UGANDA
UGANDA PEOPLE'S DEFENCE FORCE
Uganda's political unrest over the past two decades continues with insurgency in the north, and an overspill from conflicts in the DR Congo and Rwanda in the South. The large Soviet-supplied combat fleet delivered in the 1970s has been destroyed or disintegrated where it sat. Reports that MiG-23s and Mi-24s were handed over in 1998-9 by Russia cannot be confirmed. The air force now operates communications/light transport types, both fixed and rotary wing, leaving two armed helicopters for combat duties. Its principal airbases are the nation's international airport at Entebbe, Arua, and Jinja. Reports suggest the L-39s never became operational following delivery. The police air wing forms part of the Uganda People's Defence Force. It is Entebbe-based.
Type No Role
AS202 Bravo 2 trans/trng
Mi-8/17 Hip 5 COIN/trans
Gulfstream III 1 trans
L-39 Albatros 3 trng
SF260W 4 trng/COIN
AB412 5 trans
AB206 JetRanger 3 liaison
POLICE AIR WING
DHC-6 Twin Otter 1 police (stored)
Bell 212 2 police
Bell 206B JetRanger 2 police
UKRAINE
VOYENNO-VOZDUSHNYYE SILY (MILITARY AIR FORCES)
The Soviet Union's collapse left Ukraine with one of Europe's largest and strongest air forces, on paper at least. A large part of the USSR's air assets were stationed in Ukraine, including the majority of the Tu-160 Blackjack fleet and significant numbers of MiG-29 Fulcrums and Su-27 Flankers. However, paper strength and reality are often far removed. The Ukrainian air force's strength appears to include large numbers of stored aircraft and serviceability and aircrew flying hours are both reported as low. The Fifth Aviation Corps at Odessa and the Fourteenth Aviation Corps at Lvov control combat aircraft. Transport units and the Tu-22M-equipped bomber force both report to air force headquarters in Kiev, as does the Kharkov-based training school and the Nikolayev combat training centre. The Tu-22M Backfire bomber force is divided between two regiments at Priluki and Poltava. A regiment of older Tu-22 Blinders is used in the reconnaissance role based at Nezhin. The Su-24s are divided between five strike regiments, with Su-24MR variants serving in mixed type dedicated reconnaissance regiments. The fighters are divided between six regiments.
In 1999 The Ukrainians and Russians finally agreed to return strategic bombers. Eight of 19 Tu-160s and three of 27 Tu-95 Bears have been transferred from the Ukraine in return for reducing its debt to Russia. The remainder will rot where they stand at the Uzin and Priluki bases. Until the START treaty is fully implemented Ukraine remains a nuclear power.
Type No Role
Tu-22M Backfire 55 bomber
Tu-22R Blinder 26 recce
MiG-29 A/C/UB Fulcrum 225 int/attack/trng
MiG-23M/UB Flogger 150 int/trng
Su-27/UB Flanker 70 int/trng
Su-25 Frogfoot 65 attack
Su-24M/MR/MP Fencer 230 attack/recce/EW
Be-12 Mail 14 MR/ASW
Tu-22R Blinder 26 recce
Su-17M/UM Fitter 55 recce
Mi-6 Hook 20 trans/cmt sup
Il-22 Coot 1 cmd pt
An-12 Cub 21 trans
An-24 Coke 13 trans
An-26 Curl 28 trans
An-30 Clank 2 survey
An-72 Coaler 26 trans
Il-76/78 Candid 100 trans/tank-tran
Tu-134/UBL Crusty 2/3 VIP/trng
Yak-40 Codling 6 comms
An-2 Colt 50 trans
Mil-8/17 Hip 110 trans/EW
L-39 Albatros 450 trng
Yak-52 230 trng
AVIATSIYA VOYENNO MOSKOYO FLOTA (NAVAL AIR ARM)
Ukraine has ceased declaring any naval fixed wing combat aircraft as part of its obligations to the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty. It previously operated MiG-29s, Su-25s, Tu-22Ms and Su-17s which appear to have been transferred to the air force. The naval air arm appears to be shore-based at Ochakov. The fleet is being established with possibly only two or three ships currently aviation capable.
Type No Role
Ka-27/29 Helix 12/4 ASW/assault
Ka-25 Hormone 18 ASW
Mi-14PL Haze 5 ASW
An-12 Cub 1 trans
An-26 Curl 1 trans
Mi-8 Hip 8 trans
UKRAINIAN GROUND FORCES
Ukraine's army aviation assets include large numbers of air assault helicopters, Mi-24 Hinds and Mi-8 Hips. Many are unused and in storage, as are some of its other three
helicopter types. Some reports suggest the entire fleet of Mi-2s is non-operational. The helicopter fleet is controlled by three geographical commands: western, based at Lvov; northern, based at Chernigov; and southern, based at Odessa. They control seven army aviation brigades, organic to elements of the ground forces. Each brigade operates Mi-24s and transports, apart from 2 Brigade based at Chernobayevka in southern command which operates only Mi-6 command posts and Mi-8s, as it is attached to army command. Other bases include Brody, Gnoymo and Kalinovka in the west; Beridichev and Vapnyarka in the north; and Raukhovka in the south.
Type No Role
Mi-24 Hind 250 attack/recce/EW
Mi-8 Hip 240 trans/cmd pt/EW
Mi-6 Hook 50 trans/cmd pt
Mi-26 Halo 25 trans
Mi-2 Hoplite 50 trans
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AIR FORCE
The UAEAF is funded by the seven emirates - Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain - which form the UAE. Combat aircraft, trainers and transports are controlled jointly. Four of the states have aircraft operated as royal flights. The largest procurement decision has been the selection of a multirole fighter. The F-16 Block 60 was selected in May 1998, beating off competition from the Typhoon and Rafale. Subsequent progress has been slow, not least because of issues relating to the release of software associated with the EW suite and other issues. First delivery was scheduled for 2002 but this has probably slipped. A final contract may be signed by the end of 1999, possibly during the November Dubai air show. The aircraft will be armed with the AIM-120 AMRAAM and the UAE's Marconi Electronic Systems-developed precision guided munitions family. Dassault did not lose out entirely, as the UAE also ordered 30 Mirage 2000-9s and committed to upgrade 33 of its Mirage 2000 fleet. The -9 has both an air-to-air and air-to-surface capability and will be equipped with Matra BAe Dynamics Mica active radar guided medium range AAMs and ASRAAM short-range IR guided AAMs. A further buy of BAe Hawks for light attack duties could be sunk by a German offer of used Alpha Jets. The aircraft have a low purchase price but are expensive to return to an airworthy state. They have been stored for several years. The Hawks are also compatible with a range of UK-developed munitions not cleared on the Alpha Jet. The first of seven AS15TT-armed Panther helicopters is to be delivered by late 1999 with the remainder to arrive in 2000.
The air force is split into a western and central air command based in Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively. Western command has air bases at Al Dhafra, Bateen, and Al Ain Sharjah international airport. The last of these is home to a squadron of armed Gazelles, the air force college and a communications flight equipped with JetRangers. The largest base is Al Dhafra which has two squadrons of Mirage 2000s and one with Mirage 5s. It is also home to the Abu Dhabi Royal Flight, the AH-64As, the Cougars and the Puma transports. Central command's assets are all at Mindhat and are divided between a light attack squadron equipped with Hawks, a transport squadron, a helicopter squadron, a flying school and the Dubai Royal Flight. Dubai took over the aircraft of the Sharjah Amiri Guard Air Wing in 1995.
