Air Force of the Republic of Congo
The Congo Air Force, officially known as the Forces Aériennes Congolaises (FAC), is the aerial warfare branch of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Established on June 30, 1960, along with the country's independence from Belgium, it has played a crucial role in protecting the nation's sovereignty. The Air Force operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including transport planes, helicopters, and fighter jets. Over the years, the Congo Air Force has faced various challenges, including periods of civil unrest and armed conflicts. Despite these challenges, it has strived to maintain its operational capabilities and fulfill its missions, such as reconnaissance, air defense, and providing air support to ground forces. The Congo Air Force has also participated in regional peacekeeping missions, showcasing its commitment to stability in the African continent. Through training programs and partnerships with other countries, the FAC aims to enhance its capabilities and ensure the defense of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Key facts
| Official Name | Air Force of the Republic of Congo |
| Local Name | Force Aérienne Congolaise |
| Country | 🇨🇬 Congo |
| World rank | #130 |
| Active aircrafts | 13 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 0 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 8 | |
| Transport | 3 | |
| Combat aircrafts | 2 | |
Aircrafts most used by Congolese air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi-8 Hip | 6 | Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally. | |
| An-32 Cline | 2 | Soviet transport plane, widely deployed in domestic and overseas services, notably utilized in various military and humanitarian missions. | |
| Mirage F1 | 2 | French tactical fighter jet, prominent during the Cold War, extensively deployed in various intercontinental conflicts. | |
| CN-235 | 1 | Spanish-Indonesian transport aircraft, widespread use in the civil sector, military services, and humanitarian aid, developed during the late 20th century. | |
| Mi-14 Haze | 1 | Soviet-made amphibious helicopter, known for Cold War-era naval usage, including anti-submarine and anti-ship roles. | |
| Mi-24 Hind | 1 | Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Congolese Air Force
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat aircrafts | Mirage F1 | ||
| Helicopters | Mi-8/17 | ||
| Mi-24 | |||
| Transport | An-32 | ||
| CN235 |
Congolese Navy
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | Mi-14 |