Mauritania Islamic Air Force

The Mauritanian Air Force (Force Aérienne Islamique de Mauritanie - FAIM) is a small, lightly equipped force structured primarily to support counter-terrorism operations and border security. With approximately 250 personnel, the air force operates from several bases, including Nouakchott and Atar, where the Air Force School for pilots and mechanics is located. The service is a subordinate branch of the unified armed forces and does not pursue independent strategic objectives; its core function is to provide aerial support for the Mauritanian Army and other security services.

Operationally, the FAIM is oriented towards counter-insurgency (COIN), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Its doctrine has shifted from a conventional defense posture to one tailored for asymmetric warfare against mobile extremist groups in the Sahel. This doctrine emphasizes air mobility and direct support to specialized ground units, such as the Special Intervention Groups (GSI). The acquisition of Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft provides a dedicated light attack and surveillance capability suitable for the desert environment. These aircraft work in concert with U.S.-donated Cessna C-208s, which form a key part of the nation's ISR capabilities for the G5 Sahel coalition. The air force also conducts maritime patrol missions, operating aircraft on behalf of the Ministry of Fisheries.

The FAIM has conducted offensive operations, notably striking Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) positions across the border in Mali in 2011 to guide ground forces.

The acquisition of the A-29 Super Tucano introduced a low-cost precision strike and armed reconnaissance platform. To enhance its surveillance footprint, the air force received three EU-donated G1 Aviation SPYL-XL ultralight aircraft in 2022, equipped with day and thermal cameras for light ISR duties. The U.S. has provided sustained training to improve the self-sufficiency of the C-208 maintenance program, addressing specific issues like wiring degradation to maintain mission effectiveness.