ABU DHABI
Type No Role
F-16C/D Block 60 80‡ int/attack
Mirage 2000-9 30 int/attack
Mirage 2000E/R/D 22/5/6 int/att/rec/trng
Mirage VA/R/D/E 12/3/3/14 int/att/rec/trng
AH-64A Apache 30 anti-tank
SA342L Gazelle 12 anti-tank
AS532UC/SC Cougar 8/2 trans/ASW
AS565SA Panther 7* ASW
CN235M/MPA 7/4 trans/MR
C212-200 Aviocar 4 trans
C-130H Hercules 4 trans
SA330 Puma 8 trans
BO105CBS 4 trans
Hawk Mk63/100 20/18 trng/armed trng
PC-7 Turbo-Trainer 24 trng
Grob G115 Acro 12 trng
A300-620 2 Royal Flt
BAe 146-100 1 Royal Flt
Super King Air 350 2 Royal Flt
747SP 1 Royal Flt
Falcon 900 3 Royal Flt
AS332L Super Puma 2 Royal Flt
DUBAI
MB326KD/LD 3/2 COIN/trng
Hawk Mk61 8 armed trng
C-130H-30/L-100-30 2 trans
SC7 Skyvan 1 trans
Shorts 330UUT 1 trans
AB205A 6 trans
Bell 212 2 trans/Royal Flt
Bell 214B 4 trans
AB412 6 trans
IAR330 Puma 10 trans
BO105CBS 3 comms/police
B206B/AB206B JetRanger 2/3 comms
Bell 206L LongRanger 1 comms
BN-2T Islander 1 comms/patrol
MB339A 4 trng
SF260TP 5 trng
747SP 1 Royal Flt
Gulfstream II/IV 2 Royal Flt
S-76A 1 Royal Flt
AS365N Dauphin 1 Royal Flt
RAS AL KHAIMAH
Citation I 1 Royal Flt/comms
SHARJAH
737-200 1 Royal Flt/comms
Bell 206B JetRanger 3 comms
UMM AL QAIWAN
Bell 222 1 comms
‡in negotiation to be upgraded
UNITED KINGDOM
ROYAL AIR FORCE
The UK's Strategic Defence Review (SDR) in July 1998 cut back on numbers in all forces, but it did promise all three services new equipment and set in place a series of initiatives to meet changes in the world order head-on. It also placed much emphasis on joint operations. Some tri-service elements were already in place; a combined Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) was opened in 1997 for at least basic training of rotary wing pilots in the AAC, RN and RAF. Other joint efforts include a Joint Rapid Reaction Force, Joint Force 2000 combines RAF Harriers and RN Sea Harriers in a single task force inside a larger maritime command, and Joint Helicopter Command brings together the three services' support and armed helicopters. Major RAF procurement programmes are centred on its intended buy of 232 Eurofighters which are due to enter service in 2003/4 to replace Tornado F3s in the air defence role and Jaguar ground attack aircraft.
The Jaguar fleet has received a series of incremental updates, mainly because of its unstinting service in global trouble spots since 1990. These programmes, which have overhauled its cockpit, upgraded its engines and added new weapons, are now the model for the government's "Smart Procurement" initiative designed to reduce the length and complexity of procurement programmes. An ASTOR airborne stand-off radar selection was made in 1999 with Raytheon supplying the five systems based on Bombardier Global Express airframe. First deliveries are scheduled for 2005. Aircraft will be based at Waddington. In August 1998 Lockheed Martin delivered the first of 25 C-130J Hercules to Boscombe Down, two years behind schedule. The first squadron C-130J was handed over on 23 November 1999.
A second batch of 25 transports will be required in the early years of the next decade. Contenders include more C-130Js, the European Airbus A400M and Boeing C-17s. The SDR committed the RAF to a short-term lease of four "C-17 or similar" aircraft. The competition was scrapped in mid-1999, although the requirement remains. A combined FTA/STSA decision is due for announcement in early 2000. The RAF also needs new tanker transports and it is expected to order 20-30 Airbus A310/Boeing 767-sized aircraft. In September 1999, six consortiums were asked to make submissions based on a public-private finance initiative. Major weapons programmes are a Beyond Visual Range Medium Range Air to Air Missile for the EF2000: the Marconi Brimstone anti-tank missile and the Matra BAe Storm Shadow stand-off weapon have already triumphed in other contests, as has ASRAAM, which should have entered service in December 1998, but is at least a year late. Tornado F3s and GR1s are both receiving upgrades. The F3's upgrade is relatively modest, equipping it for ASRAAM and AMRAAM, while the GR1 to GR4 upgrade programme is more extensive and several years late, but aircraft have started to arrive at the squadrons. It includes a new databus, cockpit, weapons and sensors. Work is being carried out at BAe's Warton factory. BAe won the RAF's maritime patrol aircraft competition and is rebuilding 21 of the Nimrod fleet with new wings, BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 engines and other structural improvements, plus fitting the refurbished airframe with a Boeing missions system and new sensors. Other purchases include 14 new Chinooks, which are being delivered, and 22 Merlin transports which will arrive in squadron service in 2000; Sentrys are receiving radar upgrades, and Hawk trainers are receiving new fuselages. The Tornado GR4s will eventually be replaced by the Future Offensive Air System (FOAS).
The RAF's chain of command is split into Strike Command, which controls operations, Logistics Command, which controls supply and engineering, and Personnel and Training Command. Strike Command at RAF High Wycombe is split into the co-located 1 and 38 Groups and 11/18 Group, which has elements at Bentley Priory for air defence and Northwood for maritime operations. No 1 Group operates the Tornado GR1/4 squadrons including 15 (Reserve) Squadron at Lossiemouth which, like all Reserve Squadrons in 1 Group, is the operational conversion unit; it became the national type training unit in 1999 when the Anglo/Italian/German Tornado Tri-national Training Establishment closed. 15(R) Squadron shares Lossiemouth with 12 and 617 Squadrons with maritime strike Tornado GR1Bs, while the reconnaissance-configured GR1As are based at Marham and operated by 2 and 13 Squadrons. Bruggen in Germany plays host to the Tornados of 9, 14, 17 and 31 Squadrons. The RAF is to withdraw from Germany by 2002. One unit, 17 Squadron, is due to disband under the provisions of the SDR while 14 Squadron will move to Lossiemouth and the other two to Marham. Tactical support is provided by the Harriers of 1, 3, 4 and 20 (Reserve) Squadrons and the Jaguars of 6, 41 54 and 16 (Reserve) Squadrons. The Harriers of 3 and 4 Squadron moved from Laarbruch in Germany to Cottesmore in 1999 when the German station is closed. Wittering is home to 1 and 20 Squadrons. Jaguars are based at Coltishall, except the reserve unit which is at Lossiemouth but is due to join the other three squadrons. 1 Group also controls the support helicopter force of 7,18 and 27 Squadrons at Odiham, all with the Chinook; while the Puma equips 33 Squadron at Benson as well as part of 72 and 230 Squadrons at Aldergrove. Benson is also home to the second flight of 72 Squadron which operates the Wessex. 11/18 Group manages the UK's air and maritime defence and SAR services. The air defence element is formed of 43 and 111 Squadrons at Leuchars, 11 and 25 Squadrons at Leeming and 29 and 56 (Reserve) Squadrons at Coningsby. All air defence units operate the Tornado F3. 29 Squadron is due to disband as part of the SDR reduction in Tornado F3s. Leeming is also home to the Hawks of 100 Squadron. Sentry AEW1s are based at Waddington with the crews split between 8 and 23 Squadrons.
