-16, have delayed the end of the development programme by seven months to March 2000. To minimise delays the first squadron will be formed alongside the test unit. Three F-2s are due for delivery to the JASDF in May 2000 and 19 by the end of FY2000. The full requirement is for 130 aircraft.
JASDF is the launch customer for the 767-200ER-based E-767 airborne early warning and control system aircraft. All four were delivered by January 1999. The E-767 is supported in the AEW role by E-2 Hawkeyes which have been in service since 1982. The E-2s are to be upgraded from Group 0 aircraft to Group II standard with the APS-145 radar. Plans to develop an in-flight refuelling capability were not resolved in time for the FY00 budget because of the sensitivity of deploying Japanese armed forces outside the homeland. A lead contender is a tanker/transport Boeing 767 due to its commonality with the E-767. Other possibilities include the Airbus A310, C-17 and the C-130J.
In September 1998 JASDF selected a modified version of the Fuji T-3 Kai as its basic trainer. The first two aircraft will be delivered in 2000; 48 more are planned. The aircraft, retitled the T-7, has an Allison 250 turboprop in place of the Lycoming piston engine and other changes to the cowling and wing. The final decision was between the T-7 and the Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer, the Embraer Tucano and Raytheon T-6 having been eliminated.
Nearly 90 F-4EJ/RF-4EJ Phantoms in JASDF service have been upgraded to the "Kai" standard with Texas Instruments AN/APQ-72 radar and other cockpit and systems improvements. The type is slowly being replaced by the F-15J; which in turn is to get a radar and systems upgrade planned for 2001/3. JASDF also has longstanding requirements for new transports to replace 30-year-old Kawasaki C-1s. The indigenous C-1 is likely to be replaced by a Japanese developed aircraft. The U-125s are used for navigation aid calibration and SAR; 30 aircraft are required. Most major procurement programmes for any of the three services involve licence manufacture by a Japanese company such as Mitsubishi, Kawasaki or Fuji.
Type No Role
F-2A/B 28 int/attack
F-15J/DJ Eagle 153/37 int
F-4EJ Kai/RF-4EJ Kai Phantom 110 int/recce
Mitsubishi F-1 61 FGA/anti-ship
E-2C Hawkeye 13 AEW
E-767 4 AEW
Mitsubishi T-2 69 trng
Kawasaki T-4 170 trng
T-33 11 trng/comms
Fuji T-1A/B 54 trng
Fuji T-3 50 trng
Fuji T-7 50 trng
Kawasaki C-1 27/1 trans/ECM
C-130H Hercules 16 trans
NAMC YS-11 13 VIP/ECM/calib/trng
Boeing 747-400 2 VIP
U-125/125A (125-800) 15* calib/SAR
Queen Air A65 5 comms
MU-2J/S 21 SAR
Gulfstream U-4 (GIV) 4 trans
CH-47J Chinook 16 trans/SAR
Kawasaki V107 (CH-46) 24 SAR
UH-60J Black Hawk 20 SAR
T-400 (Mitsubishi Diamond) 9 trng
on order/requirement
NIHON KAIJYO JIEITAI (JAPAN MARITIME SELF-DEFENCE FORCE/JMSDF)
JMSDF is considering upgrades to its growing fleet of SH-60Js. These could include composite main rotor hub and blades; active sonar; inverse synthetic aperture radar, FLIR and ESM. The SH-60Js and HSS-2Bs are embarked on the JMSDF's destroyers. Other upgrade programmes include modifications to JMSDF's Shinmaywa US-1A amphibian fleet. Launched in 1996 and predicted to take eight years, the Kai programme includes Rolls-Royce AE2100 engines, a fly-by-wire system and a digital flight deck. Flight test is due in 2002/3. The fleet will include three new aircraft funded in the 1996/2000 defence plan. One has been delivered, another will follow in 1999 and the last in 2000. Japan's naval force is converting five of its Kawasaki-built P-3Cs into surveillance aircraft with side looking imaging radar. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2000. JMSDF has programmes to convert P-3s to other roles.
The first of three UP-3D EW trainers was delivered in 1998 while the first 18 P-3Cs are being upgraded to Update II-standard mission systems. A replacement aircraft will be needed from around 2008. The 1999/2000 budget request included funding for ten more SH-60Js to replace HSS-2B Sea Kings, one US-1A and three TC-90 instrument trainers.
Type No Role
P-3C/OP-3 Orion 101/1 MR/ASW
EP-3C/NP-3C/UP-3D Orion 4/3* ELINT/calib/EW trng
US-1/1A 10 SAR
NAMC YS-11T/M 6/4 ASW trng/trans
King Air TC-/LC-/UC-90 27/8 trng/trans
Fuji KM-2/T-5 (KM-2D) 5/35 trng
Learjet U-36A 5 target towing
MH-53J Sea Stallion 10* minesweeping
S-61A 14 SAR/utility
HSS-2B Sea King 49 ASW
SH-60J Seahawk 60* ASW
UH-60J Black Hawk 11 SAR
OH-6D Cayuse 12 trng
NIHON RIKUJYO JIEITAI (JAPAN GROUND SELF-DEFENCE FORCE/JGSDF)
The JGSDF air element is forming an air mobile brigade. It will receive its first OH-1 armed scout helicopter in early 2000, when it will start to phase out its large fleet of OH-6s. The first XOH-1 was handed over to the Japanese Defence Agency in mid-1997. The JGDSF is also evaluating attack helicopters to replace its Fuji-built AH-1s. The AH-X programme, for around 100 aircraft, is for a new combat type for delivery around 2003.
