Mexican Air Force

The Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana, FAM) is a component of the Mexican Army and is subordinate to the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA). Its structure is integrated within the army's command, reflecting a doctrine that does not prioritize independent air power projection. The force is organized into Air Regions and corresponding Air Bases, which function as operational and administrative hubs.

The FAM's strategic doctrine is centered on supporting ground forces, maintaining internal security, and executing counter-narcotics operations. It is not configured for conventional warfare against a state actor or to maintain air supremacy; its air defense capabilities are limited, and this role is largely understood to be covered by the United States. The force's primary operational capabilities are geared towards air transport, tactical logistics, surveillance, and providing air support for the army's counternarcotics and internal stability missions. This focus shapes its inventory, which is weighted towards transport aircraft, helicopters, and light attack/trainer platforms.

The FAM has been operationally engaged for years in the ongoing domestic conflict against drug trafficking organizations. Its assets are regularly deployed for surveillance, troop transport, and direct action, including using armed helicopters and aircraft in raids against cartel members.

Major acquisitions of new hardware have been intermittent. The transport fleet is being renewed with the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, the first of which was delivered in January 2026, making Mexico the first Latin American operator of the type. There are also programs to deploy new mobile surveillance radars to improve airspace monitoring, particularly in the country's southeast. Efforts to sustain the operational status of its small and aging F-5 fighter fleet continue, but a comprehensive replacement program with a modern multi-role combat aircraft has been under consideration for many years without a final decision. The force continues to acquire new utility vehicles and helicopters, like the UH-60M, to enhance its core missions of tactical transport and support for domestic security operations.