Three ASW squadrons - 42 (Reserve), 201 and 206 Squadrons - operate the Nimrod MR2 from Kinloss. Sea Kings are operated by 22 and 202 Squadrons which maintain SAR flights around the UK. 38 Group is responsible for five Hercules Squadrons - 24, 30, 47, 70 and 57 (Reserve) - at Lyneham; 32 (The Royal) Squadron at Northolt with BAe 146s, 125s and leased Twin Squirrels; 10 Squadron with VC10 tanker transports, 101 Squadron with VC10 tankers and 216 Squadron with TriStars at Brize Norton. Other Strike Command units include 84 Squadron on Cyprus with Wessex; and units of the Falklands Garrison at Mount Pleasant which includes 78 Squadron with Sea Kings and Chinooks, 1312 Flight with a single Hercules and a single VC10 tanker and 1435 Flight which flies Tornado F3s. Flying training is operated by a mixture of civilian contractors and the RAF. The Joint Elementary Flying Training School at Barkston Heath is operated by Hunting and uses Fireflys; Basic flying training is conducted on the Shorts Tucano at Linton on Ouse by 1 Flying Training School (FTS) which also is home to part of the Central Flying School (CFS). 3FTS is based at the Cranwell, home to the RAF College, and uses the Jetstream for multi-engine training, Dominie for navigator training and the Bulldog. Fast jet advanced training is with 4FTS at Valley using the Hawk. Valley is also home to the SAR Training Unit with Griffin HT1s and part of the CFS. Bulldogs used by the University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights are being replaced by 99 contractor-operated Grob 114D, following the selection of Bombardier Services in July 1998. The rest of DHFS is based at Shawbury for basic training on the Squirrel and with RAF advanced training on the Griffin. In 1999 it was decided to send some RAF crews to take part in the last phase of the NATO Flying Training in Canada programme. Types operated by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency - including Alpha Jets purchased in 1999, the Empire Test Pilots School fleet and the UK's Open Skies Treaty aircraft - are not listed below.
Type No Role
Eurofighter 232* int/strike
Tornado GR1/1A/1B/4/4A 130 strike/recce
Tornado F3 94 int
Harrier GR7/T10 62 attack
Jaguar GR1/3/T2/4 52 attack/rec/trng
Canberra PR9/T4 7 PR/trng
Sentry AEW1 7 AEW
Nimrod MR2P/R1P/MRA4 25† /3/21 MR/ASW/ELINT
Chinook HC2/HC2A/HC3 35/14* trans
Merlin HC3 22 trans
Wessex HC2 15 trans
Hercules C1/C1P/C3/C3P 55 trans
Hercules C4/C5 10/15* trans
HS125 CC3 6 trans
Puma HC1 41 trans
Islander CC2/CC2A 2 comms/surv
Sea King HAR3/HAR3A 25 SAR
TriStar K1/KC1/K2 9 tanker/trans
Twin Squirrel HCC1 2 VIP trans
BAe 146 CC2 3 VIP trans
Hawk T1/T1A 98 trng
Tucano T1 73 trng
Bulldog T1 105 trng
Dominie T1 10 trng
Griffin HT1 9 trng
Jetstream T1 11 trng
Squirrel HT1/HT2 38 trng
T67M-2 Firefly 18 trng
VC10 C1/C1K/K2/K3/K4 12/12 tank-trans/tank
Grob 115 Tutor 99‡ trng
Global Express ASTOR 5* surv
† 21 to be modified ‡contractor owned
ROYAL NAVY - FLEET AIR ARM (FAA)
The July 1998 SDR brought the Fleet Air Arm the prospect of two new, larger aircraft carriers to replace today's three Invincible class ships. The larger ship could have an air wing of 50 aircraft, which would include RAF strike aircraft. Air wings today typically consist of eight Sea Harrier FA2s, and 12 Sea Kings, three for AEW and nine for ASW. Every destroyer and frigate carries a Lynx HAS3/HMA8 or a Sea King HAS6 helicopter: the ice-patrol ship, HMS Endurance, carries two Lynx HAS3s. HMS Ocean, a dedicated helicopter carrier, carried out sea trials in 1998 pending delivery to the RN. It is large enough to embark a Squadron of Sea King HC4s and eventually WAH-64D and Lynx AH7s. The Merlin, the first of which was received in late 1998, will supplant the ASW Sea King. The SDR cancelled a follow on order for 24 Merlins. The Navy will also keep control of its rotary ASW/AEW assets which have not become part of the Joint Helicopter Command. However, Sea King HC4 transports are part of the force. Sea Harriers may get Pegasus 11-61 engines which have better hot and high performance. This is important as the FAA plays a full part in UN/NATO operations over Iraq and the former Yugoslavia. The Royal Navy participates in the US Joint Strike Fighter programme. The aircraft is a prospective replacement for the Sea Harrier in the next century.
Sea King AEW2As are being upgraded to AEW7 standard with improved Searchwater radar. Lynx HAS3s are being rebuilt to HMA8 standard, similar to the Super Lynx with 360° radar, FLIR, and avionics upgrades. Upgrade of Sea Harrier FRS1s to FA2 with Blue Vixen radar, AMRAAM capability and other improvements is nearly completed, with the last aircraft to be redelivered in 1999. RNAS Culdrose is the "type air station" (TAS) for five Sea King squadrons and the Merlin trials unit 700M Squadron. Of these five, one is a training unit, one is SAR. This leaves 814, 849 (AEW Sea Kings) and 820 Squadrons as frontline units, 706 and 810 as training squadrons and 771 as the SAR Squadron. Culdrose is also home to 750 Squadron's Jetstream T2s, used for observer training. RNAS Yeovilton is the TAS for the Sea Harrier FA2 fighters and the commando assault Sea King HC4s. There are two frontline Sea Harrier squadrons, 800 and 801, plus a training squadron, 899. With the formation of Joint Force 2000 in April 2000, 800 and 801 will move to RAF Cottesmore and 899 Squadron to RAF Wittering.
Helicopter units at Yeovilton include 845, 846, 847, 848 and 702 Squadrons with the Sea King HC4s and Royal Marines Lynx and Gazelles. RNAS Portland is the TAS for the Lynx; 702 Squadron trains Lynx aircrew and maintainers; 815 Squadron is the sole frontline Lynx parent unit. It also took over the evaluation tasks of 700L Squadron, the trials unit for the Lynx mid-life update programme. RNAS Prestwick has one ASW Sea King Squadron (819), which also performs SAR operations. In November 1998 the Royal Navy fired its first Tomahawk Land Attack Missile from HMS Splendid off the California coast. The capability was used operationally during Operation Allied Force in 1999.
Type No Role
Sea Harrier FA2 26 int/recce/strike
Harrier T8 7 trng
Sea King HAS5/6 60 SAR/ASW
Merlin HAS1/2 44* ASW
Sea King AEW2A 9 AEW
Sea King HC4 33 assault/SAR
Lynx HAS3/HMA8 50 ASuW/ASW
Lynx AH7 6 Royal Marine Ops
Gazelle AH1 9 Royal Marine Ops
Jetstream T2/3 9/3 trng/comms
Hawk 12 FRADU
Grob 115 Heron 5 trng
ARMY AIR CORPS (AAC)
The AAC continues to develop 16 Air Assault Brigade (24 Airmobile Brigade until September 1999) which is part of the Joint Helicopter Command. The 67 WAH-64D Longbow Apaches, the AAC's biggest procurement programme, will spearhead the force when deliveries start in 2000. An Apache with RTM322 engines, as selected by the British Army, first flew in the UK in 1999. Once in service, the current anti-tank/attack helicopter, the Lynx AH7, will be adapted for a combat scout role and may receive a mast mounted sight. Lynx AH9s are tactical transports. Gazelles operate in the observation role in support of the Lynx but the fleet will be reduced in size in 1999/2000. As well as home-based units the AAC maintains a presence in Brunei, Cyprus, Belize, Canada, Bosnia and Germany. In the last the AAC has 12 Flight at Bruggen with Gazelle and 651, 652 and 661 Squadrons which all operate a mix of Lynx AH7s and Gazelle AH1s as part of 1 Regiment. The latter also has an Islander-equipped HQ Flight. 7 flight at Seria in Brunei is equipped with the AAC's only Bell 212s; 16 Flight at Dhekelia in Cyprus operates Gazelle AH1s; 25 Flight in Belize City has Lynx AH7s and Gazelle AH1s; the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada has Gazelles, as does the unit at Nicosia dedicated to the UN Forces in Cyprus. At the AAC's headquarters at Middle Wallop are 670 Squadron with Squirrel HT2s, operating as part of tri-service DFHS system; 671 Squadron which conducts operation training on the Lynx and Gazelle as well as 667 Squadron which is a trials unit with the same types; a Gazelle-equipped aircrewman training unit and an Islander flight. Five regiments are dedicated to HQ UK Land Forces. 3 and 4 Regiments at Wattisham consist of three Squadrons using a mix of Lynxes and Gazelles. As these two units are part of 24 Airmobile Brigade they operate the fleet of Lynx AH9s. 5 Regiment at Aldergrove has a squadron of Lynxes (655), a squadron of Gazelles (659) and an Islander flight. The Netheravon-based 7 Regiment consists of 658 Squadron with Gazelles, two Territorial Army units, 666 Squadron and 2 Flight with the same equipment and 8 Flight which is based at Hereford with A109As to support the SAS. Dishforth-based 9 Regiment has three squadrons - 654, 656 and 657 - which all operate a mix of Lynx AH7s and Gazelle AH1s. Territorial Army units at Leuchars (3 Flight) and Shawbury (6 Flight) fly the Gazelle.
