Zambian Air Force

The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) is the air arm of the Zambia Defence Force. It was established in 1964, when Zambia gained independence from British colonial rule. The ZAF is responsible for the country's aerial defense and plays a vital role in national security. The force operates a range of aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and trainers. The ZAF's primary mission is to assert air superiority, protect Zambian airspace, and support ground forces during operations. The force has participated in various peacekeeping missions under the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community. The ZAF has a modest fleet size and focuses on maintaining operational readiness through regular training exercises and collaborations with other air forces. In recent years, the ZAF has received modernized aircraft and equipment to enhance its capabilities.

Key facts

Official Name	Zambian Air Force
Local Name	Zambian Air Force
Country	🇿🇲 Zambia
World rank	#74
Active aircrafts	98 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Training	50
Helicopters	27
Transport	13
Combat aircrafts	8

Aircrafts most used by Zambian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
JL-8	16	Chinese jet trainer, developed in the late 20th century, regularly deployed for pilot training and light attack roles.
MFI-15 Safari	14	Swedish utility aircraft, operational since the 1960s, frequently deployed for training and light transport roles worldwide.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	13	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
SF-260	12	Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service.
MiG-19 Farmer	10	Soviet fighter jet, operational during the Cold War, notably used in various conflicts like the Vietnam and Indo-Pakistan Wars.
Y-12	7	Chinese twin-engine light utility aircraft, recognized from its 1980s development, frequently used for passenger and cargo transportation.
Z-9 Haitun	7	Chinese utility helicopter, widely deployed for anti-submarine and SAR missions since the late 20th century.
JL-10	6	Chinese advanced trainer jet, operational since 2017, employed significantly by the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
Mi-17 Hip-H	5	Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions.
206 JetRanger	2	American light helicopter, well known for civilian, military, emergency medical services, and offshore oil support roles since the 1960s.

Full inventory in 2024