Royal Bahamas Defence Force Air Wing

Key facts

Official Name Royal Bahamas Defence Force Air Wing
Country๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ธ Bahamas
World rank#155
Active aircraft2 as of 2026
Aircraft on order1
Roundel

Roundel of Bahamas air force

Global Air Force Index

0.8
Global Rank: #155 / 161
The Global Air Force Index measures Royal Bahamas Defence Force Air Wing's overall air power capability on a 0-100 scale, based on fleet composition and combat effectiveness.
๐Ÿ’ฅ Strategic Bombers 0 Nuclear-capable strike aircraft (highest weight)
โœˆ๏ธ Combat Aircraft 0 Fighters, multirole & attack aircraft
๐Ÿš Helicopters 0 Attack, transport & utility rotorcraft
๐Ÿ›ซ Transport 2 Strategic & tactical airlift
๐Ÿ“Š Total Active 2 All aircraft types

Methodology: Square root scaled index weighted by aircraft combat capability. Strategic bombers score highest due to nuclear strike capability.

Aircraft by type in 2026

Aircraft type Active
Transport Transport 2

Origin countries of aircraft

Country Active Aircraft
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy 1
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 1

Evolution of Bahamian Air Force fleet

Overview

The Bahamas Air Force, officially known as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Air Wing, is the aerial component of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF). Established in 1987, the Air Wing is responsible for maintaining national security, conducting search and rescue operations, providing maritime surveillance, and assisting in disaster relief efforts. The Air Wing operates a fleet of aircraft that includes fixed-wing planes and helicopters, such as the CASA C-212 Aviocar, the Eurocopter AS-355F-2 TwinStar, and the Bell 412EP. These aircraft play a crucial role in the RBDF's operations, allowing for the swift deployment of personnel and resources across the archipelago of The Bahamas. The Air Wing operates from several bases throughout the country, including its headquarters at Coral Harbour on the island of New Providence. With a focus on safeguarding the country's territorial integrity and protecting its vast maritime resources, the Bahamas Air Force continues to play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of The Bahamas.

Full inventory in 2026

Royal Bahamas Defence Force

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft does Bahamas have?
Royal Bahamas Defence Force Air Wing operates 2 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 1 aircraft are currently on order.
How does Bahamas's air force rank globally?
Royal Bahamas Defence Force Air Wing ranks #155 out of 161 air forces worldwide based on the Global Air Force Index, which measures overall air power capability considering fleet size and combat effectiveness.
What is the Air Force Index of Bahamas?
Bahamas has an Air Force Index score of 0.8 out of 100. This composite score measures overall air power capability, with strategic bombers weighted highest due to their nuclear strike potential, followed by combat aircraft, helicopters, and transport planes.
Where does Bahamas get its military aircraft from?
Bahamas sources its military aircraft primarily from Italy and United States. The fleet composition reflects both domestic production capabilities and international defense partnerships.
Various public data, including Wikipedia, Flightglobal.com, SIPRI Arms Transfer and official government websites.
Last updated on 1 January 2025. Suggest a change