Type No Role
Lynx AH7/AH9 103/24 anti-tank/utility/recce
WAH-64 Apache 67* attack
Gazelle AH1 150+ recce/liaison/comms
Islander AL1 4/2 comms/trng
A109A 4 sp for
Bell 212 3 utility/comms
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (USAF)
The USAF continues to adapt to the post Cold War world that has forced it to become a specialist in rapid deployment, conducting operations at a distance from its fixed base structure.
A paper published in 1996, Global Engagement, outlines six core competencies that the USAF will provide in the first quarter of the next century. These consist of air and space superiority, global attack, rapid global mobility, precision engagement, information superiority and agile combat support.
At the heart of the strategy is long-range striking power from the continental USA, allowing for power projection anywhere on the globe. Any doubts about launching strikes from the USA has been assuaged during Operation Allied Force when B-2 strikes were launched from Whiteman AFB, Missouri, on Belgrade and other Serbian cities.
The USAF is creating the Expeditionary Aerospace Force (EAF) as the most efficient means of deploying forces worldwide. The EAF concept should allow the US to participate in two contingencies, such as a build-up of force in the Persian Gulf while also maintaining a participation in NATO operations over the former Yugoslavia.
The ten EAFs will call upon active duty, Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard (ANG), units will be allocated to the EAFs by the end of 1999. Two will be on alert to respond immediately, each one serving for a 90-day period every 15 months. Each EAF has a full range of capabilities, including up 250 fighters, bombers, transports and tankers.
The re-organisation serves as a backdrop for the drastic cutback in the number of equivalent tactical fighter wings. The USAF today maintains only 12 active and seven reserve fighter wings - down from 16 and 12, respectively. The active duty force size has decreased 36% since the end of the Cold War, but deployments have increased four-fold.
Average USAF aircraft ages are steadily increasing and the service has a range of programmes to replace some and upgrade others. The biggest acquisition programme is the F-22 Raptor. This programme faced stiff funding scrutiny in 1999. It emerged with its funding but Congress will keep a tight grasp on the purse strings, funding being dependent on milestones being passed. In the transport forces the USAF continues to procure C-17s and has earmarked funds to procure aircraft in excess of the 120 already ordered. Some of these will have a special forces role. The C-5 behemoth will not be replaced, but the USAF is starting an upgrade programme which should see the aircraft re-engined as well as receive an avionics modernisation programme (AMP). Both will reduce the maintenance burden of the giant airlifter while the AMP will improve crew workloads and allow the aircraft to operate in the future air traffic control environment. Tanker assets will continue to be based around the KC-135 for the foreseeable future. Re-engineing continues and avionics/cockpit improvements are proceeding. Some C-130s will be replaced by the C-130J. The first WC-130J was delivered to the Reserve in 1999. Funding difficulties mean the USAF is reluctant to sign up to further aircraft for the time being.
The bomber fleet will receive a serious of almost continual improvements to maintain its capability until 2035-2040 when new bombers should be available.
Another major acquisition programme will be the Joint Strike Fighter. The conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) is for the USAF, and is essentially an F-16 replacement, although it will also supersede other types. The USAF will purchase between 1,700 and 2,000 examples. Boeing and Lockheed Martin were selected in 1996 as the two design competitors. Both types will fly in 2000. One contractor will be selected for the engineering and manufacturing development phase in 2001.
In detail, the ACC includes the assets of the 8th Air Force with its B-52H, B-1B and B-2 bombers. The 1st Air Force at Tyndall AFB, Florida, the 9th Air Force at Shaw AFB, South Carolina with its F-15, F-16 and E-8C aircraft, and the 12th Air Force at Bergstrom AFB, Texas, with its F-117A, U-2R and E-3 aircraft, and the Air Warfare Centre at Nellis AFB, Nevada, round out ACC.
The Air Mobility Command (AMC), headquartered at Scott AFB, Illinois, has significant numbers of AFR and ANG units. It provides rapid, global tactical and strategic airlift and aerial refuelling. As the USAF component for US Transportation Command, units include the 15th Air Force, Travis AFB, California, and the 21st Air Force, McGuire AFB, New Jersey. Aircraft operated are all the C-5 and C-141 transports plus C-130s and C-17s. Fifteen subordinate airlift and air-refuelling wings are part of AMC, including the 22nd Air Refueling Wing with Boeing KC-135 tankers at McConnell AFB, Kansas, and the C-17-equipped 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, South Carolina.
Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), headquartered at Peterson AFB, Colorado, played a key role in the 1991 Gulf War and its task is growing as the service depends more on its satellites. The 20th Air Force controls the USA's 50 Peacekeeper and 530 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), at Hurlburt Field, Florida, serves as the USAF's component of US Special Operations Command, a unified command. It comprises the active duty 16th Special Operations Wing (SOW), Hurlburt Field, the ANG's 193rd SOW with six EC-130E Commando Solo aircraft at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the 919th SOW with MC-130E Combat Talon I aircraft at Duke Field, Florida, an AFR unit.
There are also two special operations aviation groups, the 352nd Special Operations Group and 353rd SOG at RAF Mildenhall, UK, and Kadena AB, Japan, respectively. Other equipment includes the AC-130H Spectre and AC-130U Spooky gunships, the MC-130P Combat Shadow, MH-53J Pave Low and MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, the MC-130H Combat Talon II, and EC-130 Volant Solo aircraft.
Air Education and Training Command (AETC) at Randolph AFB, Texas, operates more than 1,100 aircraft, including the T-37, T-38, T-43A, C-21A, and T-1A Jayhawk trainers. It decided in 1999 to abandon training on the T-3 and will contractorise the initial stages of flight training for which the Firefly had been used. The USAF and US Navy are buying more than 700 T-6A Texan IIs under the $4 billion Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) contract to replace USAF T-37Bs and USN T-34Cs for the primary phase of pilot training beginning in 2000.
Other major commands include the AF Materiel Command (AFMC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, which manages USAF research and development, test and acquisition of major weapons systems. The Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) headquartered at Hickman AFB, Hawaii, and the US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), located at Ramstein AB, Germany, plan, conduct, and co-ordinate offensive and defensive air operations in the Pacific/Asian theatres and Europe, respectively.
The AFR and ANG are now organised as the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) to signify their growing military roles. The ANG has both a state and a federal mission. With 90 wings nationwide, the ANG serves the ACC, AETC, AFSOC and other active-duty air units. With almost 1,200 aircraft, it provides 100% of the USAF's fighter/interceptor force, 44% of tactical airlift, 43% of KC-135 air refuelling, and 33% of fighters.