Fuji is offering a four-bladed, twin-engine Cobra variant and may also make a bid based on the AH-64 Apache. Trading house Marubeni is supporting a Tiger bid. Kawasaki is keen to offer an "AH-2" version of its OH-1. It would have more powerful engines, MTR390s or T800s in place of its 660kW Mitsubishi XTS1-10s. In the 1999/2000 budget request the JGSDF included funding for four OH-1s, three improved UH-60Js, five Fuji UH-1Js, two CH-47JAs and two Raytheon LR-2s.
Type No Role
AH-IF Cobra 84 anti-tank
Kawasaki OH-1 6* scout
CH-47J Chinook 40 trans
KV-107-II (Sea Knight) 11 trans
AS332L Super Puma 3 VIP
UH-60JA 5* trans
UH-1H/J Iroquois 170* trans/mine-lay
OH-6D/J Cayuse 185 AOP/liaison/trng
MU-2 (LR-1) 16 comms
Super King Air (LR-2) 2* comms
JORDAN
AL QUWWAT AL JAWWIYA AL MALAKIYA AL URDUNIYA (ROYAL JORDANIAN AIR FORCE/RJAF)
In late 1997/early 1998 the RJAF received 16 F-16s on five- year lease from the USAF. Before delivery the aircraft had a structural and engine upgrade at the USAF's Ogden Air Logistics Center in Utah. They are used by 2 Squadron at Muafaq Al-Salti Air Base for air defence, bolstering the Mirage F1 squadrons. These aircraft form the basis for an RJAF plan to overhaul its fighter fleet with further F-16s being acquired to replace the tired Mirage F1s and F-5s. Some two-seat F-5s could be upgraded to perform advanced training. Another 70-80 F-16s would be required by 2007. The USA also provided the RJAF's fifth C-130H. The air force requires at least three further Hercules, two CN235Ms and a replacement for its Bulldog primary trainers. Around 12-16 replacements are required. The CN235M gap has been temporarily filled by the lease of two examples from Turkey for 12 months. The RJAF would also like further UH-1Ls and to upgrade at least some of its UH-1Hs which higher-powered engines and new avionics which would make the aircraft better equipped for special forces work. The AH-1s also require upgrades, not least the addition of a night fighting capability.
The RJAF intends to field up to four fixed wing combat squadrons and two AH-1 Cobra squadrons. F-5s could receive a modest upgrade. Two squadrons of Cobras, Nos 10 and 12, were formed in 1986 after deliveries of AH-1s from the USA. The Mirage F1s, F-5s and F-16s are the bulk of the fixed-wing combat assets; Aviojet trainers can also be armed.
The RJAF operates three BO105CBS acquired in 1988 on behalf of the police. The air force has five airbases; the airlift wing, which includes the Royal Flight, is based at King Abdullah AB in Amman. The training college is at King Hussein AB at Mafraq, while three air defence and ground attack wings are based at Al Azraq, Al Jafar and at H5.
Type No Role
F-16A/B 12/4 int
Mirage F1B/C/E 31 int/attack
F-5E/F Tiger 56 int/recce/trng
AH-1F Cobra 21 anti-tank
C-130B/H Hercules 2/5 trans
CN235 2 trans
C212 Aviocar 2 trans/VIP/surv
TriStar 500 1 VIP
S-70 3 VIP
Gulfstream 1 VIP
SA316C Alouette III 1 VIP
TB-20 1 VIP
UH-1H/L Iroquois 36/18 trans
AS332M-1 Super Puma 10 trans
C101CC Aviojet 13 trng
Bulldog 125/125A 17 trng
Hughes 500D 6 trng
BO105CBS 3 police
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN AIR FORCE
Like most CIS states, Kazakhstan claimed most of its air force from Soviet equipment based on its territory after independence in December 1991. It acquired new equipment, MiG-29s and Su-27s, in return for handing over 40 Tupolev Tu-95MS Bears that were left at Semipalatinsk airbase. These aircraft and SS-18 ICBM silos left the Kazaks with a formidable nuclear strike force in theory. The silos were all destroyed by late 1996 and the Bears have gone, leaving the nation with a moderate, short range air force. In February 1999 the Kazak president Nursultan Nazarbayev told a local newspaper that the air force had 36 squadrons and that pilots typically flew 100h a year, compared with the more usual 20h for CIS air forces. Kazakhstan is a signatory to the joint CIS air defence plan. Kazakhstan became embroiled in a scandal in 1999 when it was implicated in the sale of 40 dismantled and stored MiG-21s to North Korea, although these were not part of the air force's inventory.
