Lesotho Defence Force – Air Squadron

The Lesotho Air Force (LAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) and was established in 1982. As a relatively small force, the LAF's main objective is to provide national defense and support to ground forces. The Air Force operates a limited number of aircraft, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, primarily for reconnaissance and transport missions. Its fleet consists of a few types of aircraft, such as the Pilatus PC-7 and the Cessna 182, which are used for training and light transport purposes. The LAF has a small number of helicopters, such as the Alouette III, used for troop transport and search and rescue operations. Throughout its history, the Lesotho Air Force has faced challenges related to limited resources and technological advancements when compared to other regional forces. Despite these limitations, the LAF remains committed to maintaining its operational capabilities and contributing to the overall defense of Lesotho.

Key facts

Official Name	Lesotho Defence Force – Air Squadron
Local Name	Lesotho Defence Force Air Wing
Country	🇱🇸 Lesotho
World rank	#137
Active aircrafts	9 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	6
Transport	3

Aircrafts most used by Lesotho air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
H125M / AS550 Fennec	3	French military variant helicopter, notable for service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, widely employed for scouting and light attack roles.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	3	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
C-212 Aviocar	2	Spanish light transport plane, renowned for its versatility, extensively used for surveillance, rescue, and paratrooping missions since the 1970s.
GA8 Airvan	1	Australian light utility aircraft, introduced in 2000, known for roles in humanitarian work, medical evacuations, and passenger transport.

Full inventory in 2024