ACTIVE DUTY USAF
Type No Role
B-1B Lancer 73 bomber
B-2A Spirit 21 bomber
B-52H Stratofortress 85 bomber
A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II 126/91 attack/CAS
F-15/F-15E Eagle 615 fighter/attack
F-16 Fighting Falcon 792 fighter/attack
F-22 Raptor 2/339* fighter
F-117 Nighthawk 52 attack
C-5A/B Galaxy 81 transport
C-9 Nightingale 23 transport
C-12 Huron 34 transport
C-17 Globemaster III 120* transport
C-20 (Gulfstream III/IV) 13 transport
C-21 (Learjet) 76 transport
C-23 Sherpa 3 transport
C-32A (757) 4 VIP/comms
C-37 (Gulfstream V) 4* VIP/comms
C-130/NC-130 Hercules 191/4 transport/test
C-135 Stratotanker 4/2 transport/trng
C-137/EC-137 4/1 transport
C-141 Starlifter 139 transport
NT-39 Sabreliner 2/1 transport/trng
VC-25A 2 VIP/comms
HH-60/MH-60 Pave Hawk 47/9 SAR/Spec Ops
TH-53/MH-53 Stallion 6/40 SAR/Spec Ops
CV-22 Osprey 50* sp ops
UH-1 Iroquois 63 missile support
U-2/TU-2 31/4 recce/trng
RQ-1 4 recce
E-3 Sentry 32 AEW
E-4 4 command post
E-8 Joint-STARS 5 surveillance
E-9A Dash 8 2 test
AL-1A 7* airborne laser
EC-18/C-18 3/2 surv/trng
EC-130 22 EW/ELINT
EC-/OC-/RC-/WC-135 9/2/19/2 ELINT/Open Skies/recce
AC-130 21 gunship
MC-130/HC-130 53/9 sp ops/tanker
KC-10A Extender 59 tank-trans
KC-135/NKC-135 Stratotanker 255/3 tanker/test
T-6 Texan II 372* trng
T-38/AT-38 Talon 416/93 trng
T-1A Jayhawk 180 trng
T-3 Firefly 110 † trng
T-37 Tweet 418 trng
T-41 Mescalero 3 trng
T-43 11 trng
TG-3/4 3/14 trng
TG-7 9 trng
TG-9 4 recce/surv
TG-10 1 trng
TG-11 2 trng
UV-18 Twin Otter 3 para trng
AIR FORCE RESERVE
B-52H Stratofortress 9 bomber
A/OA-10 Thunderbolt 27/24 CAS
F-16 Fighting Falcon 71 fighter attack
C-5A Galaxy 32 transport
C-/HC-130 Hercules 110/7 transport/SAR
MC-/WC-130 13/10 sp ops
C-141B Starlifter 48 transport
HH-60 Black Hawk 23 sp ops/SAR
KC-135 Stratotanker 72 tanker
AIR NATIONAL GUARD
B-1B Lancer 17 bomber
A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II 74/26 CAS
F-15 Eagle 116 fighter
F-16 Fighting Falcon 607 interceptor
C-5 Galaxy 13 transport
C-21 (Learjet) 4 comms
C-22 (727) 3 comms
C-26 (Merlin) 16 comms
C-38 (Astra SPX) 2 comms
C-/HC-130 Hercules 225/13 transport/SAR
C-141 Starlifter 18 transport
HH-60G Black Hawk 17 sp ops/SAR
EC-130 8 EW
KC-135/C-135 Stratotanker 223/1 tanker/trans
† to be disposed of
US NAVY
The USN maintains 12 aircraft carriers (11 active and one operational reserve) and their tactical aviation assets, which include 10 active-duty air wings and one reserve wing. Each air wing generally consists of 76 fixed-wing aircraft and a half-dozen helicopters. The nuclear-powered Nimitz class carrier will remain at the heart of the USA's power-projection capabilities until the CVX-78 arrives around 2013. The final Nimitz-class carrier, the CVN-77, is to be delivered in 2003 and will act as a transition ship to the next-generation large-deck, nuclear-powered CVX, which will carry 75 tactical aircraft and incorporate a new design nuclear propulsion plant and electric power system.
The USN is proceeding with procurement of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Compared with the F/A-18C/D, the single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F models have greater range and payload, more powerful engines and provisions for advanced avionics and weapons systems. The F/A-18E/F made its first flight in November 1995 and initial operational capability is scheduled for 2001. The type is well on the way to achieving this, having entered operational evaluation (Opeval) in 1999.The USN has also been given clearance to begin negotiating a 222 aircraft order rather than progressing along the more traditional multi-year buy route. Up to 545 aircraft could be procured in the long term. Boeing is keen to develop the aircraft to replace other types, with the two-seat F/A-18F pencilled in as a possible successor to the F-14 Tomcat and EA-6B. The F-14 has received a air-to-ground capability to replace retired A-6 Intruders.
The USN is modernising EA-6Bs and upgrading and procuring new E-2C Hawkeyes, to enable them to extend their capability and service life until a replacement aircraft is developed in the next century. The EA-6B is a busy asset and additional aircraft have been brought into the fleet to ensure availability. The E-2C is one of the types likely to be replaced by the Common Support Aircraft if the programme ever becomes reality. Other types to be replaced by CSA include the S-3 and C-2.
All 12 Hawkeye squadrons are equipped with E-2Cs. There are more than 30 helicopter squadrons in the USN, with UH-1s, SH-2s, SH-3s, CH-46s, and SH-60Bs, plus three mine-countermeasures squadrons operating the RH-53D. The latter are being replaced by the MH-53E. All H-60s, be they small ship SH-60Bs, SH-60Fs or HH-60s will be replaced in the medium term. SH-60s will be upgraded to a common SH-60R platform that combines and upgrades the capabilities of today's platforms while the HH-60s and CH-46s will be replaced by the CH-60S utility machine. The first SH-60R will be delivered in 2002.
Five transport squadrons provide worldwide fleet support, including carrier onboard delivery.
Naval Air Training Command has 20 squadrons in six wings operating T-45As, T-34Cs, T-44As, T-2Cs and TA-4Js. T-39Ns are used to train radar operators. The USN is procuring the T-6A Texan II trainer, and T-45A deliveries are under way for fast-jet training. The USN Reserve operates a large fleet of fixed- and rotary-wing types.
US MARINE CORPS (USMC)
The active-duty Marine aviation arm is divided into three Marine Air Wings (MAWs), which support ground forces. Although the composition of each wing varies, the average size is about 160 fixed-wing aircraft and 155 helicopters.
Marine Fighter/Attack squadrons fly the F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18A/B/C/D are utilised for close air support and anti-air warfare missions. The two seat F/A-18D also provides forward air control and reconnaissance support to the ground combat element. The USMC is receiving the latest night-attack-capable Harrier variant, which is equipped with the Raytheon APG-65 radar, and has plans to modify 72 of its day-attack AV-8Bs into the new radar configuration. The Marine Corps' electronic warfare assets are in four squadrons, each possessing five EA-6B Prowlers. KC-130 Hercules are divided among three tanker/transport squadrons with each Marine Air Wing having one KC-130 squadron assigned. The Marine helicopter force consists of heavy (HMH), medium (HMM) and light-attack (HMLA) squadrons. The heavy-lift force has four CH-53D squadrons and six CH-53E squadrons. The Corps' medium-lift helicopter, the CH-46E Sea Knight, comprises the majority of the USMC vertical-lift force equipping 15 HMM squadrons. The CH-46E will be replaced by the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft in the early 2000s. The V-22 programme is intended to provide 425 MV-22Bs for the USMC and 48 HV-22Bs for the US Navy. First production V-22s were delivered in 1999 with the type entering Opeval towards the end of the year. USMC utility and attack helicopters have been formed into six composite (HMLA) squadrons of UH-1Ns and AH-1Ws. Bell is upgrading 180 AH-1W gunships and 100 UH-1Ns with four-bladed main rotors and new systems to ease maintenance and boost performance. The UH-1Ns will also get the AH-1W's GE T700 engines. The modernised rotorcraft are being designated the AH-1Z and UH-1Y. The Marine Reserves continue to modernise their fleet. Fighter and attack aircraft consist of four F/A-18 squadrons. The Marine Reserves now fly the KC-130F for aerial refuelling and transport missions. The AH-1W is now completely introduced into the Reserve fleet and the CH-53E transition is near completion.
The Aviation Combat Element's (ACE) prime goal is to provide day/night air support to the MAGTF Ground Combat Element. This is accomplished through responsive offensive air support and assault support. The aviation systems enhance and complement the Corps' expeditionary nature and execution of Operational Manoeuvre from the Sea. Figures include total USN, USN Reserve, USMC, and those being rebuilt.
