Gabon
formerly part of French Equatorial Africa



Gabon Air Force Pilot

A brief history of the nation's air forces
You are encouraged to add to or correct historical information


Gabon Air Force

Originally part of French Equatorial Africa, Gabon became independent in 1960 and received the standard French Military gift of three Max Holste Broussard, and AlouetteII helicopter and a C-47. By the early 1970's this force had reduced to two Broussards, but the force has been restructured since and has acquired combat aircraft., modelling itself on the French pattern. There are 9 mirage aircraft for intereception and ground attack duties. An EMB-110P Bandeirante provides MR with two more as transports, with a Lockheed c-130H plus two civil versions and one each of CASA CN235, Nord 262C Fregate, ATR 42F and a Bell 412SP helicopter, with a VIP flight consisting of a Douglas DC-8, Falcon 900EX and Gulfstream IVSP. An AS350 Ecureuil is used on communications duties.

The Presidential Guard has COIN capability, with three Magister and Beech four T-34C-1 Turbo mentor armed trainers, as well as VIP Bandeirant, Falcon 900 and AS355 Ecureuil.

The Gabon Army

The small Gabon Army has 5 Gazelle armed helicopters and 5 Pumas.



Abstracted from and copyright of Jane's Air Forces of the World