Czech Air Force
The Czech Republic Air Force, officially known as the Vzdušné síly Armády České republiky, is the aerial warfare branch of the Czech Republic's Armed Forces. Established on January 1, 1993, following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the Air Force inherited a considerable portion of the former Czechoslovak Air Force's equipment and infrastructure. Today, it operates as a relatively small air force with a focus on air defense, air support, reconnaissance, and tactical transport. Its primary aircraft inventory consists of modernized Soviet-designed aircraft such as the MiG-29 fighter jets and Su-25 ground attack aircraft. Additionally, the Air Force operates a fleet of transport aircraft, including the C-295 and Yak-40, which serve various logistical and troop deployment purposes. The Air Force is also responsible for the operation of various radar and air defense systems, contributing to the national security of the Czech Republic. Overall, the Czech Republic Air Force maintains a capable and efficient aerial force to safeguard the nation's airspace and support its military operations.
Key facts
| Official Name | Czech Air Force |
| Local Name | Vzdušné síly Armády České republiky |
| Country | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic |
| World rank | #72 |
| Active aircrafts | 101 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 46 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 44 | |
| Combat aircrafts | 28 | |
| Training | 17 | |
| Transport | 10 | |
| Special missions | 2 | |
Aircrafts most used by Czech air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-159 ALCA | 24 | Czech light combat aircraft, used since the late 20th century, active in NATO led partnership for peace program. | |
| Mi-17 Hip-H | 19 | Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions. | |
| JAS 39 Gripen | 14 | Swedish multirole fighter, developed during the Cold War, widely deployed in NATO operations and diverse global air forces. | |
| Mi-24 Hind | 11 | Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles. | |
| W-3 Sokol | 10 | Polish utility helicopter, renowned for search and rescue missions, particularly during UN peacekeeping operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 1990s. | |
| L-39 Albatros | 7 | Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles. | |
| C-295 Persuader | 6 | Spanish tactical military transport aircraft, utilized globally in maritime patrol, surveillance, and humanitarian relief missions since the late 20th century. | |
| L-410 | 6 | Czech twin-engine short-range transport aircraft, deployed internationally since the 70s, used in both civil and military operations. | |
| AH-1 Cobra | 4 | American attack helicopter, distinguished for its service in the Vietnam War, designed for rapid frontline response and anti-armor operation. | |
| C-390 Millennium | 0 | Brazilian military transport jet, invaluable for its role in logistical support, known for extensive service in the Brazilian Air Force. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Czech Air Force
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat aircrafts | L-159A | ||
| Gripen C | |||
| F-35A | |||
| Helicopters | AH-1Z | ||
| Mi-17/171 | |||
| Mi-24/35 | |||
| W-3 | |||
| UH-1Y | |||
| Special missions | L-410 (Recce) | ||
| Training | L-159T1+/T2 | ||
| L-39/NG (LOM Praha) | |||
| Gripen D | |||
| Transport | C295 | ||
| L-410 | |||
| C-390 |