Type No Role
MiG-23M/U Flogger 100 int/attack/trng
MiG-25PD/U Foxbat 15 int/trng
MiG-31 Foxhound 20 int
MiG-29A/U Fulcrum 36 int/attack/trng
Su-27 Flanker 16 int/attack
Su-24 Fencer 40 attack/recce
Mi-24 Hind 35 attack
Mi-8 Hip 60 assault/trans
An-12 Cub 5 trans
An-24 Coke 1 trans
An-26 Curl 14 trans
Mi-6 Hook 6 trans
Mi-26 Halo 24 trans
757-200 1 VIP
Yak-40 Codling 1 VIP
KENYA
KENYA AIR FORCE
Between 1982 and 1994 the air force operated as The '82 Air Force. After an attempted coup in August 1982 it was disbanded and placed under army control. Its main strike force comprises F-5E Tigers delivered in the late 1970s and based at Laikipia alongside the light strike force of Hawk armed trainers.
The training school and its Tucanos and Bulldogs are at the same air base. Transport and liaison units are based at Moi international airport. The Buffalos will remain in service until at least 2005. Some MD500s have Nitesun searchlights for anti-poaching patrols in game reserves.
Type No Role
F-5E/F Tiger II 6/3 int/FGA/trng
Hawk Mk52 9 trng/attack
Tucano Mk51 11 trng/COIN
BO105CBS 1 liaison
Bulldog 103/127 7 trng
DHC-5D Buffalo 8 trans
DHC-8-100 Dash 8 3 trans
Fokker 70 1 VIP
Dornier 28D Skyservant 6 trans
Hughes 500MD/ME 24/8 anti-tank/COIN
PA-31-350 Navajo 1 VIP
SA330/IAR-330 Puma 3/9 trans
Y-12 6 trans
KUWAIT
AL QUWWAT AL JAWWIYA AL KUWAITIYA (KUWAIT AIR FORCE)
Kuwait acquired 40 F/A-18s after the 1991 Gulf War and sold its A-4 Skyhawks to Brazil. It has also tried to sell its Mirage F1 fleet, which was refurbished after the Gulf War by Dassault and retired in 1993. Kuwait has been evaluating attack helicopters. It selected the AH-64D Apache in late 1997; a letter of acceptance was due to be signed in early 1998 for the aircraft without the Longbow radar, but an order still awaits US Congressional approval. The $800 million deal is expected to include 384 Hellfire missiles, other weapons and spares. An early attempt to buy armed MH-60s was thwarted by its sensor suite, considered too sensitive for export.
Until a new helicopter fleet is delivered, Kuwait's only armed rotorcraft are HOT-capable Gazelles. The air force has two main bases at Ahmed al Jaber and Ali al Salem, although the transports and a large fleet of government aircraft operate from the international airport. Some of the Gazelles and Pumas are used for police duties.
Type No Role
F/A-18 C/D Hornet 32/8 int/attack
Mirage F1CK/BK 14 int/trng (WFU)
Hawk Mk64 12 trng/attack
Shorts Tucano 16 trng
L-100-30 Hercules 3 trans
AS532AF Cougar 3 anti-shipping
SA330H Puma 8 trans/SAR
SA342K Gazelle 16 anti-tank/AOP/police
Boeing 737 1 trans
DC-9/MD-83 1/1 trans
KYRGYZSTAN
REPUBLIC OF KYRGIZIA AIR ARM
The Kyrgyz Republic is a signatory to the CIS joint air defence pact. Its own air arm was inherited from the central Soviet air force training school. This gave the nation a fleet of nearly 70 L-39s, dismantled MiG-21s and various Mi-8s and Mi-24s, but its air force appears limited to a few L-39 Albatros trainers and perhaps 20 Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters. In September 1999 continuing unrest in the Central Asian region led Russia to offer an aid package which reportedly includes Su-24 and Su-25 attack aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters.
LAOS PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
LAOS PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY AIR FORCE
Laos and Russia signed a defence co-operation pact in July 1997. The Laotian air force received 12 Mi-17s in 1998/9. Around the same time, Indian manufacturer HAL was awarded a maintenance deal for 29 MiG-21s, but this collapsed once it was evident the MiG-21's structural life had expired. Laos was forced to abandon its US-supplied fleet and rely on Soviet and Vietnamese aid after the 1975 revolution. Once the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 the air force sought assistance from China and possibly North Korea. The transport aircraft are operated jointly with the national airline, Lao Aviation, which also has Chinese-built Y-12(II)s and Y-7s (An-24 copy). Although the Soviets and Vietnamese jointly constructed a large airfield north of the capital, Vientiane, the air force appears to be based entirely at the capital's airport.
Type No Role
MiG-21PF/U Fishbed 29 int/FGA/trng
An-24 Coke 3 trans
An-26 Curl 6 trans
An-2 Colt 10 trans
Yak-40 Codling 2 VIP
Mi-6 Hook 1 heavylift
Mi-8/17 Hip 9/12 trans
LATVIA
LATVIAS REPUBLIKAS GAISA SPEKI (AIR FORCE)
Latvia's air force was formed in August 1994 after the last Russian forces withdrew. It is based at Lielvarde airbase, built by the Soviets in the late 1970s. The inventory includes four An-2 Colts, eight Mi-2 Hoplites and two Let L-410UVPs. The An-2s and Mi-2s are ex-airline equipment, while the L410s were acquired from the Luftwaffe, which inherited them on German reunification. Its roles include transport, SAR, parachute drops and special forces support. It is evaluating SAR helicopters to supplement and then replace the Mi-2s. The national guard operates An-2s, Wilgas and gliders for transport and air experience.
