Malawian Air Force
The Malawi Air Force (MAF) is the air warfare branch of the Malawian Defense Force. It was established in 1976 and is responsible for carrying out air operations in support of national defense strategies. The MAF's fleet consists of various aircraft, including transport planes and helicopters, primarily used for logistics, air transport, and search and rescue operations. The force has also deployed aerial assets for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. The MAF has worked on improving its capabilities through training programs and international cooperation agreements. It has collaborated with other regional air forces and undergone joint exercises to enhance its operational readiness. The MAF has a small number of aircraft and limited resources, and its main focus is on defending national airspace, supporting ground forces, and contributing to regional security efforts.
Key facts
| Official Name | Malawian Air Force |
| Local Name | Air Wing of the Malawi Defence Force |
| Country | 🇲🇼 Malawi |
| World rank | #131 |
| Active aircrafts | 12 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 0 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 8 | |
| Transport | 4 | |
Aircrafts most used by Malawian air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do 228 | 3 | German utility-transport aircraft, mainly used for regional air services and maritime surveillance since the 1980s. | |
| H125M / AS550 Fennec | 3 | French military variant helicopter, notable for service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, widely employed for scouting and light attack roles. | |
| SA330 Puma | 2 | French medium-lift utility helicopter with extensive global service in troop transport since the late 1960s. | |
| 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. | |
| H215M / AS532 Cougar | 1 | French utility helicopter, notable for search and rescue missions, extensively utilized in military and civilian sectors since the 1970s. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Malawi Defence Force Air Wing
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | H125M/AS350/550 | 2 | |
| SA330 | 2 | ||
| SA341 | 2 | ||
| AS355 | 1 | ||
| H215M/AS532 | 1 | ||
| Transport | Dornier 228 | 3 | |
| MA600 | 1 |