Burundian Air Force
The Burundi Air Force, formally known as the Force Aerienne du Burundi, is the aerial warfare branch of the armed forces of Burundi. Established in 1965, it operates under the authority of the President of Burundi and is responsible for defending Burundi's airspace and supporting military operations. The air force is relatively small, with a limited number of aircraft and personnel. As of 2021, it is primarily composed of a small fleet of transport and utility aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The air force's primary mission includes air transport, search and rescue operations, as well as providing support to ground forces. It has a history of participating in peacekeeping missions, particularly in Africa, displaying its limited regional capabilities. However, due to budgetary constraints, the air force has struggled to maintain and modernize its fleet, which has resulted in operational limitations.
Key facts
| Official Name | Burundian Air Force |
| Local Name | Force Aérienne du Burundi |
| Country | 🇧🇮 Burundi |
| World rank | #125 |
| Active aircrafts | 17 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 0 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 12 | |
| Training | 5 | |
Aircrafts most used by Burundian air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA340 Gazelle | 6 | French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction. | |
| SF-260 | 5 | Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service. | |
| Mi-24 Hind | 3 | Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles. | |
| SA316 Alouette III | 3 | French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Burundi National Army
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | SA342 | ||
| Mi-24 | |||
| SA316 | |||
| Training | SF-260 |