LEBANON
FORCE AERIENNE LIBANAISE/AL QUWWAT AL JAWWIYA AL LUBNANIYA (AIR FORCE)
Lebanon's years of strife are reflected in its combat fleet, delivered before the civil war erupted in the mid-1970s. Equipment, predominately French helicopters, was received during the civil war. During a visit by then French defence minister Charles Millon in February 1996, it emerged that French defence companies were to upgrade and overhaul the Lebanese air force's Mirages and French-built helicopters and train pilots and technicians. Whether the Mirages have re-entered service is unclear. The UH-1Hs were received from the US Army. Eight more are to follow.
Type No Role
UH-1H 16/8* trans
Hunter F70/T66C 5/1 FGA/trng
Mirage IIIEL/BL 9/1 (stored)
CM170 Magister 5 trng
Bulldog 126 5 trng
Falcon 20 1 VIP/comms
SA330L Puma 9 trans
SE3130 Alouette II 2 comms
SA316B Alouette III 12 trans
SA342L Gazelle 7 anti-tank/AOP
AB212 7 trans
LESOTHO
LESOTHO DEFENCE FORCE - AIR WING
The air wing was formed in December 1978 and is part of the integrated defence force. It has two squadrons, one communications and one transport, based at the capital, Maseru. The transport squadron operates the C212s and the three larger helicopters. The Lesotho Defence Force intends to replace its 1980-vintage BO105s with newer BO105LSs. Civil strife in 1998 led to Mozambique and South Africa sending troops to restore order, but these were withdrawn by late 1999.
Type No Role
C212 Aviocar 300 2 trans
Cessna 182Q 1 liaison/trans
Bell 412SP/EP 2/1 trans
BO105S 2 liaison/VIP
Soloy-Westland-Bell 47G 1 liaison
LIBERIA
LIBERIAN ARMY AIR UNIT
Liberia has been wracked by internal strife since the assassination of the president in 1990. While a West African peacekeeping force controls the capital, Monrovia, the situation is still unstable. The army air unit was a small transport force. Serviceability is likely to be non-existent and some of the aircraft listed have been destroyed during the fighting.
Type No Role
Falcon 20 1 VIP
DHC-4 Caribou 2 trans
IAI-101B Arava 2 trans
Cessna Caravan I 1 trans
Cessna 337G 4 comms
Cessna 185 1 comms
Cessna 172 3 comms
LIBYA
AL QUWWAT AL JAWWIYA AL JAMAHIRIYAN AL LIBYA (LIBYAN ARAB REPUBLIC AIR FORCE)
Libya was a client state of the Soviet Union and received regular supplies of military equipment and technical assistance. The last major delivery was 15 Su-24 Fencers in March/April 1989. The subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union and UN-imposed sanctions from April 1992 make it likely that serviceability is low within the Libya air force and the aviation elements of the army and navy. UN sanctions were lifted in early 1999 and Libya has talked to Russia about upgrades for its MiG-21s and MiG-25s while also expressing an interest in MiG-29s, MiG-31s and long-range SAMs.
In the past, Tripoli made use of advisers from states such as Syria, Pakistan, and North Korea. Probably many of the transport and combat aircraft are in storage. The air force maintains bases around Tripoli, including the ex-US Wheelus AFB; at Ghat, close to the Algerian boarder; at Sabha in the mineral rich central region and at Benghazi, Al Bayda, Tobruk and El Adem (an ex-RAF station) on the Mediterranean coast. The Il-76s are operated by Libyan Arab Air Cargo in civilian markings and some other aircraft fly as part of the flag carrier, Libyan Arab Airlines.
Type No Role
MiG-21MF Fishbed 50 int/attack
MiG-23B/M/L Flogger 75 int/attack
MiG-23BN/U Flogger 40/15 int/attack
MiG-25/R/U Foxbat 40/7/5 int/recce/trng
Mirage F1AD/BD/ED 14/6/15 int/trng/attack
Mirage 5D/DE/DD/DR 30/14/5 int/att/trng/recce
Su-20/22/22M-3 Fitter 80 FGA
Su-24MK Fencer 12 strike
Tu-22A/U Blinder 6/2 bomber/trng
Mi-24 Hind 21 attack
An-26 Curl 15 trans
Boeing 707-320 1 trans
C-130H/L-100-20/30 5/2/3 trans
G222 16 trans
Il-76M Candid 18 trans
C-140 Jetstar 1 trans
CH-47 6 trans
AB212 2 trans
Mi-8 Hip 7 trans
Gulfstream II 1 VIP
SN601 Corvette 1 VIP
CM170 Magister 12 trng
G2AE Galeb 80 trng/COIN
Jastreb J1E 24 COIN
KC-130H Hercules 2 tanker
Let-410UVP 15 trans
L-39ZO Albatros 150 trng/attack
Mi-2 Hoplite 20 trng
SF260WL Warrior 120 trng/COIN
NAVY
SA321 Super Frelon 7 ASW/SAR
Mi-14PL Haze 12 ASW
ARMY
O-1E Bird Dog 10 liaison
CH-47C Chinook 14 trans
AB206A JetRanger 5 liaison
SA342L Gazelle 40 anti-tank/liaison
AB205 5 liaison
LITHUANIA
LIETUVOS KARINES ORO PAJEGOS (AIR FORCE)
On 2 January, 1992, the service formed as Aviation Service (Aviacijos Tarnyba) but was renamed in March 1993. Created on 12 March, 1919, it was dissolved after the Soviet takeover of the Baltic states in 1939. It operates five squadrons from three airfields and a radar/airspace surveillance command base, established in 1996, at Kaunas. Bases are at Zokniai near Siauliai, Pajuostis near Panevezys and at Kazlu Ruda. Four L-39 Albatros acquired from the Kyrgyz Republic were joined by two new aircraft from Aero. The Lithuanian national guard is a separate organisation based at Silute.
