The Gambia Air Force (GAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the military of The Gambia. It was established in 1984 and is responsible for maintaining the sovereignty of The Gambia's airspace, conducting air operations, and providing aerial support for ground forces. The GAF operates a limited number of aircraft, including fixed-wing planes and helicopters. Its fleet consists of aircraft such as the Aermacchi MB-326, which is used for ground attack and close air support, and the Bell 412, which serves multiple roles including troop transport and medical evacuation. The GAF has a small number of trained pilots and personnel who undergo regular training to maintain their operational readiness. The primary focus of the GAF is on defense, border surveillance, and support for domestic security operations.
Compiled from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), official air force and government publications and dated press reports; the update journal below lists the sources of each pass.
Last updated on 14 March 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does Gambia have?
Gambia Air Force operates 1 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 0 aircraft are currently on order.
How does Gambia's air force rank globally?
Gambia Air Force ranks #156 out of 162 air forces worldwide based on the AIRS Index (Air Inventory Rating of Strength), which measures overall air power capability considering fleet size and combat effectiveness.
How many combat aircraft does Gambia operate?
Gambia operates 1 combat aircraft, including fighters, multirole jets, and attack aircraft. These form the core of its offensive and defensive air capabilities.
What is the AIRS Index score of Gambia?
Gambia has an AIRS Index (Air Inventory Rating of Strength) score of 0.7 out of 100. This composite score weights every active airframe by category and by generation tier (strategic bombers highest, then combat aircraft, helicopters and transports), scales the combat fleet by its enablers โ tankers and airborne early warning โ and its stand-off armament, and applies a budget-based availability proxy to the whole force.
Where does Gambia get its military aircraft from?
Gambia sources its military aircraft primarily from Ex-USSR. The fleet composition reflects both domestic production capabilities and international defense partnerships.