Type No Role
F/A-18A/B Hornet 287/33 AD/att/trng
F/A-18C/D Hornet 347/140 AD/att/trng
F/A-18E/F Hornet 9/6/545* AD/att/trng
F-14A/B/D Tomcat 383 AD/FGA/rec
AV-8B/B+/TAV-8B 200/19 attack/trng
AH-1W SuperCobra 155 attack
SH-2F/G SeaSprite 2/23 MCM
SH-3D/G/H Sea King 1/1/50 ASW/SAR
SH-60B/F Seahawk † 160/76 ASW/SAR
E-2C Hawkeye 94 AEW
P-3A/B/C Orion 293 MR/ASW
EP-3E/J Orion 8/2 ELINT
RP-3A/TP-3A Orion 1/11 survey/trng
UP-3A/B/VP-3A Orion 7/2/5 VIP
S-3A/B Viking 17/120 MR/ASW
E-6A Mercury 16 TACAMO
VH-3A/D Sea King 4/11 VIP
VH-60N 8 VIP
CT-39E/G Sabreliner 1/9 comms/VIP
V-22 Osprey 7/475* trans
737-700 4* trans
C-9B Nightingale 29 medevac
C-2A Greyhound 38 COD
C-130F/T Hercules 3/14 trans
LC-130F/R Hercules 3/4 trans
KC-130F/R/T/J 77/2* tanker
UC-12B/F/M King Air 85 utility
C-26A Metro III 2 comms
C-20D/G (Gulfstream) 2/5 comms
UH/HH-1N Iroquois 150 SAR/utility
CH-46D/E Sea Knight 28/241 trans
HH-46D/UH-46D 43/13 utility
UH-3A/H Sea King 5/42 utility
CH-53D/E Sea Stallion 75/141 trans
RH-53D Sea Dragon 19 MCM
MH-53E Sea Stallion 45 utility
HH-60H Black Hawk 24 CSAR
EC-24A 1 ELINT
EA-6B Prowler 128 ECM
F-5E/F Tiger II 34/4 aggressor
T-34C Turbo-Mentor 319 trng
T-44A Pegasus 57 trng
T-45A Goshawk 170* trng
TH-57B/C SeaRanger 7/87 trng
T-6A Texan II 339* trng
T-39N Sabreliner 17 trng
TC-4C Academe 4 trng
TC-18F 2 trng
DC-130A Hercules 3 drone cntl
RC-12F/M 2/2 utility
† to be upgraded
US ARMY
The West's largest helicopter operator, with more than 5,000 machines, the US Army also operates some 260 fixed-wing aircraft. The US Army's focus on future development is the Joint Vision 2010/Army After Next which aims to shape the service for the first quarter of the next century.
The plan is for 1,197 RAH-66s, 569 AH-64Ds, 1,450 UH-60s, 357 UH-60Q Dust Off medevac machines and 444 CH-47Fs which will be replaced by a similar number of Joint Transport Rotorcraft machine.
Today's combat types include the OH-58A/C Kiowa scouts; the AH-6J and MH-6J Little Bird special operations helicopters, the AH-1S Cobra and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior light attack/armed reconnaissance helicopters, and the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter. Two special operations types, the MH-47E Chinook and the MH-60K Black Hawk are also fielded. Delivery of the transport/utility UH-60L is continuing, while the TH-67A Creek is used for rotary-wing training.
Funding is available to the Army for the modification of 761 AH-64As to the AH-64D Apache Longbow configuration. The first AH-64D combat battalion formed at Fort Hood, Texas with a second battalion starting to receive its AH-64Ds in late 1999.
A second major aircraft modernisation programme involves the CH-47D Chinook heavylift cargo helicopter. Boeing Helicopters could earn as much as $3 billion if 300 Chinooks are remanufactured to CH-47F standard as part of the Improved Cargo Helicopter (ICH) project. The Chinook will get an engine upgrade, airframe strengthening and a partial digital glass cockpit. First flight of a CH-47F prototype is set for April 2001. Boeing is to deliver the first production ICH Chinooks in 2002. They will stay in service until at least 2020 when the Joint Transport Rotorcraft is to be fielded. The plan is to modify 26 CH-47Ds a year through 2013.
The AH-6J/MH-6J, however, will be further upgraded by Boeing under the Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB) programme. They will conduct clandestine missions until replaced by the RW-X rotorcraft in the 2015-18 timeframe. The MELB combines the six-bladed rotor system of the MD600 with a four-bladed tail rotor.
The second RAH-66 Comanche prototype flew in 1999. The programme continues to seek assured funding for development. In 1999 money was secured to allow development flying of the second RAH-66 during 2000. The US Army plans to build 1,292 RAH-66s. Aside from the two prototypes, the US Army will build six "early operational capability" aircraft from 2003 for early field trials followed by eight aircraft which will be delivered for operational evaluation trials in 2004 and 2005.
Major programmes include a planned but as yet undefined UH-60X upgrade for the UH-60 utility machine and the replacement of many of the fixed wing types with the Aerial Common Sensor Platform programme. Up to 80 aircraft are required to replace RC-12s and RC-7s from 2007.
ACTIVE ARMY
Type No Role
AH-64A/D Apache 499/49 anti-tank/attack
AH-1E/F/G/P/S Cobra 86 anti-tank
OH-58A/C Kiowa 253 scout/FAC
OH-58D Kiowa 335 scout
AH-6J/MH-6J 20/20 sp ops
UH-60A/L Black Hawk 924 utility
EH-60A Black Hawk 59 tactical ECM
MH-60K/L Black Hawk* 23/37 sp ops
MH-47D/E Chinook 11/25 sp ops
UH-1H/V Iroquois 360 utility
CH-47D Chinook 226 medium lift
TH-67 Creek 137 trng
C-12 Huron 47 comms
C-23 Sherpa 7 trans
RC-12 Guardrail 47 SIGINT
RC-7 (Dash 7) 13 IN0T
C-31 (F27 Friendship) 2 trans
UC-35 (Citation V) 3 trans
UV-18A Twin Otter 6 trans
C-26 Metro 11 trans
UV-20 Chiricahua 2 trans
NATIONAL GUARD AND ARMY RESERVE
C-12 Huron 67 comms
C-20 (Gulfstream II/III/IV) 2 comms
C-21 (Learjet) 1 comms
C-23 Sherpa 12 trans
RC-12 Huron 3 SIGINT
AH-1E/F/G/P/S Cobra 406 anti-tank
AH-64A Apache 184 anti-tank
CH-47 Chinook 183 heavylift
OH-58A/C Kiowa 292 obs
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior 15 obs
UH-1H/V Iroquois 839 utility
UH-60A/L Black Hawk 441 medium lift
EH-60A Black Hawk 5 tactical ECM
URUGUAY
FUERZA AEREA URUGUAYA (AIR FORCE)
Uruguay's air force has a limited combat capability in its A-37B Dragonflys, a handful of Argentine built Pucaras and armed PC-7s. In late 1996 it retired four AT-33As which also served in this role. The primary task of the air force is transport operations with a diverse collection of aircraft. Like many other Latin American air forces, the FAU runs a domestic airline, Transporte Aereo Militar Uruguayo, which operates additional C212s. Six Wessex HC2 are ex-RAF and were delivered after the withdrawal from Hong Kong in June 1997. The newest equipment is 10 Cessna 206 Stationairs delivered in 1999. The air force command structure incorporates an Air Operations Command, Air Personnel Command and Air Logistics Command and a division responsible for the country's airspace infrastructure. Air Operations Command controls two brigades, at Montevideo and Santa Bernadina. The former has a transport and a helicopter squadron. The latter controls a Pucara squadron, an A-37B unit, a COIN/advanced training unit equipped with PC-7s and a communications flight. Personnel Command is responsible for the military academy flying school at Pando which is equipped with T-41s, T-34s and the Queen Air which is used for light transport duties. Logistics command uses the survey-configured Commander 680.
