Uruguayan Air Force

The Uruguay Air Force, also known as the Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya (FAU), is the aerial warfare branch of the Armed Forces of Uruguay. It was established on April 17, 1913, making it one of the oldest air forces in the Americas. Initially, it operated small, primarily civilian aircraft for reconnaissance purposes. Over the years, the FAU has undergone modernization efforts to enhance its operational capabilities. It is equipped with a fleet of various aircraft types, including fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and reconnaissance aircraft. The primary tasks of the FAU involve maintaining national airspace security, conducting search and rescue operations, and supporting ground forces. In addition, the Air Force actively participates in international peacekeeping missions, contributing aircraft and personnel to United Nations operations. The FAU has a strong commitment to aerial training and education, ensuring the professionalism and proficiency of its personnel. It continues to evolve and adapt, employing advanced technologies and participating in joint training exercises with regional and international partners to enhance its operational readiness and effectiveness.

Key facts

Official Name	Uruguayan Air Force
Local Name	Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya
Country	🇺🇾 Uruguay
World rank	#90
Active aircrafts	52 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	4
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Training	17
Helicopters	12
Transport	8
Combat aircrafts	7
Special missions	6
Tankers	2

Aircrafts most used by Uruguayan air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
SF-260	10	Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	9	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
A-37 Dragonfly	7	Vietnam War-era American light attack aircraft, extensively deployed in close air support and counter-insurgency operations.
C-212 Aviocar	5	Spanish light transport plane, renowned for its versatility, extensively used for surveillance, rescue, and paratrooping missions since the 1970s.
PC-7 Turbo Trainer	5	Swiss-made turbo trainer, distinguished by service in over 30 air forces, dating back to the late 1970s.
H125M / AS550 Fennec	3	French military variant helicopter, notable for service in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, widely employed for scouting and light attack roles.
Beechcraft Baron	2	American light, twin-engined piston aircraft, utilized globally for business, personal, and flight training purposes since the mid-20th century.
C-130 Hercules	2	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
EMB 110	2	Brazilian regional airliner, developed in the late 1960s, widely used for regional air service and military transport worldwide.
KC-130 Hercules	2	American military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond.

Full inventory in 2024