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 |
| Country | 🇺🇬 Uganda |
| World rank | #91 |
| Active aircrafts | 50 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 0 |
| Roundel |
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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 | 5 | |
| Su-30 | 5 | ||
| Helicopters | Mi-17 | 10 | |
| Bell 206 | 5 | ||
| Mi-24 | 5 | ||
| UH-1H | 5 | ||
| Training | L-39 | 8 | |
| SF-260 | 4 | ||
| Transport | Cessna 208 | 2 | |
| Skyvan | 1 |