Founded 1987 - 1994 (ceased) Branch Air force | Country Bophuthatswana Role Air defence | |
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The Bophuthatswana Air Force (BAF) was the aviation branch of the Bophuthatswana Defense Force. The BAF existed from 1987 until 27 April 1994. The primary role of the BAF was to provide support and medevac services to the ground units of the Bophuthatswana army. The BAF operated from several bases, one being Mmabatho AFB.
All surviving aircraft and helicopters were integrated into the South African Air Force after 27 April 1994.
History
An air component of the BDF was established on 19 March 1981 with the purchase of an Alouette III.
In 1982, the unit became known as Bophuthatswana Air Wing with the arrival of a 2nd Alouette III and 2 Helio H-295s. In 1983, 2 Partenavia P.68s and an AS-355 Écureuil were purchased - the latter was assigned to VIP transports. In November 1989, it was replaced by an SA-365N1 Dauphin.
In 1985, a CASA 212-200 Aviocar was purchased to transport paratroopers, a CASA 212-300 was received in 1987. The 2 Helios were withdrawn from service and replaced by 2 MBB/Kawasaki BK 117s.
With the arrival of so many new aircraft, the Bophuthatswana Air Wing took the name Bophuthatswana Air Force in late 1987.