Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Congo Democratic Republic Air Force, also known as the Armée de l'Air de la République Démocratique du Congo, is the air component of the military forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Established in 1965, it has undergone restructuring and modernization efforts to enhance its operational capabilities. The primary mission of the Congo Democratic Republic Air Force is to provide air support for the Congolese military in their defense operations, including aerial reconnaissance, transportation of personnel and cargo, and close air support. Its fleet comprises various aircraft types, such as transport planes (e.g., Antonov An-26 and CASA C-212 Aviocar), helicopters (e.g., Mi-24 and Mi-8), and trainer aircraft (e.g., Aero L-39 Albatros). The Congo Democratic Republic Air Force has participated in regional and international exercises to foster cooperation with allied nations. While facing challenges in ongoing conflict zones, including limited budgets and aging equipment, the air force remains committed to maintaining its operational readiness to support national defense and security requirements.
Key facts
| Official Name | Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Local Name | Force Aérienne du Congo |
| Country | 🇨🇩 Congo Democratic Republic |
| World rank | #93 |
| Active aircrafts | 46 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 0 |
Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 32 | |
| Combat aircrafts | 8 | |
| Transport | 5 | |
| Training | 1 | |
Aircrafts most used by Congo Democratic Republic air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA330 Puma | 10 | French medium-lift utility helicopter with extensive global service in troop transport since the late 1960s. | |
| Mi-24 Hind | 8 | Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles. | |
| Su-25 Frogfoot | 7 | Soviet close air support aircraft, prominent during Afghan War, designed for ground targets engagement under heavy fire conditions. | |
| Mi-8 Hip | 4 | Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally. | |
| An-26 Curl | 3 | Soviet twin-engined transport aircraft, widely utilized in both civilian and military roles since the 1960s. | |
| UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" | 3 | American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations. | |
| 206 JetRanger | 2 | American light helicopter, well known for civilian, military, emergency medical services, and offshore oil support roles since the 1960s. | |
| Mi-2 Hoplite | 2 | Soviet light utility helicopter, broadly deployed in Eastern Europe, renowned for agricultural, rescue and military tasks since the 1960s. | |
| MiG-23 Flogger | 2 | Soviet third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles. | |
| SA316 Alouette III | 2 | French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Democratic Republic of Congo Air Force
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat aircrafts | Su-25 | 7 | |
| MiG-23 | 1 | ||
| Helicopters | SA330 | 10 | |
| Mi-24 | 8 | ||
| Mi-8/17 | 4 | ||
| UH-1H | 3 | ||
| Bell 206 | 2 | ||
| Mi-2 | 2 | ||
| SA316 | 2 | ||
| Mi-26 | 1 | ||
| Training | MiG-23 | 1 | |
| Transport | An-26 | 3 | |
| An-72 | 1 | ||
| 727 | 1 |