Jamaica Defence Force
Key facts
| Official Name | Jamaica Defence Force |
| Local Name | Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing |
| Country | ๐ฏ๐ฒ Jamaica |
| World rank | #95 |
| Active aircraft | 18 as of 2026 |
| Aircraft on order | 1 |
| Roundel |
|
Global Air Force Index
| ๐ฅ Strategic Bombers | 0 | Nuclear-capable strike aircraft (highest weight) |
| โ๏ธ Combat Aircraft | 0 | Fighters, multirole & attack aircraft |
| ๐ Helicopters | 15 | Attack, transport & utility rotorcraft |
| ๐ซ Transport | 0 | Strategic & tactical airlift |
| ๐ Total Active | 18 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
15 | |
|
|
2 | |
|
|
1 | |
Origin countries of aircraft
| Country | Active Aircraft | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | 16 | |
| ๐ฆ๐น Austria | 2 | |
Evolution of Jamaican Air Force fleet
Overview
The Jamaica Air Force, officially known as the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing, is the air arm of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). Established on March 24, 1963, it operates as a subsidiary of the JDF and is headquartered at Up Park Camp in Kingston, Jamaica. The primary role of the Air Wing is to provide support to ground and maritime forces, contributing to national security and internal defense operations. The Air Wing operates a small fleet of aircraft, which includes fixed-wing planes and helicopters. These aircraft are used for various tasks such as transport, reconnaissance, maritime patrol, and search and rescue missions. In addition to its operational role, the Air Wing also assists in disaster relief operations, both domestically and regionally. The Jamaica Air Force maintains close partnerships with international counterparts and participates in joint exercises and training programs. The force remains committed to fulfilling its mission of defending Jamaica's territorial integrity and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
Full inventory in 2026
Jamaica Defence Force
| Aircraft Type | Model | Origin Country | Model Year | Active | ๐ซ YoY | Ordered | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell 429 | ![]() |
๐บ๐ธ | 2009 | 8 | 0 |
1 |
||
| Bell 505 | ![]() |
๐บ๐ธ | 2017 | 6 | 0 |
0 |
||
| Bell 412 | ![]() |
๐บ๐ธ | 1959 | 1 | 0 |
0 |
||
| DA42 | ![]() |
๐ฆ๐น | 2004 | 2 | 0 |
0 |
||
| King Air 350 | ![]() |
๐บ๐ธ | 1964 | 1 | 0 |
0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does Jamaica have?
How does Jamaica's air force rank globally?
How many military helicopters does Jamaica have?
What is the Air Force Index of Jamaica?
Where does Jamaica get its military aircraft from?
Last updated on 1 January 2025. Suggest a change





