Malawian Air Force
The Malawian Air Force operates 11 military aircraft in 2026 โ 8 helicopters, 3 transport aircraft. It ranks #133 of 162 air forces worldwide.
Full inventory in 2026
6 aircraft typesMalawi Defence Force Air Wing
| Aircraft | Origin | Model year | Active | ฮ YoY | Ordered | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopter | ||||||
|
H125M/AS350/550 | ๐ซ๐ท France | 1990 | 2 | โ | โ |
|
SA330 | ๐ซ๐ท France | 1968 | 2 | โ | โ |
|
SA341 | ๐ซ๐ท France | 1971 | 2 | โ | โ |
|
AS355 | ๐ซ๐ท France | 1990 | 1 | โ | โ |
|
AS532 |
๐ฉ๐ช Germany ๐ซ๐ท France |
1978 | 1 | +1 | โ |
| Transport | ||||||
|
MA600 | ๐ท๐บ Ex-USSR | 1969 | 2 | +1 | โ |
|
Dornier 228 | ๐ฉ๐ช Germany | 1982 | 1 | -1 | โ |
Overview
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does Malawi have?
How does Malawi's air force rank globally?
How many military helicopters does Malawi have?
What is the AIRS Index score of Malawi?
Where does Malawi get its military aircraft from?
- SEP 82026 Updated Logged 1 crash from 2024
- JUL 242026 Updated SA330 fleet entry linked to its aircraft page
- MAR 142026 Updated 7 aircraft types added