Ivorian Air Force

Key facts

Official Name	Ivorian Air Force
Local Name	Forces aériennes de Côte d'Ivoire
Country	🇨🇮 Ivory Coast
World rank	#103
Active aircraft	19 as of 2026
Aircraft on order	0
Roundel

Compare this Air Force

🇨🇮 Ivory Coast vs

Global Air Force Index

3.1

Global Rank: #103 / 162

The Global Air Force Index measures the Ivorian 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	2	Fighters, multirole & attack aircraft
🚁 Helicopters	10	Attack, transport & utility rotorcraft
🛫 Transport	4	Strategic & tactical airlift
📊 Total Active	19	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	10
Transport	4
Special	3
Combat	2

Origin countries of aircraft

Country	Active Aircraft
🇨🇳 Ex-USSR	9
🇫🇷 France	5
🇺🇸 United States	4
🇪🇸 Spain	1
🇮🇩 Indonesia	1

Evolution of Ivorian Air Force fleet

Overview

The Ivory Coast Air Force, also known as the Force Aérienne de la Côte d'Ivoire, is the air arm of the Ivorian military. Established in 1961, it has had a relatively stable history since its inception. The Air Force primarily operates from its main base at Port Bouet Airport in Abidjan. Its fleet consists of various aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and trainer aircraft. The Air Force has participated in several peacekeeping missions, both within the continent of Africa and internationally. It has also been engaged in anti-insurgency operations within the country. In recent years, the Ivory Coast Air Force has undergone limited modernization efforts, acquiring new aircraft and upgrading existing ones. This has resulted in improved capabilities and enhanced readiness. The force continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding national security and supporting the ground forces in various military operations.

Full inventory in 2026

Ivory Coast Air Force

Aircraft Type	Model	Origin Country	Model Year	Active	𝚫 YoY
Combat	Su-25	🇨🇳	1981	2	0
Helicopter	H125/AS350	🇫🇷	1990	5	+5
Helicopter	Mi-24	🇨🇳	1972	3	+2
Helicopter	Mi-8/17	🇨🇳	1967	2	+2
Transport	An-26	🇨🇳	1969	2	0
Transport	Beech 1900	🇺🇸	1984	1	0
Transport	C295	🇪🇸 🇮🇩	2001	1	+1
Special	King Air 90/360	🇺🇸	1964	3	+3

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft does Ivory Coast have?

Ivory Coast Air Force operates 19 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 0 aircraft are currently on order.

How does Ivory Coast's air force rank globally?

Ivory Coast Air Force ranks #103 out of 162 air forces worldwide based on the Global Air Force Index, which measures overall air power capability considering fleet size and combat effectiveness.

How many combat aircraft does Ivory Coast operate?

Ivory Coast operates 2 combat aircraft, including fighters, multirole jets, and attack aircraft. These form the core of its offensive and defensive air capabilities.

How many military helicopters does Ivory Coast have?

Ivory Coast Air Force operates 10 military helicopters, including attack, transport, and utility rotorcraft used for various combat and support missions.

What is the Air Force Index of Ivory Coast?

Ivory Coast has an Air Force Index score of 3.1 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 Ivory Coast get its military aircraft from?

Ivory Coast sources its military aircraft primarily from Ex-USSR, France, and United States. 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