Bolivian Air Force

The Bolivia Air Force, officially known as the Fuerza Aérea Boliviana (FAB), is the aerial warfare branch of the Bolivian Armed Forces. It was established on October 17, 1928, making it one of the oldest air forces in the Americas. The FAB's primary responsibilities include defending Bolivian airspace, providing air support to ground forces, and conducting search and rescue operations. The air force has a diverse inventory of aircraft, including various fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters. Notably, in recent years, the FAB has focused on upgrading its fleet with the acquisition of new aircraft and modernization programs. The air force has played a significant role in various historic and contemporary conflicts, including the Chaco War, which occurred between Bolivia and Paraguay in the 1930s. Additionally, the FAB has participated in international peacekeeping missions and humanitarian operations, showcasing its versatility and commitment to regional stability.

Key facts

Official Name	Bolivian Air Force
Local Name	Fuerza Aérea Boliviana
Country	🇧🇴 Bolivia
World rank	#86
Active aircrafts	64 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	28
Training	20
Transport	14
Special missions	2

Aircrafts most used by Bolivian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	11	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
Z 42	8	Czech training aircraft, introduced in the late 20th century, extensively utilized for flight instruction and aerobatics worldwide.
H215M / AS532 Cougar	6	French utility helicopter, notable for search and rescue missions, extensively utilized in military and civilian sectors since the 1970s.
King Air 90	6	American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Z-9 Haitun	6	Chinese utility helicopter, widely deployed for anti-submarine and SAR missions since the late 20th century.
JL-8	5	Chinese jet trainer, developed in the late 20th century, regularly deployed for pilot training and light attack roles.
R44 Raven	5	American light, four-seat helicopter, extensively used worldwide for civilian operations, military training, and police usage since the 1990s.
C-130 Hercules	3	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
H125M / AS550 Fennec	2	French military variant helicopter, notable for service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, widely employed for scouting and light attack roles.
H145M / EC645	2	German utility helicopter, recognized for military application and primarily used for search and rescue, medical evacuation, and troop transportation.

Full inventory in 2024