Type No Role
Mi-8 Hip 11 trans/SAR/medevac
L-39 Albatros 6 trng/attack
L-410 Turbolet 2 VIP
An-2 Colt 6 trans
An-26 Curl 3 trans/medevac
Mi-2 Hoplite 4 trans
LITHUANIAN NATIONAL GUARD
An-2 Colt 4 cargo trans
Yak-18T 1 trng/comms
Yak-52 20 trng/comms
Yak-55 1 trng
PA-38A 1 trng/comms
W-35A 4 trng/comms
L-13 Blanik 12 trng
LAK-12 2 trng
Jantar-Standart 2 trng
MACEDONIA
ARMIJA REPUBLIKA MACEDONIJA (ARMY AIR ELEMENT)
Macedonia has been promised 20 surplus-to-requirements F-5A/Bs by Turkey to form the basis of an armed air force. Turkey has also offered access to its training programme. The rest of the ARM's inventory is six Mi-8/17 helicopters which are used for transport and fire-fighting, four Zlin 242 trainers and a Super King Air. All aircraft are based at the capital, Skopje. A UN arms embargo was lifted in June 1996.
MADAGASCAR
ARMEE DE L'AIR MALGACHE (AIR FORCE)
A single fighter and ground attack squadron is equipped with MiG-17s and MiG-21s. These aircraft had been kept airworthy with help from foreign advisers, usually North Korean, and are unlikely to be replaced by newer types. Transports are mixed Western and Soviet types, while Cessna 172s are used for basic training.
Type No Role
MiG-21FL/U Fishbed 8/2 int/FGA/trng
MiG-17F Fresco 4 FGA
An-26 Curl 6 trans
Mi-8 Hip 6 trans
BN-2A Defender 1 trans
Yak-40 Codling 2 VIP
PA-23 Aztec 1 comms
Cessna F337 1 comms
Cessna 172 4 trng
MALAWI
MALAWI ARMY AIR WING
MAAW's main base is in the south at Blantyre-Chileka; it is home to the fixed wing fleet which includes C-47s re-engined with turboprops by Basler of the USA. Helicopters are grouped in a single squadron at the capital, Lilongwe. Malawi also has a Police Air Wing which operates three armed BN-2T Defenders on border patrol as well as a Skyvan 3M, four Cessnas and a Dauphin.
Type No Role
Basler Turbo 67 (C-47) 2 trans
Dornier 228 3 trans
Dornier 28D Skyservant 4 trans
BAe 125-800 1 VIP
SA330F Puma 3 trans
AS350L-1 Ecureuil 1 comms
AS365N Dauphin 1 comms
MALAYSIA
TENTARA UDARA DIRAJA MALAYSIA (ROYAL MALAYSIAN AIR FORCE)
The Malaysian air force has significantly upgraded its combat fleet in the last few years, taking delivery of F/A-18Ds, MiG-29s and Hawk 200s. However, an order for an airborne early warning aircraft has been delayed because of the Asian economic crisis which has trimmed Malaysia's defence spending. The AEW contenders are the 737-700 equipped with a multirole electronically scanned array (MESA) radar and the ERJ-145 with the Ericsson Erieye radar. The MiG-29s were delivered in 1995 but are being upgraded to allow integration of the Vympel R-77 (AA-12 Adder) air-to-air active radar guided missiles and the Kh-27T (AS-14 Kedge) air-to-surface missile. Other changes include the addition of a retractable in-flight refuelling probe. The first two aircraft were re-delivered in May 1998, the remainder by mid-1999.
In September 1999, Malaysia was on the verge of signing a deal for 40 Mi-17s and was discussing a purchase of Su-27s. The Malaysian air force finally received six IPTN-built CN235Ms in 1999 which should have been handed over in December 1996. Asia's economic crisis hit Malaysia hard and plans to replace Alouette IIIs with up to nine scout helicopters and an upgrade of the F-5 fleet which has been under consideration since mid-1996 have both been postponed. Other desires include 12-16 more F/A-18Ds, another 12 Hawk 200s and possibly another squadron of MiG-29s. The MD3-160s used for training are indigenous light aircraft built by the Selangor-based SME.
