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Eritrean Air Force After many years of internal unrest, Eritrea became independent from Ethiopia in 1993. Internal unrest continues and border disputes with Ethiopia have resulted in conflict. The small air force was formed in 19994 with L-90 Redigo trainers, latwer joined in 1996 by Aermacchi MB339FD armed jet trainers. Late in 1998, 10 Mig-29 were acquired, possibly from Moldova and flown by Ukrainian mercenary aircrew, but half of these have been lost since. A Mi-35 helicopter was captured from the Ethiopian Air Force and pressed into service. Currently the EAF has 5 surviving Mig-29 and 5 MB339 in the combat role, while some sources suggest that there could also be a handful of Mig-23 and Mig-21 as well. Transport is provided by 4 Harbin Y-12, plus a VIP Dornier Do228. There are 2 Mi-8 and 4 Mi-17 in the SAR and transport role, with an Mi-35 attack helicopter. Seven Redigo traners are still in use. |
Abstracted from and copyright of Jane's Air Forces of the World