Central African Republic Air Force

The Central African Republic Air Force (Force Aérienne Centrafricaine) is the aerial warfare branch of the Central African Republic Armed Forces. As of 2017 it has been a branch of the Ground Force.

The Air Force is reported to be almost inactive due to the unserviceability of its aircraft. Dassault Mirage F1s of the French Air Force regularly patrol troubled regions of the country and also participate in direct confrontations. According to some sources, former President François Bozizé used the money he got from the mining concession in Bakouma to buy two old Mil Mi-8 helicopters from Ukraine and one Lockheed C-130 Hercules, built in the 1950s, from the U.S. The air force otherwise operates several light aircraft, including a single helicopter. In early January it has been reported that between 6 and 8 ex-Russian Air Force L-39 trainer jets were donated or delivered. Presumably they will also be used in attack role as well by Wagner forces present.