Type No Role
MiG-29N/U Fulcrum 16/2 air superiority
F/A-18D Hornet 8 int/attack
F-5E/F Tiger II/RF-5E 13/3/2 int/trng/recce
Hawk 100/200 10/17 attack/trng
MB339A 10 trng
PC-7 Turbo-Trainer 38 trng
Beech King Air 200 4 MP
C-130H/H-30/H-MP 9/2/3 trans/tank/MR
CN235 6* trans
DH-4A Caribou 11 trans
F28 Fellowship 1000 1 royal flt
Falcon 900 1 VIP
Cessna 402B 9 trng/liaison/VIP
MD3-160 20 trng
S-61A Nuri/AS61N 31 trans/VIP
Agusta A109C 1 VIP
SA316B Alouette III 13 liaison
S-70A Black Hawk 2 VIP
TENTARA LAUT DIRAJA MALAYSIA (ROYAL MALAYSIAN NAVY)
Malaysia signed a deal for six Super Lynx maritime helicopters in September 1999. The type was selected in 1997 over the SH-2 Super SeaSprite. The first delivery is due in 2001 with all machines to be delivered by 2003. The small naval air element was created in 1988 to operate 12 ex-Royal Navy Wasp helicopters. Based at Lumut while ashore, the helicopters embark aboard the navy's frigates and corvettes. Around half the fleet is operational at any one time. Another competition, for up to 30 helicopters to operate from 27 German-built corvettes, is expected to be a repeat of the Lynx/SH-2 battle.
TENTARA DARAT DIRAJA MALAYSIA (ROYAL MALAYSIAN ARMY)
The small Malaysian army air arm was formed in 1997 and has 10 SA316B Alouette IIIs based at Keluang which it uses for observation and light transport roles. A 15-year plan foresees army aviation growing to around 300 transport and attack helicopters. The first stage in the development is a requirement for up to 12 attack helicopters; the South African CSH-2 Rooivalk has been selected over the AH-64 Apache. Like other potential procurements, financial difficulties have delayed contract signing and the long-term expansion plan. A heavy transport helicopter is on the wish list and the army has evaluated the CH-47 Chinook.
MALDIVES
NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE
The Maldives Defence Force does not have an air element but operates air surveillance flights by leasing aircraft from the national carrier, Air Maldives. It also has an Mi-8 Hip on loan from the Indian air force.
MALI
FORCE AERIENNE DE LA REPUBLIC DU MALI (MALIAN REPUBLIC AIR FORCE)
The Mali air force operates a mainly Russian fleet. The former Soviet Union supplied MiG-21s in 1986 to supplement MiG-17s donated in the late 1960s. Three C-47s re-engined by Basler were delivered in 1997-8, but one has been lost. The single air defence/ground attack squadron which uses these aircraft is at the capital's Bamako-Senou airport, the air force's principal airfield. The MiG-17s have little or no useful life left and it is doubtful that the MiG-21s are operational. The training school is near Gao in the east.
Type No Role
MiG-21MF/U Fishbed 10/1 int/trng
MiG-17F Fresco 5 FGA
MiG-15UTI Midget 1 trng
L-29 Delfin 6 trng
Yak-18 Max 2 trng
Yak-11 Moose 4 trng
BT-67 2 trans
An-26 Curl 2 trans
An-24 Coke 2 trans
An-2 Colt 2 comms
AS350B Ecureuil 1 comms
Mi-8 Hip 1 trans
MALTA
ARMED FORCES OF MALTA AIR SQUADRON
The Luqa-based Air Squadron is part of 2 Regiment, Armed Forces of Malta. It took delivery of its second Islander in September 1998. During 1999 it disposed of a Bird Dog. Three of the Alouette IIIs were overhauled in France by the manufacturer in 1992 after long term storage. The two other Alouette IIIs were acquired from the Netherlands. Air Squadron plans to replace its Bird Dog fleet, purchased in 1992, have been dropped. The Italian military mission attached to the armed forces of Malta operates two AB212 helicopters, jointly manned by Italian and Maltese crews on SAR duties. Malta sold two other Bell 47s and its two AB206 JetRangers in 1998.
Type No Role
Bell 47G-2 2 patrol
BN-2B Islander 2 patrol/SAR
Hughes H369M (NH500M) 2 patrol
O-1E Bird Dog 5 patrol
SA316B/SE3160 Alouette III 3/2 patrol/medevac/SAR
MAURITANIA
FORCE AERIENNE ISLAMIQUE DE MAURITANIE (MAURITANIAN ISLAMIC AIR FORCE)
Mauritania's small air force combat capability is vested in its armed BN-2A Defenders and half of its Cessna 337s. The other Cessnas and the rest of the air force operate on transport and patrol duties. The latter includes maintaining a watch on its border with Western Sahara and Morocco, although it has withdrawn from occupied territories. It maintains observer status on the long-running talks between the Sahrawi people and its Polisario Front guerrillas from Western Sahara and Morocco. Mauritania's air force is based at the capital, Nouakchott, but deploys to 10 other airports.
Type No Role
BN-2A Defender 4 COIN/patrol
Cessna FTB337G/F337F 2/2 COIN/comms
PA-31 Cheyenne II 2 coastal patrol
Harbin Y-12 (II) 2 trans
Xian Y-7 1 trans
DHC-5D Buffalo 1 trans
MAURITIUS
MAURITIUS COAST GUARD
Mauritius coastguard operates a Dornier 228 and a BN-2T Defender from Plaisance airport. It undertakes maritime surveillance and patrols the island state's exclusive economic zone. A police wing operates two SA316B Alouette IIIs.
