Djibouti Air Force

Key facts

Official Name Djibouti Air Force
Local Name Force aรฉrienne djiboutienne
Country๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Djibouti
World rank#102
Active aircraft17 as of 2026
Aircraft on order0
Roundel

Roundel of Djibouti air force

Global Air Force Index

3.2
Global Rank: #102 / 162
The Global Air Force Index measures the Djibouti Air Force'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 10 Attack, transport & utility rotorcraft
๐Ÿ›ซ Transport 7 Strategic & tactical airlift
๐Ÿ“Š Total Active 17 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
Helicopter Helicopter 10
Transport Transport 7

Origin countries of aircraft

Country Active Aircraft
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ Ex-USSR 6
๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France 5
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China 3
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 3

Evolution of Djibouti Air Force fleet

Overview

The Djibouti Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Djibouti Armed Forces. Established in 1977 following Djibouti's independence from France, the air force primarily focuses on the defense of Djibouti's airspace. It operates mainly from the Ambouli International Airport, with a modest fleet consisting of transport aircraft and helicopters. The air force enhances Djibouti's national security capabilities by conducting aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and transportation missions. Its fleet includes various aircraft models such as the Harbin Y-12, CASA C-212, Mil Mi-35, and Eurocopter AS532 Cougar. The air force has limited capabilities for air defense and provides support to ground forces during military operations, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts in the region. Additionally, it plays a vital role in facilitating humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Through its modest fleet and operations, the Djibouti Air Force contributes to the defense and stability of the country.

Full inventory in 2026

Djibouti Air Force

Aircraft Type Model Origin Country Model Year Active ๐šซ YoY Ordered
HelicopterHelicopter AS565 ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท 1990 4
0
0
HelicopterHelicopter Mi-24 ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ 1972 2
0
0
HelicopterHelicopter Mi-8 ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ 1967 2
0
0
HelicopterHelicopter AS355 ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท 1990 1
0
0
HelicopterHelicopter Z-9 ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ 1994 1
0
0
TransportTransport Cessna 208 ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ 1984 3
+2
0
TransportTransport MA60 ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ 1969 2
0
0
TransportTransport Y-12 ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ 1985 2
0
0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft does Djibouti have?
Djibouti Air Force operates 17 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 0 aircraft are currently on order.
How does Djibouti's air force rank globally?
Djibouti Air Force ranks #102 out of 162 air forces worldwide based on the Global Air Force Index, which measures overall air power capability considering fleet size and combat effectiveness.
How many military helicopters does Djibouti have?
Djibouti Air Force operates 10 military helicopters, including attack, transport, and utility rotorcraft used for various combat and support missions.
What is the Air Force Index of Djibouti?
Djibouti has an Air Force Index score of 3.2 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 Djibouti get its military aircraft from?
Djibouti sources its military aircraft primarily from Ex-USSR, France, and China. 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