Namibian Air Force
| Namibian Air Force | |
|---|---|
Official Emblem, NAF
|
|
| Founded | 23 July 1994 (Namibia Defence Force Air Wing) 13 March 2005 (Namibian Air Force) |
| Country | Namibia |
| Allegiance | Constitution of Namibia |
| Branch | Air Force |
| Role | Air supremacy, Air defense |
| Size |
1200 personnel |
| Part of | Namibia Defence Force |
| Colors | Air Force blue |
| Commanders | |
| Air Force Commander | Air vice-marshal Martin Pinehas |
1200 personnel
The Namibia Air Force was commissioned on 13 March 2005 at Grootfontein Air Force Base. Following the independence of Namibia from South Africa in 1990, the Air defence wing of the defence forces were established on 23 July 1994. The policy, mission statements and concept of operations envisage the development of an Air Force to operate in support of the Army and the Navy.
Five separate roles for Air Force are; surveillance, transport of personnel and transport of supplies/equipment; support to the civil authorities or civil community, and training.
With Grootfontein as the main Air Force Base, expansion projects are underway to expand the Keetmanshoop air base, as well as construct a new base at Karibib. This was reported by The Namibian on 20 June 2008. The Air Force Headquarters are now based at Karibib Air Force Base
The policy for the Air Force is as follows
To acquire dedicated air assets to undertake the surveillance and transport tasks. The MOD and NDF will train and employ their own pilots and technicians. Co-operation and co-ordination with other Ministries may extend to making such assets available for non-defence tasking. In addition, consideration will be given to arrangements whereby private and other national air assets could be employed where appropriate or necessary.
12 Chengdu F-7 Airguard jets were delivered in 2006 and 2008.
List of bases of the Namibian Air Force
Expansion of the Air Base at Keetmanshoop is planned.
Air Defence Wing
Nicknamed 'Daredevils' the 23rd Squadron is a fighter squadron and is home to the Chengdu F-7 Airguards.
15 Wing
Consists of the helicopters in the Air Force. The squadron participated in the Second Congo War. The squadron lost two helicopters that were involved in a Mid-air collision .
13 Wing
Hosting the Fixed wing transport aircraft is the 13 wing. The wing consists of the AN-26 and Y-12 Aircraft.
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Wikipedia