Mozambique Air Force
| Mozambique Air Force | |
|---|---|
| Forca Aérea de Moçambique | |
An-26 |
The Mozambique Air Force (Portuguese: Forca Aérea de Moçambique; FAM) is the air force of Mozambique. From 1985 to 1990 it was known as the People's Liberation Air Force (Força Aérea Popular de Libertação; FAPL).
Overview
Due to Mozambique's colonial background, the air force has a history of using former Portuguese aircraft. At its setting-up after independence in 1975 the air force was supported by
In 2011, the
In 2014, the Brazilian Minister of Defense disclosed its intention to donate 3 Embraer EMB 312 Tucano and assist on financing the purchase of 3 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano.[4] In 2016, the donation deal was cancelled by the Brazilian government.
In 2014, Mozambique News and Clippings 256 (Hanlon, J) reported the following: "The Romanian company Aerostar has completed the overhaul and upgrade of eight Mozambique Air Force MiG-21 fighters, some of which had not flown operationally for more than 20 years. The package also included the overhaul of a L-39 jet trainer along with six single-seat MiG-21 fighter jets and two double-seat MiG-21 trainer aircraft, as well as a full training programme for ground staff and pilots. Two R-40S basic trainer aircraft were also delivered. Six MiG-21s are now back in Mozambique with the final two aircraft shipped from Romania in early July".
Aircraft
Current inventory
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Aircraft | ||||||
| MiG-21 | Soviet Union | fighter | 8[5] | |||
| Reconnaissance | ||||||
| AHRLAC Mwari | South Africa | reconnaissance | 1[6] | |||
| Transport | ||||||
| Antonov An-26 | Ukraine | transport | 1[5] | |||
| CASA CN-235 | Spain | transport | 1[7] | |||
L-410 Turbolet
|
Czech Republic | transport | 1[5] | |||
Helicopters
| ||||||
| Mil Mi-17 | Russia | utility | Mi-8/17 | 4[5] | ||
| Aérospatiale Gazelle | France | utility | SA341 | 2[5] | ||
| Mil Mi-24 | Russia | attack | Mi-25 | 2[5] | ||
Trainer Aircraft
| ||||||
| Aero L-39 | Czech Republic | jet trainer | 1[6] | |||
References
Notes
- ^ "World Air Forces 2021". Flightglobal Insight. 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
- ^ "Mozambique: Nyusi Makes New Military Appointments". all.africa.com.
- ^ World Aircraft Information Files. Brightstar Publishing, London, File 340 Sheet 05
- ^ Barreira, Victor (23 March 2014). "Brazil seeks to boost defence exports to Africa". IHS Jane's. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f "World Air Forces 2023". Flightglobal Insight. 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
- ^ a b Hoyle, Craig, ed. (2023). "World Air Forces 2024". Flightglobal Insight. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ "Paramount supply transport aircraft to Mozambique".
Bibliography
- Cooper, Tom; Weinert, Peter; Hinz, Fabian; Lepko, Mark (2011). African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe. Houston: Harpia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9825539-8-5.