Mexican Air Force

The Mexican Air Force, known as Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM), is a comparatively modest force, especially when contrasted with the air capabilities of global powers or more militarily-focused nations. Historically, it has been oriented more toward internal security missions and natural disaster relief than power projection or high-intensity conflict.

Equipment-wise, the FAM primarily operates a mix of North American and European aircraft, with a focus on versatile platforms that can be used for a variety of missions such as reconnaissance, air-to-ground support, and transport. It doesn't possess fifth-generation fighter jets, and its combat fleet, which includes the likes of the F-5 Tiger II, is generally considered to be aging and not on par with more modern air forces.

Training and readiness are other areas where the Mexican Air Force has some constraints. It operates in a domestic context where large-scale air combat operations have been rare, which translates into limited combat experience. This is not to dismiss the skill and professionalism of its personnel, but the operational focus has been largely restricted to national borders.

Moreover, budget constraints limit the pace of modernization. Mexico's defense budget is generally small when compared to other nations with more extensive military commitments, affecting not just equipment but also training and overall readiness. However, it should be noted that the Mexican Air Force has been working to modernize its fleet, notably with the acquisition of military transport aircraft like the C-130 Hercules and the CN-235, as well as investing in pilot training and maintenance capabilities.

In terms of strategy, the FAM is closely aligned with national defense objectives, focusing on sovereignty and territorial integrity. This includes surveillance missions, particularly over the country’s southern border and coastal areas. The Mexican Air Force serves primarily as a tool for domestic security and limited regional defense rather than as a force for international power projection.

Key facts

Official Name	Mexican Air Force
Local Name	Fuerza Aérea Mexicana
Country	🇲🇽 Mexico
World rank	#26
Active aircrafts	468 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	11
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Training	203
Helicopters	158
Transport	46
Combat aircrafts	36
Special missions	25

Aircrafts most used by Mexican air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
T-6 Texan II	69	American turboprop trainer, widely deployed worldwide since the late 20th century for pilot instructing and light attack roles.
PC-7 Turbo Trainer	64	Swiss-made turbo trainer, distinguished by service in over 30 air forces, dating back to the late 1970s.
206 JetRanger	42	American light helicopter, well known for civilian, military, emergency medical services, and offshore oil support roles since the 1960s.
Mi-8 Hip	26	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
Z 42	26	Czech training aircraft, introduced in the late 20th century, extensively utilized for flight instruction and aerobatics worldwide.
G-120	25	German trainer aircraft, utilized worldwide for military pilot training, developed in the late 20th century.
SF-260	25	Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service.
UH-60 Black Hawk	23	American utility helicopter, renowned for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, extensively employed for troop transport and medical evacuation.
H125M / AS550 Fennec	15	French military variant helicopter, notable for service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, widely employed for scouting and light attack roles.
H225M / EC725 Caracal	15	European long-range tactical transport military helicopter, featuring advanced avionics and systems, used for roles including troop transport and special operations.

Full inventory in 2024