Uganda Air Force

The Uganda Air Force, established in 1964, is the aerial warfare branch of the Uganda People's Defence Force. Originally known as the Uganda Army Air Force, it underwent several name changes before its current designation in 2002. The force primarily focuses on defending Ugandan airspace and supporting ground operations. Its fleet consists of various aircraft types, including transport planes, helicopters, and combat aircraft. Notably, the Uganda Air Force operates aircraft such as the Cessna 208 Caravan, Mil Mi-17, and Su-30MK2. Over the years, the force has participated in regional and international peacekeeping missions, including those led by the African Union and United Nations. Additionally, it has engaged in joint military exercises with partner nations to enhance its operational capabilities. Its training programs aim to develop skilled personnel for aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and aircrew roles. The Uganda Air Force plays a crucial role in providing air support to the nation's military and contributing to regional security efforts.

Key facts

Official Name Uganda Air Force
Local Name Uganda Peoples Defence Air Force
CountryπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¬ Uganda
World rank#91
Active aircrafts50 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order0
Roundel

Roundel of Uganda air force

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type Active
Helicopters 25
Training 12
Combat aircrafts 10
Transport 3

Aircrafts most used by Ugandan air forces

Aircraft Active Type
Mi-17 Hip-H 10
Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions.
L-39 Albatros 8
Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
206 JetRanger 5
American light helicopter, well known for civilian, military, emergency medical services, and offshore oil support roles since the 1960s.
Mi-24 Hind 5
Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
MiG-21 Fishbed 5
Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Su-30 Flanker-C 5
Russian multirole fighter, renowned for deployments since the 1990s, widely used in diverse combat operations worldwide.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" 5
American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
SF-260 4
Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service.
208 Caravan 2
American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s.
Skyvan 1
British utility aircraft, prominent during the mid-20th century, extensively utilized for freight, skydiving operations, and military purposes.

Full inventory in 2024

Uganda People's Defence Forces

Aircraft Type Model Active Ordered
Combat aircrafts MiG-21
Su-30
Helicopters Bell 206
Mi-24
UH-1H
Mi-17
Training L-39
SF-260
Transport Cessna 208
Skyvan