Founded 1961 Size 23 aircraft Attack Mil Mi-35 | Country Senegal Garrison/HQ Ouakam | |
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Helicopter Mil Mi-2/Mi-17/Mi-35/Eurocopter AS355/Bell 206 | ||
The Senegalese Air Force French: Armée de l'Air Sénégalaise is the air force branch of the Senegalese Armed Forces.
Contents
History
It was formed on 1 April 1961 with Douglas C-47s, MH.1521 Broussards, plus Sud Aloutte II and Agusta-Bell 47G helicopters. Close ties to France have been maintained with France through training and base facilities agreements.
From the early 1970s saw further French deliveries, the first jet aircraft enter service. The Fouga Magister jet trainer/ground attack as well as an SA 341H Gazelle and SA 330F Puma helicopters were delivered.
Later expansion saw the delivery of six Fokker F27 transport to replace the C47's from 1977, when also four SOCATA Rallye light planes were acquired. Four armed Rallye 235A Guerrier version followed in 1984.
Organisation
The Armée de l'Air Sénégalaise headquarters are currently located at Ouakam, near the capital of Dakar, on the opposite side of the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport. The air force has the role of defending Senegalese airspace, protecting airport areas, supporting other Senegalese forces, medevac and maritime patrol.
Funding remains a constant problem for the Senegalese Air Force and the increasing cost of aviation fuel restricts the number of available flying hours.