Air Force of Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Air Force (ZAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces. It was established in 1980, following the country's independence from British rule. The ZAF operates a fleet of various aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and trainer aircraft. Its primary mission is the defense of Zimbabwe's airspace, as well as supporting ground forces during military operations. The ZAF has participated in several peacekeeping missions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. It also provides assistance in disaster relief efforts and has been involved in search and rescue operations. In recent years, the ZAF has faced challenges due to financial constraints, which have affected its ability to maintain and upgrade its aircraft fleet. However, the force continues to ensure the country's national security by conducting regular training exercises and maintaining readiness to respond to any threats to the nation's sovereignty.
Key facts
Official Name | Air Force of Zimbabwe |
Country | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe |
World rank | #69 over 160 |
Active aircrafts | 104 as of 2025 |
Aircrafts on order | 0 |
Roundel |
|
Origin countries of aircrafts
Country | Active Aircraft | |
---|---|---|
🇮🇹 Italy | 28 | |
🇨🇳 China | 17 | |
🇫🇷 France | 13 | |
🇸🇪 Sweden | 12 | |
🇨🇳 Ex-USSR | 12 | |
🇵🇰 Pakistan | 10 | |
🇪🇸 Spain | 9 | |
🇺🇸 United States | 8 | |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 5 |
Evolution of Zimbabwean Air Force fleet
Aircrafts by type in 2025
Aircraft type | Active | |
---|---|---|
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40 | |
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28 | |
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22 | |
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14 |
Full inventory in 2025
Air Force of Zimbabwe
Aircraft Type | Model | Origin Country | Model Year | Active | 𝚫 YoY | Ordered | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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K-8 | 🇨🇳 🇵🇰 | 1994 | 10 | 0 |
0 |
|
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F-7 | 🇨🇳 | 1966 | 7 | 0 |
0 |
|
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MiG-23 | 🇨🇳 | 1970 | 3 | 0 |
0 |
|
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FT-7 | 🇨🇳 | 1958 | 2 | +2 |
0 |
|
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SA316 | 🇫🇷 | 1961 | 13 | 0 |
0 |
|
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Bell 412 | 🇺🇸 | 1959 | 8 | 0 |
0 |
|
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Mi-24/35 | 🇨🇳 | 1972 | 6 | 0 |
0 |
|
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Mi-172 | 🇨🇳 | 1977 | 1 | 0 |
0 |
|
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C212 | 🇪🇸 | 1974 | 9 | 0 |
0 |
|
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BN-2 | 🇬🇧 | 1965 | 5 | 0 |
0 |
|
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SF-260 | 🇮🇹 | 1966 | 28 | 0 |
0 |
|
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MFI-395 | 🇸🇪 | 1972 | 12 | +12 |
0 |
Sources: various open source data, including Wikipedia, Flightglobal.com, SIPRI Arms Transfer and official government websites.