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	#75
Active aircrafts	90 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Training	38
Helicopters	28
Transport	14
Combat aircrafts	10

Aircrafts most used by Zimbabwean air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
SF-260	28	Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service.
SA316 Alouette III	13	French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles.
JL-8	10	Chinese jet trainer, developed in the late 20th century, regularly deployed for pilot training and light attack roles.
C-212 Aviocar	9	Spanish light transport plane, renowned for its versatility, extensively used for surveillance, rescue, and paratrooping missions since the 1970s.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	8	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
J-7 Fishcan	7	Chinese jet fighter, notable for usage in the late Cold War era, widely deployed in the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis.
Mi-24 Hind	6	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
BN-2B Defender	5	British light-utility aircraft, notably deployed for surveillance, logistical operations, and transport duties in various global regions.
MiG-23 Flogger	3	Soviet third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles.
Mi-17 Hip-H	1	Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions.

Full inventory in 2024