Mozambique Air Force

The Mozambique Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Mozambique Defense Armed Forces. It was established in 1985, following the country's independence from Portugal. Initially, the air force relied on Soviet-made aircraft, but it later diversified its fleet with aircraft from other countries as well. The air force mainly focuses on supporting ground forces and conducting border patrols, aerial reconnaissance, and close air support operations. Its inventory includes various types of aircraft, such as transport planes, helicopters, and light attack aircraft. The Mozambique Air Force has been involved in regional peacekeeping operations, most notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Furthermore, it has participated in joint military exercises with neighboring countries to enhance regional security cooperation. The air force continues to train its personnel, acquire new equipment, and develop its capabilities to meet the challenges it faces in safeguarding the national airspace and contributing to regional stability.

Key facts

Official Name	Mozambique Air Force
Local Name	Força Aérea de Moçambique
Country	🇲🇿 Mozambique
World rank	#122
Active aircrafts	19 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	8
Combat aircrafts	8
Transport	2
Training	1

Aircrafts most used by Mozambican air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
MiG-21 Fishbed	8	Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Mi-8 Hip	4	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
Mi-24 Hind	2	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
SA340 Gazelle	2	French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction.
An-26 Curl	1	Soviet twin-engined transport aircraft, widely utilized in both civilian and military roles since the 1960s.
L-39 Albatros	1	Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
L-410	1	Czech twin-engine short-range transport aircraft, deployed internationally since the 70s, used in both civil and military operations.

Full inventory in 2024