Surinamese Air Force

Key facts

Official Name	Surinamese Air Force
Local Name	Surinaamse Luchtmacht
Country	🇸🇷 Suriname
World rank	#159
Active aircraft	3 as of 2026
Aircraft on order	0
Roundel

Compare this Air Force

🇸🇷 Suriname vs

Global Air Force Index

0.5

Global Rank: #159 / 161

The Global Air Force Index measures the Surinamese Air Force's overall air power capability on a 0-100 scale, based on fleet composition and combat effectiveness.

💥 Strategic Bombers	0	Nuclear-capable strike aircraft (highest weight)
✈️ Combat Aircraft	0	Fighters, multirole & attack aircraft
🚁 Helicopters	3	Attack, transport & utility rotorcraft
🛫 Transport	0	Strategic & tactical airlift
📊 Total Active	3	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	3

Origin countries of aircraft

Country	Active Aircraft
🇫🇷 France	3

Evolution of Surinamese Air Force fleet

Overview

The Suriname Air Force is the aviation branch of the military of Suriname, a country located on the northeastern coast of South America. Established in 1982, the Suriname Air Force operates under the command of the Suriname Defense Force. The main role of the Suriname Air Force is to defend the airspace of Suriname and support national security efforts. The Air Force primarily operates light aircraft, helicopters, and transport aircraft. The fleet includes aircraft such as the Cessna 182 and 206, as well as the Mil Mi-17 helicopter. Additionally, the Suriname Air Force has a small number of transport aircraft, including the Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander and the Antonov An-28. These aircraft are used for various missions, including surveillance, transport of personnel and supplies, and search and rescue operations. The Suriname Air Force has also participated in joint military exercises with other countries in the region, contributing to regional security efforts.

Full inventory in 2026

Suriname Air Force

Aircraft Type	Model		Origin Country	Model Year	Active		𝚫 YoY	Ordered
Helicopter	SA316		🇫🇷	1961	3		0	0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft does Suriname have?

Suriname Air Force operates 3 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 0 aircraft are currently on order.

How does Suriname's air force rank globally?

Suriname Air Force ranks #159 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 Suriname have?

Suriname Air Force operates 3 military helicopters, including attack, transport, and utility rotorcraft used for various combat and support missions.

What is the Air Force Index of Suriname?

Suriname has an Air Force Index score of 0.5 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 Suriname get its military aircraft from?

Suriname sources its military aircraft primarily from France. 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