Type No Role
A-37B Dragonfly 11 COIN
IA58 Pucara 5 COIN
C-130B Hercules 3 trans
Wessex HC2 6 trans
C212 Aviocar 1 trans
EMB110C/B1 Bandeirante 2/1 trans/survey
F27-100 Friendship 1 trans
Bell 212 2 trans
UH-1H Iroquois 6 trans
AS365 Dauphin 2 trans
Queen Air A65 1 comms
Cessna U-17A 3 comms
Cessna 182 1 comms
Beech Baron 2 comms
PA-18 Super Cub 1 comms
Cessna 206 10 comms
Cessna 210 1 comms
PC-7U Turbo-Trainer 6 trng
T-34A/B Mentor 12 trng
T-41D Mescalero 5 trng
Commander UR-4B 1 survey
COMANDO DE AVIACION NAVAL (ARMADA DE URUGUAY) (NAVAL AVIATION)
All navy aircraft are operated from Base Aeronaval Captain Curbelo, at Laguna del Sauce. The S-2 Trackers and a Super King Air are used by a maritime patrol squadron, while the Wessex are operated for transport and SAR. The navy bought five of the Wessex from the RAF when its helicopter training school was contractorised. Two Jetstreams are ex-RN and were delivered in January 1999. The other aircraft are perated by the navy's Naval Aviation School.
Type No Role
S-2A/G Tracker 4 ASW
Beech Super King Air 200T 1 MR
Wessex 60/HC2 2/5 trans/SAR
PA-34 Seneca II 2 comms
T-28 Fennec 2 COIN/trng
T-34B/C-1 Mentor/Turbo-Mentor 2/2 trng/comms
Jetstream T2 2 MR/trng
UZBEKISTAN
UZBEK AIR FORCE
Uzbekistan took over around 300 aircraft when the Soviet Union collapsed. Around 60% of the fleet is serviceable. The Uzbek air force had close links with the Russian air force because of a bilateral agreement between the republic and the CIS High Command. However, Uzbekistan declined to resign the agreement in April 1999, forcing the withdrawal of Russian troops which could have negative effects on the air force. The air force has seven regiments which operate either a single type or a single role. A ground attack regiment at Chirchik operates Su-17s and Su-25s; an attack and reconnaissance regiment at Khanabad operates the SU-24s; the MiG-29s and Su-27s are operated by air defence regiments at Kakaydy and Andizhan; Mi-6s and Mi-8s are operated by a helicopter unit at Kagan. The air mobility/assault unit at Verkhnekomsomolsk is equipped Mi-24 Hinds, Mi-8 Hips and a single Mi-26 Halo. The fixed wing transports are at Fergana and two VIP aircraft are based at Tashkent.
Type No Role
Su-24/MR Fencer 23/11 attack/recon
Su-27P/UB Flanker 25/6 int/trng
MiG-29A/UB Fulcrum 33/6 int/attack/trng
Su-17M/UB Fitter 24/6 attack/trng
Su-25 Frogfoot 20 attack
Mi-24 Hind 45 attack
Mi-8 Hip 60 assault trans
An-12 Cub 20 trans/EW
An-24 Curl 1 trans
An-26 Curl 15 trans/EW
Mi-6 Hook 30 trans/cmd post
Mi-26 Halo 1 trans
Tu-134 Crusty 1 VIP
VENEZUELA
FUERZA AEREA VENEZOLANAS (AIR FORCE)
Venezuela has selected Aermacchi's MB339FD jet trainer to replace its T-2Ds Buckeyes, with deliveries beginning in 2000. This is the opening round in a bigger deal as the air force intends to order up to 40 aircraft which will be split between the MB339 and the two-seat, light attack version of the AMX-T/ATA, which will be operated in the light strike role. Problems arose with the deal, although the air force reconfirmed its plans in September 1999 when it ordered eight AMX-Ts for delivery from 2001. Venezuela selected the Aermacchi SF260E piston-engined trainer to replace its T-34 Mentors in 1998. Unconfirmed reports suggest Venezuela ordered 30 Russian transports in mid-1999.
The first of 12 will be delivered in 1999. Singapore Technologies Aerospace upgraded nine CF-5s, which have been redesignated VF-5s, for the Venezuelan air force in 1991/3 and is hoping to win a contract for six more. The improvement included a new mission computer, INS navigation, a radar altimeter and a digital communications bus. F-16s were delivered in the early 1980s when the USA was more concerned about Cuba than an arms build up in Latin America. The air force is split into ten Grupo Aereo. Two transport groups based at the joint air force, army and naval base at Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda, close to Caracas, have two squadrons each. A third transport group at Palo Negro has a Hercules/707 squadron and a G222 squadron. The same base plays host to a fighter group with two F-16 squadrons and two "special operations" groups. A fighter group at Barquisimeto controls a squadron of T-2Ds and a squadron of VF-5s. The OV-10s are operated by two squadrons with a special operations group at Maracaibo. Training units are at Barcelona with Tucanos and Maracay with the Tucano and T-34.
Type No Role
F-16A/B Fighting Falcon 17/4 int/trng
Mirage 50EV/DV 16 int/attack/trng
NF/VF-5A/B 9/7 attack/trng
OV-10E Bronco 24 COIN
MB339FD 8* COIN/trng
AMX-T 8* LIF/trng
C-130H Hercules 6 trans
G222 8 trans
Mi-17 Hip 18 trans
Bell 214ST 3 trans
Bell 412SP 4 trans
UH-1B/H/N Iroquois 1/4/10 attack/trans
AS332B Super Puma 8 trans
SA316B Alouette III 10 attack/coms
707-320C 2 tanker-trans
737-200 1 pres flt
Gulfstream II/III 1/1 pres flt
Learjet 24D 1 VIP/comms
Super King Air 200/200C 5 comms
Cessna Citation I/II 1/1 comms
Falcon 20 3 comms
SF260E 12* trng
EMB312 Tucano 30 trng
T-2D Buckeye 18 trng
T-34A Mentor 20 trng
Pitts S2 4 aerobatic team
AVIACION DE LA MARINA VENEZOLANA (NAVAL AVIATION)
Venezuela's navy was the launch customer for the C212-400 with uprated engines and an electronic flight instrumentation system. The three aircraft were delivered in mid-1998. They have joined the rest of the navy's fleet based at the air force's main base at Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda close to Caracas. Its aircraft are organised into three squadrons. Four Heli-Dyne modified Bell 412s are on order and the navy requires eight ASW-capable machines.
Type No Role
Bell 212ASW 12 ASW
C212-200AS/400 Aviocar 4/2/3 ASW/MR/SAR/trans
Heli-Dyne Bell 412 4* SAR
DHC-7 Dash 7 1 trans/MR
Cessna 310R 2 liaison
Cessna 402C 1 liaison
King Air E90 1 VIP
Commander 695 1 comms
EJERCITO VENEZOLANA (ARMY AIR ARM)
The Venezuelan army has a substantial transport and liaison fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. It shares its main base with the air force and navy at Generalisimo Francisco de Miranda, close to Caracas, where it bases a squadron with a variety of transport aircraft and all its helicopters. A second squadron is at Del Centro in Caracas. This has only fixed wing transports. The Army's only other air unit is a training squadron with the Cessna 182 at San Felipe. The national guard's air element is based around the country.