MEXICO
FUERZA AEREA MEXICANA (AIR FORCE)
Although it operates air defence F-5s, COIN-configured AT-33s and Aravas as well as some PC-7s, the Mexican air force is predominately a transport force with a large presidential and VIP fleet. The F-5s equip a single squadron at Santa Lucia in central Mexico, while the AT-33s are divided between a squadron at the F-5 base and other units at Merida and Ixtepec in the south. PC-7 COIN units are located around the country, while those used as trainers equip a college at Zapopan. Most recent procurement has been on equipment for paramilitary units run by the attorney general and tasked with destroying the illicit drugs industry.
Type No Role
F-5E/F Tiger II 8/2 int
AT-33A Shooting Star 30 trng/COIN
IAI201 Arava 12 COIN/SAR/trans
Schweizer SA 2-37A 1 anti-drug
C-130A Hercules 9 trans
C-47 Dakota 12 trans
Boeing 727 3 trans
Boeing 737 3 pres flt
Boeing 757-225 1 pres flt
Gulfstream III 2 pres flt
Merlin II/III/IV 6 comms
Convair 580 1 comms
T-39 Sabreliner 9 comms/trng
Skyvan 3M 1 comms
Commander 500 14 comms
Turbo Commander 500/680 2/2 comms
King Air C90/Super King Air 7 comms
AS332L Super Puma 1 pres flt
S-70A/UH-60L Black Hawk 2/9 pres flt/trans
SA330F Puma 2 trans
AS355F Ecureuil 2 trans
Bell 206L-3 LongRanger 5 trans
Bell 212 15 trans
UH-1H Iroquois 60 trans
MD530F/MD530 14 trans
PC-7 Turbo-Trainer 75 trng/COIN
F33 Bonanza 40 trng
Maule MX-7-180 20 trng
PT-17 Stearman 12 trng
AVIACION DE LA ARMADA DE MEXICO (NAVAL AIR ARM)
Mexico's naval air arm is predominately a land-based force which specialises in transport, coastal patrol and SAR work. C212s are equipped for patrol. The BO105s are based on the navy's corvettes. A locally designed and built light aircraft, the Tonatiuh, is used as a primary trainer. Four MD500E training helicopters were purchased in 1990. Two MH-90 Explorers were delivered in 1999 and two more will follow for use with the navy's frigates. Most aircraft are based close to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, reflecting their patrol role, although a transport squadron is based in Mexico City.
Type No Role
TP-90 Redigo 10 COIN/attack
C212-200 Aviocar 8 coastal patrol
Mi-8 Hip 20 trans
MD900 2/6* patrol
DHC-5D Buffalo 1 trans
An-32 Clank 4 trans
King Air 90 1 comms
UH-1H Iroquois 2 trans
BO105C/CB 6/5 shipborne SAR
Alouette III 3 SAR
AS550 Fennec 4 trans
PA-23 Aztec 2 patrol
PA-31 Navajo 1 patrol
Cessna 182 1 patrol
Cessna 210 1 patrol
Cessna 206 1 patrol
Cessna 337G 1 patrol/comms
Cessna 402/404/421 2/1/1 patrol/comms
Tonatiuh MX-1 9 trng
Learjet 24D 1 VIP
Sabreliner 60 1 VIP
Commander 695 1 comms
F-33C Bonanza 10 trng
Cessna 152 6 trng
FH-227 1 trans
B55 Baron 10 comms
MD500E 4 trng
MOLDOVA
MOLDOVAN AIR FORCE
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 Moldova inherited 34 MiG-29 Fulcrums of various sub-variants which had equipped the former 86th naval fighter air wing at Makuleshty. The aircraft proved expensive to operate and at one stage they were leased or loaned to South Yemen. The USA bought 21 of them - a mix of Fulcrum As, Cs and Us - for $40 million in 1997, prompted by concern that they could be sold to Iran. Moldova intended to use the funds for combat helicopters but no purchase has yet been reported. The rest of the MiG-29 force was sold to Eritrea. The air force operates eight Mi-8 Hip helicopters and 10 An-2 Colts, three An-72 Coalers, and single examples of the Tu-134, An-24 and Il-18.
MONGOLIA
MONGOLIAN AIR FORCE
Formerly Soviet controlled, this small air force is administered by the army, and is operated along former-Soviet lines with equipment provided by the then USSR. A visit to Mongolia by the C-in-C US Pacific Command in 1997 revealed that the MiG-21s were in open storage and that returning them to airworthiness was probably not cost-effective. The Mi-24Vs are probably stored.
