Namibian Air Force

The Namibia Air Force (NAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Namibian Defence Force. It was established on April 1, 2005, following the integration of the Air Wing of the Namibian Police into the military. The NAF is responsible for defending Namibia's airspace and carrying out various aerial operations. Its main bases are located in Windhoek, Grootfontein, and Ondangwa. The NAF operates a fleet of aircraft that includes fighter jets, trainers, transport aircraft, and helicopters. Notable aircraft in its inventory include the Chengdu F-7 fighter jets, Embraer EMB 312 Tucano trainers, Cessna 172 training aircraft, and Mil Mi-17 helicopters. The NAF has participated in numerous regional and international military exercises and has a cooperative relationship with other African air forces. Its primary roles include surveillance, maintaining air superiority, and providing air support to ground forces. The Namibian Air Force continues to undergo modernization efforts to enhance its operational capabilities.

Key facts

Official Name	Namibian Air Force
Local Name	Namibia Defence Force Air Wing
Country	🇳🇦 Namibia
World rank	#106
Active aircrafts	32 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Training	13
Combat aircrafts	9
Helicopters	7
Transport	3

Aircrafts most used by Namibian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
JL-8	11	Chinese jet trainer, developed in the late 20th century, regularly deployed for pilot training and light attack roles.
J-7 Fishcan	9	Chinese jet fighter, notable for usage in the late Cold War era, widely deployed in the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis.
Mi-24 Hind	2	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
Mi-8 Hip	2	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
MiG-21 Fishbed	2	Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
SA316 Alouette III	2	French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles.
Y-12	2	Chinese twin-engine light utility aircraft, recognized from its 1980s development, frequently used for passenger and cargo transportation.
An-26 Curl	1	Soviet twin-engined transport aircraft, widely utilized in both civilian and military roles since the 1960s.
SA315 Alouette II	1	French light helicopter, renowned for its high-altitude service in the Himalayas during the 1960s and subsequent global deployments.

Full inventory in 2024