Botswanan Air Force
The Botswana Air Force (BAF) is the air component of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and is responsible for providing air defense and support to the country. Established in 1977, the BAF has a long history of maintaining national security. Its primary roles include aerial surveillance, border patrol, territorial defense, and supporting ground forces. The BAF operates a fleet of aircraft that includes fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and trainers. Notably, it acquired a squadron of Northrop F-5 fighter jets from the United States in the 1990s. Additionally, the air force operates a variety of helicopters, such as the Bell 412 and Eurocopter AS350, for transport and surveillance missions. The BAF has participated in joint military exercises with neighboring countries and has conducted several peacekeeping missions in the region. In recent years, the BAF has also focused on training its personnel to enhance operational readiness and maintain a strong defense force.
Key facts
| Official Name | Botswanan Air Force |
| Local Name | Air Arm of the Botswana Defence Force |
| Country | 🇧🇼 Botswana |
| World rank | #92 |
| Active aircrafts | 46 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 0 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 16 | |
| Combat aircrafts | 11 | |
| Transport | 10 | |
| Training | 9 | |
Aircrafts most used by Botswanan air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-5 Freedom Fighter | 15 | American light fighter of Cold War era, notable for worldwide deployment, used extensively in Vietnam and various regional conflicts. | |
| H125M / AS550 Fennec | 10 | French military variant helicopter, notable for service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, widely employed for scouting and light attack roles. | |
| UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" | 6 | American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations. | |
| PC-7 Turbo Trainer | 5 | Swiss-made turbo trainer, distinguished by service in over 30 air forces, dating back to the late 1970s. | |
| C-130 Hercules | 3 | American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions. | |
| C-212 Aviocar | 3 | Spanish light transport plane, renowned for its versatility, extensively used for surveillance, rescue, and paratrooping missions since the 1970s. | |
| CN-235 | 2 | Spanish-Indonesian transport aircraft, widespread use in the civil sector, military services, and humanitarian aid, developed during the late 20th century. | |
| BN-2B Defender | 1 | British light-utility aircraft, notably deployed for surveillance, logistical operations, and transport duties in various global regions. | |
| King Air 90 | 1 | American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Botswana Defence Force
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat aircrafts | F-5A/D | 11 | |
| Helicopters | H125M/AS350 | 10 | |
| Bell 412 | 6 | ||
| Training | PC-7 Mk II | 5 | |
| F-5D | 4 | ||
| Transport | C-130B | 3 | |
| C212 | 3 | ||
| CN235 | 2 | ||
| BN-2 | 1 | ||
| King Air 200 | 1 |