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Congo Air Force Formed in 1961, when the former Belgian Congo became independent and almost immediately descended into civil war, as the province of Katanga, rich in mineral resources, tried to break away. Known originally as the Congo Air Force, the air force was formed with light aircraft to counter aircraft operated by the rebel forces. After the civil war ended, the government and rebel air arms were merged and the foreign pilots of the former rebel force provided an initial pool of expertise. An Italian air mission soon replaced Belgian advisors and instructors. In 1969, 17 MB326GB armed trainers were delivered, augmenting up to 20 North American T6 Harvard and T28 Trojan armed trainers. Douglas C-47, DC-4 and DHC-4 Cariboo transports were also acquired, as well as light aircraft including DH Dove, and Beech 18. Six Alouette III helicopters were joined in 1971 by the first of 9 SA330 Puma. Training took place on Piaggio 148 trainers. The country was renamed Zaire and acquired more potent aircraft in the form of Dassault Mirage V as well as Lockheed C-130H. Equipment purchases were relatively easy given the county's wealth. Nevertheless, civil war once again broke out with the overthrow of the central govenment in 1997. The country now has foreign forces fighting both on the side of the new government and the rebels, with troops from Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe supporting the government. On the side of rebels, including Angolan UNITA Rebels, are troops from Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. Little use seems to have been made of the air force in the internal conflict. It is suspected that spares and the support organisation has broken down, leaving many aircraft unserviceable. Ten Su-25 are believed to have been ordered, as well as 22 Mi24 attack helicopters, but the mainstay remains six surviving Mirage V and perhaps as many as 15 of the MB326GB/K officially serving both the attack and training roles. There are 2 Hercules, a VIP 727, 3 DHC5-D Buffalo, 8 C-47 and a CASA C212-200 Aviocar, as well as 9 Eurocopter SA330 Puma, an AS 332 Super Puma and 7 Alouette III helicopters. Any training takes place on the SIAI SF260MZ and 12 Reims Cessna FRA150. |
Abstracted from and copyright of Jane's Air Forces of the World