The Central African Republic Air Force (CARAF) is the military aviation branch of the Central African Republic's armed forces. Established in 1960 shortly after gaining independence from France, CARAF has a modest fleet of aircraft utilized for various missions including troop transport, reconnaissance, and close air support. Its inventory consists of helicopters, primarily Mi-8, and Mi-24 types, which are used for transport and combat missions. Additionally, CARAF operates a small number of light attack aircraft, namely the A-29 Super Tucano, for ground attack and aerial reconnaissance purposes. Over the years, CARAF has faced challenges including limited resources, maintenance issues, and a lack of modern equipment; however, it has remained operational within the country's military framework. The main airbase is located in Bangui, the capital city, from where CARAF conducts its operations and training exercises.
