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.
Various public data, including Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), Flightglobal.com and official government websites.
Last updated on 14 March 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does Central African Republic have?
Central African Republic Air Force operates 8 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 0 aircraft are currently on order.
How does Central African Republic's air force rank globally?
Central African Republic Air Force ranks #157 out of 162 air forces worldwide based on the AIRS Index (Air Inventory Rating of Strength), which measures overall air power capability considering fleet size and combat effectiveness.
What is the AIRS Index score of Central African Republic?
Central African Republic has an AIRS Index (Air Inventory Rating of Strength) score of 0.8 out of 100. This composite score measures overall air power capability, with strategic bombers weighted highest due to their nuclear strike potential, followed by combat aircraft, helicopters, and transport planes.
Where does Central African Republic get its military aircraft from?
Central African Republic sources its military aircraft primarily from Czechia. The fleet composition reflects both domestic production capabilities and international defense partnerships.
