South Sudan Air Force

Key facts

Official Name South Sudan Air Force
Country🇸🇸 South Sudan
World rank#121
Active aircrafts20 as of 2025
Aircrafts on order0

Overview

The South Sudan Air Force, officially known as the Sudan People's Liberation Air Force (SPLAF), is the aerial warfare branch of the South Sudan People's Defense Forces. It was established in 2005, following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the Second Sudanese Civil War. The SPLAF inherited a small number of aircraft from the former Sudanese Air Force, including MiG-29 fighter jets, helicopter gunships, and transport planes. Over the years, the SPLAF has faced challenges related to limited funding, lack of maintenance capabilities, and training opportunities. The air force primarily focuses on air reconnaissance, transport of troops and supplies, and limited air-to-ground attack capabilities. It has played a role in supporting ground operations during internal conflicts and providing humanitarian assistance in remote areas. The SPLAF has expressed a desire to expand and modernize its fleet, but specific details regarding ongoing procurement efforts are scarce.

Origin countries of aircrafts

Country Active Aircraft
🇨🇳 Ex-USSR 15
🇬🇧 United Kingdom 2
🇮🇹 Italy 2
🇨🇿 Czech Republic 2
🇺🇸 United States 1

Evolution of South Sudanese Air Force fleet

Aircrafts by type in 2025

Aircraft type Active
Helicopter Helicopter 15
Transport Transport 5

Full inventory in 2025

South Sudan Air Force and Air Defense

Aircraft Type Model Origin Country Model Year Active 𝚫 YoY Ordered
HelicopterHelicopter Mi-17 🇨🇳 1977 7
0
0
HelicopterHelicopter Mi-24 🇨🇳 1972 6
0
0
HelicopterHelicopter AW109 🇬🇧 🇮🇹 1976 2
0
0
TransportTransport An-26 🇨🇳 1969 2
+1
0
TransportTransport L-410 🇨🇿 1970 2
+2
0
TransportTransport 727 🇺🇸 1964 1
+1
0
Various public data, including Wikipedia, Flightglobal.com, SIPRI Arms Transfer and official government websites.