The wings
The wings are basically very similar to the US wing format, with the Algerian crest in enamels at the centre. They employ the seniority marks of star and wreathed star to denote increasing seniority, as well as type emblems for aircrew disciplines.
Air Force Early Days
Algeria became independent of France in 1962 and almost immediately commenced the formation of an air force from the National Liberation Army. It received assistance from Egypt, the USSR and Czechoslovakia. The first pilots were seconded Egyptian pilots, flying the first five ex-Egyptian Mig 15 fighters. During the first decade, more sophisticated equipment was introduced.
The 1970's
By the early 1970's Algeria boasted a total of 140 interceptors in ten squadrons, including Mig 17 and Mig 21 as well as thirty Ilyushin Il 28 jet bombers in two squadrons, with a transport squadron of An 12 and Il 18 aircraft.
Western aircraft were also introduced. These included 28 Potez Magister armed trainers and 20 SA330 Puma helicopters to operate alongside 30 Mi 4's.
Current assets
The Soviet Union continued to be a major supplier, but second hand aircraft were obtained from former Soviet Bloc nations such as Belarus; South Africa entered into maintenance of the Mi 24 helicopters, hoping to place their own Roivalk armed helicopters eventually. American, Dutch and French transports have been added. There are now Mig 29 aircraft operating in fighter, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance squadrons, as well as various Ukrainian refurbished Mig 21, Mig 23 Mig 25, Su 24, Su 22, Il 78 Tankers, Aero L-39 Albatross armed trainers, Beech Super King Air B200T's, plus Mig 24 attack helicopters, Mi 6, Mi 17 , AS 355F Eceureuil and Ka27 helicopters. ransports now include C-130H hercules Il 76 F27 Frienship, Gulfstream 11's and Falcons. Trainers include T34 turbo Mentors Zlin 142 and Mi 2 helicopters. There is a desire to buy Russian maritime surveillance aircraft.
Flight Engineer