Type No Role
IAI-201 Arava 4 trans
BN-2A Islander 1 trans
AS-61A 4 trans
UH-1H Iroquois 4 trans
Bell 205A 3 trans
Queen Air B80 1 comms
King Air 90/Super King Air 1/1 comms
Cessna U206G/T207 2/1 comms
JetRanger/LongRanger 1/1 comms
A109A 6 comms
Cessna 172 1 comms
Cessna 182 2 trng
NATIONAL GUARD
IAI-201 Arava 3 trans
M-28 Skytruck 10* trans
Bell 214ST 1 trans
AS365F Ecureuil 10 trans
King Air/Super King Air 1/1 comms
Queen Air 80 2 comms
BN-2A Islander 1 comms
Cessna U206 Stationair 1 comms
JetRanger/LongRanger 5/1 comms
A109A 8 comms
VIETNAM
KON QUAN NHAM DAN VIETNAM (VIETNAM PEOPLE'S ARMY AIR FORCE)
Vietnam started to modernise its air force by taking delivery of 12 Su-27 Flankers in two batches of six in 1994 and six 1997; it plans to triple the number by 2001. It has also secured spares packages for its large fleet of MiG-21s and it has discussed upgrading the aircraft with MAPO/Sokol as well as Elbit/Aerostar, which have refurbished and modernised the Romanian air force's Fishbed fleet. The air force structure consists of three divisions - 370 at Da Nang, 371 at Phuc, 372 at Xuan - which control the combat forces, transport and training units which are responsible directly to headquarters. 370 Division controls two regiments of MiG-21s at Da Nang and a regiment of Su-22s at Tho Xuan. It is probable that it also controls the Su-27 squadron following the merger of the air force and air defence force in 1999. 371 Division controls three MiG-21 regiments at Hanoi, Kep and Yen Bai, while 372 Division has regiments of Su-22s and MiG-21s at Tho Xuan and a Phu Cat based regiment of MiG-21s. Transports and helicopters operate at Hoa Lac, Tan-son-Nhut and Hanoi. The Kamov rotary wing types are operated by 954 Regiment at Da Nang, while MiG-21 pilot conversion is performed by 920 Regiment at Phu Cat following L-39-based training at Nha Trang.
Type No Role
SU-27P/UB Flanker 10/2 int/trng
MiG-21PF/bis/UM Fishbed 150 int/FGA/trng
Su-22BKL Fitter 50 attack
Mi-24 Hind 30 attack
Ka-25 Hormone 5 ASW
Ka-28/32 Helix 8/6 ASW
Mi-8 Hip 60 trans
An-26 Curl 30 trans
An-30 Clank 2 survey/trans
Yak-40 Codling 5 VIP
Mi-6 Hook 10 trans
Yak-18 Max/Nanchang BT-6 20 trng
L-39 Albatros 25 trng
YEMEN
UNIFIED YEMEN AIR FORCE
North and South Yemen merged in 1990 and the air forces of the two countries were amalgamated. It experienced a civil war in 1994 and sporadic fighting continues. Yemen continues to suffer from a cut in support from Saudi Arabia following failure to support the coalition forces during the Gulf War. MiG-29s and an Il-76 have been delivered since the civil war. Yemen ordered 12 L-39Cs in 1999 which were delivered by the end of the same year. The country has been linked with a buy of 12 Su-27s. Much of the large fleet inherited from the Democratic People's Republic of (South) Yemen Air Force and the (North) Yemen Arab Republic's Air Force is either unserviceable or has been destroyed. Around 50 combat aircraft are available while a similar number is stored. Most of the air force is based at the capital Sanaa.
Type No Role
MiG-23BN/UM Flogger 25 attack/trng
MiG-21F/MF/bis Fishbed 50 int/FGA
MiG-29A/U Fulcrum 8/2 int/attack/trng
F-5E Tiger/F-5B 10/4 int/attack/trng
Su-22BKL/M-2/U Fitter 30 attack/trng
L-39C 12 armed trng
Mi-24 Hind 15 attack/anti-tank
Mi-8 Hip 14 trans
An-12B Cub 2 trans
An-24Coke 1 trans
An-26 /Curl 6 trans
C-130H Hercules 3 trans
Il-76 Candid 1 trans
SC7 Skyvan 2 trans
AB206B JetRanger 6 comms
AB212 5/1 trans/VIP
AB204B 2 trans
MiG-15UTI Midget 4 trng
Yak-11 Moose 18 trng
YUGOSLAVIA
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAV AIR FORCE (SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO)
Yugoslavia's air force suffered at the hands of NATO during the 79-day Operation Allied Force air campaign in March-June 1999. The 16-strong MiG-29 fleet was effectively wiped out and six examples were shot down. The MiG-21, Jastreb, Galeb and Super Galeb fleets also suffered with perhaps 150 aircraft destroyed in total. The attacks left the infrastructure in ruins. With president Milosevic in power, there seems little possibility that a UN arms embargo, imposed in the mid-1990s following Serbia's aggression against its neighbours, will be lifted. Major airbases are at Batajnica, Kovin, Kraljevo, Nis, Podgorica-Titograd, Ponikve and Pristinia. The list reflects the inventory before Allied Force.
Type No Role
MiG-29A/B Fulcrum 14/2 int/FGA/trng
MiG-21bis/R/UM Fishbed 60 int/recce/trng
J1/RJ1 Jastreb 30 attack/recce
IJ22/J22/NJ22 Orao 2 65 attack/attack
SA342L Gazelle 45 attack
G2 Galeb 10 armed trng
G4 Super Galeb 50 armed trng
Mi-8/17 Hip 44 trans/attack
An-26 Curl 25 trans
An-2TD Colt 6 trans
Falcon 50 2 VIP
Yak-40 Codling 6 VIP/calibration
Learjet 25 4 comms
UTVA-66 15 comms
UTVA-75 30 trng
ZAMBIA
AIR FORCE AND AIR DEFENCE COMMAND
Zambia's air force has two air defence/ground attack squadrons, one with Chinese-built F-6s and one with MiG-21s. Two Jastrebs are unlikely to be serviceable, leaving light attack duties to MB326s. About half of the fleet is thought to be airworthy. Principal bases are at M'bala, although transports, helicopters and VIP aircraft are based at Lusaka. Other useable airports/airfields are at Livingstone and Mumbwa.
Type No Role
MiG-21MF/U Fishbed 12 int/attack/trng
Shenyang F-6 (MiG-19) 12 int/attack
J1E Jastreb 2 attack
Mi-8 Hip 12 trans
An-26 Curl 4 trans
DHC-5D Buffalo 4 trans
Y-12 (II) 3 trans
BAe 748 Srs2A 1 trans
King Air C90 1 comms
Yak-40 Codling 2 VIP
AB47G 12 trng/comms
AB212 5 trans
AB205 10 trans
Dornier 28 Skyservant 7 trans
MB326GB 16 armed trng
Nanchang BT6 10 trng
Saab MFI17 15 trng/COIN
SF260MZ 8 trng/COIN
ZIMBABWE
AIR FORCE OF ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe's air force uses Chinese MiG-21 copies as the basis of its combat fleet supported by elderly UK-built Hunters and various armed trainers and COIN aircraft. The O-2s, donated by the USAF, have an anti-poaching role over the country's extensive national parks. Zimbabwe's active participation in the conflict in neighbouring DR Congo means the Zimbabwe air force has lost at least one transport, a Hunter and two helicopters.
Its principal base is at Gweru (previously Thornhill) where 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 Squadrons are based. Combat assets are used by 5 Squadron with F-7s, while 1 Squadron operates the Hunters and 2 Squadron is equipped with the Hawk. COIN and anti-poaching operations are flown by the FTB337/O-2 equipped 4 Squadron. Training is 6 Squadron's remit, using the SF260s. The AFZ's other base is at Manyame, formerly New Sarum, and is part of Harare's international airport. A transport unit, 3 Squadron with C212s and Islanders as well as the two helicopter units 7 and 8 Squadrons, are based at Manyame.
Type No Role
F-7/FT-7 (MiG-21) 10/2 int/FGA/trng
Hunter FGA9/T81 10/1 int/FGA/trng
FTB337G Lynx/O-2 15/2 COIN
C212 Aviocar 10 trans
BN-2A Islander 5 trans
AS532UL Cougar 2 VIP
Hawk 60/60A 11 trng/attack
AB412 9 trans
SA319 Alouette III 23 comms
SF260TP 6 COIN/trng
SF260M/W/F 23/6* trng/COIN
C-47 Dakota 10 trans (stored)
Source: Flight International
