Malawian Air Force

Key facts

Official Name Malawian Air Force
Local Name Air Wing of the Malawi Defence Force
Country๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ผ Malawi
World rank#126
Active aircraft10 as of 2026
Aircraft on order0
Roundel

Roundel of Malawi air force

Global Air Force Index

2.2
Global Rank: #126 / 161
The Global Air Force Index measures the Malawian 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 7 Attack, transport & utility rotorcraft
๐Ÿ›ซ Transport 3 Strategic & tactical airlift
๐Ÿ“Š Total Active 10 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 7
Transport Transport 3

Origin countries of aircraft

Country Active Aircraft
๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France 7
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany 4
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ Ex-USSR 1

Evolution of Malawian Air Force fleet

Overview

The Malawi Air Force (MAF) is the air warfare branch of the Malawian Defense Force. It was established in 1976 and is responsible for carrying out air operations in support of national defense strategies. The MAF's fleet consists of various aircraft, including transport planes and helicopters, primarily used for logistics, air transport, and search and rescue operations. The force has also deployed aerial assets for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. The MAF has worked on improving its capabilities through training programs and international cooperation agreements. It has collaborated with other regional air forces and undergone joint exercises to enhance its operational readiness. The MAF has a small number of aircraft and limited resources, and its main focus is on defending national airspace, supporting ground forces, and contributing to regional security efforts.

Full inventory in 2026

Malawi Defence Force Air Wing

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft does Malawi have?
Malawi Air Force operates 10 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 0 aircraft are currently on order.
How does Malawi's air force rank globally?
Malawi Air Force ranks #126 out of 161 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 Malawi have?
Malawi Air Force operates 7 military helicopters, including attack, transport, and utility rotorcraft used for various combat and support missions.
What is the Air Force Index of Malawi?
Malawi has an Air Force Index score of 2.2 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 Malawi get its military aircraft from?
Malawi sources its military aircraft primarily from France, Germany, and Ex-USSR. 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