Chadian Air Force

The Chadian Air Force (Force Aérienne Tchadienne) is a small, combat-proven air arm structured primarily for counter-insurgency, border security, and close air support for its ground forces. It operates as a component of the Chadian National Army, with its main operational hub at Adji Kosseï Air Base in N'Djamena. Historically reliant on foreign assistance for maintenance and advanced training, the force is gradually developing indigenous capacity through targeted programs.

The force's operational doctrine is shaped by persistent threats from non-state actors, including Boko Haram and domestic rebel groups like FACT. This is reflected in its recent acquisitions, which prioritize Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike capabilities to support expeditionary ground operations within Chad and across the Sahel region. The air force provides critical airlift and fire support, a role it has executed consistently in regional conflicts.

The Chadian Air Force has engaged in extensive combat operations. It has deployed its Su-25 attack aircraft against Boko Haram insurgents in neighboring Nigeria and Cameroon. Domestically, its assets, including Mi-24 Hind helicopters, were instrumental during the 2008 battle of N'Djamena against rebel forces. The air arm has also been involved in repelling incursions from Sudan and was allegedly responsible for an airstrike against Wagner-allied forces in the Central African Republic.

Modernization is centered on acquiring unmanned aerial vehicles and light attack aircraft. In 2023, the air force introduced at least one Turkish TAI Aksungur MALE UAV, shown armed with eight MAM-L laser-guided bombs, and two TAI Anka UAVs. This procurement was accompanied by the training of Chadian crews in Turkey. Concurrently, Chad acquired three TAI Hürkuş-C turboprop light-attack aircraft, with the first pilots and technicians completing qualifications in early 2024. The United States has supported the development of an ISR program centered on the RC-208B Caravan, providing training to pilots and ground crews to enhance counter-terrorism operations. Legacy helicopter platforms, including Mi-17 and Mi-24/35s, have undergone overhauls and upgrades in Georgia.