Central African Republic Air Force

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.