Botswana Defence Force Air Wing

Botswana Defence Force Air Wing
Botswana Defence Force Air Wing roundel
Active	1977 – present
Country	Botswana
Part of	Botswana Defence Force
Insignia
Ensign
Aircraft flown
Fighter	Canadair CF-5
Helicopter	Bell 412SP, AS 350 Ecureuil
Reconnaissance	Elbit Hermes 450, IAI Silver Arrow 180
Trainer	Pilatus PC-7 Mk II
Transport	Beechcraft Super King Air Britten-Norman Defender, CASA C-212 Aviocar CASA CN-235, Cessna O-2 Skymaster Bombardier Global Express, C-130 Hercules

The Botswana Defence Force Air Wing is the air arm of the Botswana Defence Force of Botswana in southern Africa.

The Air Wing was formed in 1977 and is organisationally part of the Botswana Defence Force.

All squadrons are designated with a Z, which is used as a designation for "squadron". The main base is near Molepolole and was built by mostly foreign contractors between 1992 and 1996. The base is a multi-stage project that included runways, taxiways, extensive shelter and ordnance storage facilities, a headquarters facility and a large complex of living quarters and support buildings. Sometimes referred to as the "Eagle" project, the base has received continual improvements since its inception. Other airports used are Sir Seretse Khama International Airport at Gaborone and Francistown. The airfield near Maun is used as a forward operating location by propeller aircraft as well as there fighters.

The backbone of the Air Wing consists of a squadron of former Canadian CF-116s which are locally designated as BF-5s. Thirteen ex-Canadian CF-116s (ten single-seater CF-5As and three trainer CF-5Bs) were ordered in 1996 to replace the Strikemasters, with another three single-seaters and two dual-seaters delivered in 2000. The aircraft were re-designated OJ-1 through 16. For transport, the Air Wing uses Britten-Norman Defenders, CASA C-212 Aviocars, CASA CN-235s and C-130B Hercules. The latest addition to the transport fleet was an ex-AMARC C-130 Hercules to complement the two existing aircraft.

A combination of Bell 412EP and 412SP helicopters are operated by Z21 and perform a variety of functions, including search and rescue, medivac, anti-poaching and troop/VIP transport. In 1993, nine ex-US Army/AMARC Cessna O-2As were delivered for use against poaching.