Type No Role
MiG-21PFM/UM Fishbed 8/2 int/trng
An-24 Coke 4 trans
An-26 Curl 3 trans
An-2 Colt 10 trans
Y-12 (II) 4 trans
Mi-24V Hind 11 anti-tank
Mi-8 Hip 14 trans
MOROCCO
AL QUWWAT AL JAWWIYA AL MALAKIYA MARAKISHIYA (ROYAL MOROCCAN AIR FORCE)
Morocco has discussed upgrading of its F-5s with Israel, but funding is not available. The Mirage F1s were upgraded by Dassault in 1996/7. It is considering buying 15-20 Mirage 2000-5s but such a purchase will require financial assistance from the UAE. Obtaining extra Alpha Jets from Germany fell foul of strict export controls. The air force is divided over five air bases. Marrakech is home to the training school, which operates the AS202s, Bravos, and T-37B, the Marche Verte national aerobatic team and a COIN squadron with OV-10As. No 2 Air Base at Meknes is home to the F-5 fleet, split between two squadrons and the Alpha Jets which are used for COIN and advanced training duties. Kenitra, No 3 Air Base, hosts the transport squadron's Hercules and CN235s, a Falcon EW aircraft and a VIP squadron.
The Mirage F1s are split between two air defence and a single fighter-bomber squadron at No 5 Air Base at Sidi Slimane. Rabat is home to the largest part of the air force. It is the base for the Dornier 28D maritime/coastal patrol squadron, the business jets of the VIP Squadron and seven or so helicopter squadrons. The air force saw action over Western Sahara which Morocco claims and administers. Since 1991, however, the UN has been trying to hold a referendum on the issue.
The Escadron Aerien Gendarmerie Royale (Royal Police Air Squadron) operates helicopters on various duties including surveillance and transport.
Type No Role
F-5A/B/E/F/RF-5A Tiger 10/3/16/4/2 FGA/trng/recon
Mirage F-1EH/CH 15/20 int/attack
OV-10A Bronco 4 COIN/FAC
Alpha Jet 23 attack/trng
SA342 Gazelle 24 anti-tank/COIN
KC/C-130H/RC-130 2/13 tank/trans/surv
CN235M 7 trans/VIP
Dornier 28D Skyservant 3 coast patrol
CH-47C Chinook 9 trans
AB205A 27 trans
AB212 3 trans
SA330C Puma 27 trans
Falcon 20 1/3 ELINT/trans
Falcon 50 1 comms
Gulfstream II 1 comms
Gulfstream III 1 comms
Citation V 2 comms
King Air 100/200/300 5/3/3 comms/trng
AB206 JetRanger 20 comms
T-37B Tweet 14 trng
AS202A Bravo 10 FAC
T-34C Turbo-Mentor 12 trng
CAP10B/231 2/7 aerobatic team
ESCADRON AERIEN GENDARMERIE ROYALE
SA315B Lama 2 paramilitary
SA330C Puma 7 paramilitary
SA342K Gazelle 5 paramilitary
AS365N Dauphin 2 paramilitary
S-70A Black Hawk 2 paramilitary
MOZAMBIQUE
FORCA AEREA DE MOZAMBIQUE (AIR FORCE)
Although basically a stable country following elections in 1994, Mozambique and its armed forces still suffer from the consequences of a 16-year civil war which ended in 1992. Mozambique was reliant on the Soviet Union for its defence equipment. The civil war, withdrawal of Cuban advisers and a perilous financial state mean that around 50 MiG-15UTIs, MiG-17s and MiG-21s are no longer operational. Previously, Soviet-built fighters equipped squadrons at Beira, Maputo, Nacala and Nampula. It appears that the last squadrons, which were based at the capital and Nampula, have been disbanded. Mi-24 Hinds make up the remaining combat element and these, with Mi-8 Hips, are stationed at Nampula. Transports and trainers are based at Maputo.
Type No Role
Mi-24 Hind 4 attack
Mi-8 Hip 5 assault
An-26 Curl 5 trans
C212 Aviocar 2 trans/liaison
Cessna 172 1 trans/liaison
Cessna 152 2 trans/liaison
PA-32 Cherokee Six 4 liaison/trng
Zlin 326 7 trng
MYANMAR
TAMDAW LAY (ARMED FORCES)
Myanmar's armed forces govern the country and continue to fight Karen rebels near the border - and occasionally across the border - with Thailand. As much of the world views Myanmar as a pariah state, it is dependent on support from China. It has, however, reportedly been discussing MiG-29 and Mi-24 purchases with Russia. China delivered F-7s and A-5s from 1990 and is now helping construct an airbase in Manerpaw and continues to train pilots at Namzarng. Myanmar has also discussed upgrading its F-7s with Israel along the lines of the Elbit/Aerostar MiG-21 modification programme. This includes avionics and cockpit changes and compatibility with the Python 3 air-to-air missile. Four K-8 trainers were ordered in 1998.
Type No Role
F-7M/FT7 (MiG-21) 30/6 int/FGA
A-5M Fantan 22 FGA
Super Galeb G4 10 COIN/trng
PC-7 Turbo-Trainer 15 COIN/trng
PC-9 9 COIN/trng
F27/FH227 Friendship 3/4 trans
PC-6B Turbo-Porter 7 trans
Shaanxi Y-8D (An-12 Cub) 2 trans
Bell 205A-1 12 trans
Mi-17 Hip 12* trans
Citation II 1 VIP/survey
Cessna 180 6 comms
Bell 206 JetRanger 6 comms
W-3 Sokol 10 comms/SAR
Mi-2 Hoplite 15 comms
K-8 Karakorum 4* trng
Source: Flight International
