Ecuadorian Air Force

The Ecuador Air Force (FAE) is the air warfare branch of the Ecuadorian armed forces. It was established on October 27, 1920, making it one of the oldest air forces in Latin America. The FAE operates numerous aircraft types, including fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft. Its main fighter aircraft is the Kfir, a multirole jet capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The FAE also operates the Boeing 727 and Embraer 170 for transportation purposes. In terms of helicopters, it utilizes the Bell UH-1H Huey and Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma. Additionally, the FAE operates surveillance aircraft such as the Embraer EMB-145 for reconnaissance missions. Over the years, the FAE has participated in various domestic and international operations, including border disputes and humanitarian assistance missions. It continues to maintain close cooperation with other air forces in the region through joint exercises and training programs.

Key facts

Official Name	Ecuadorian Air Force
Local Name	Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana
Country	🇪🇨 Ecuador
World rank	#65
Active aircrafts	118 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	43
Training	35
Transport	23
Combat aircrafts	9
Special missions	8

Aircrafts most used by Ecuadorian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
EMB 312 Tucano	17	Brazilian military trainer aircraft, utilized heavily in the 1980s, known for participation in the Iran–Iraq war.
H125M / AS550 Fennec	11	French military variant helicopter, notable for service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, widely employed for scouting and light attack roles.
Cheetah	9	South African jet fighter, evolved in the Cold War era, extensively deployed for air defence and aerial refuelling missions.
King Air 90	9	American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
206 JetRanger	8	American light helicopter, well known for civilian, military, emergency medical services, and offshore oil support roles since the 1960s.
G-120	8	German trainer aircraft, utilized worldwide for military pilot training, developed in the late 20th century.
Mi-17 Hip-H	8	Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions.
H145M / EC645	6	German utility helicopter, recognized for military application and primarily used for search and rescue, medical evacuation, and troop transportation.
AW119	4	Italian utility helicopter, known for service with law enforcement and military units globally, designed in the late 20th century.
CN-235	4	Spanish-Indonesian transport aircraft, widespread use in the civil sector, military services, and humanitarian aid, developed during the late 20th century.

Full inventory in 2024