Burkina Faso Air Force

The Burkina Faso Air Force, officially known as the Armée de l'Air du Burkina Faso, is the aerial branch of the Burkina Faso Armed Forces. It was established in 1964 following the country's independence from France. The primary mission of the air force is to provide air support to ground forces and ensure national security. The air force operates a modest fleet of aircraft, which includes transport planes, helicopters, and light attack aircraft. Some of the aircraft in service include the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, Cessna 208 Caravan, and Mil Mi-17 helicopter. The air force is also responsible for aerial reconnaissance and surveillance activities. Burkina Faso does not have any known fixed-wing combat aircraft or sophisticated air defense systems. The air force has participated in regional peacekeeping missions, such as the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Overall, the Burkina Faso Air Force remains a relatively small and limited air force with a focus primarily on supporting ground forces and maintaining national security.