South Sudan Air Force

The South Sudan Air Force, officially known as the Sudan People's Liberation Air Force (SPLAF), is the aerial warfare branch of the South Sudan People's Defense Forces. It was established in 2005, following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the Second Sudanese Civil War. The SPLAF inherited a small number of aircraft from the former Sudanese Air Force, including MiG-29 fighter jets, helicopter gunships, and transport planes. Over the years, the SPLAF has faced challenges related to limited funding, lack of maintenance capabilities, and training opportunities. The air force primarily focuses on air reconnaissance, transport of troops and supplies, and limited air-to-ground attack capabilities. It has played a role in supporting ground operations during internal conflicts and providing humanitarian assistance in remote areas. The SPLAF has expressed a desire to expand and modernize its fleet, but specific details regarding ongoing procurement efforts are scarce.

Key facts

Official Name	South Sudan Air Force
Country	🇸🇸 South Sudan
World rank	#124
Active aircrafts	18 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	16
Transport	2

Aircrafts most used by South Sudanese air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
Mi-17 Hip-H	8	Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions.
Mi-24 Hind	6	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
An-26 Curl	2	Soviet twin-engined transport aircraft, widely utilized in both civilian and military roles since the 1960s.
AW109	2	Italian multipurpose helicopter, notable for its use in law enforcement, air ambulance and military roles since the late 1970s.

Full inventory in 2024