{{Short description|Air warfare branch of Botswana's military forces}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}} {{Infobox military unit | unit_name = Air Arm Command | native_name = | image = [[File:BDF emblem.svg|190px]] | image_size = | caption = Emblem of the Botswana Defence Force | start_date = {{start date and age|1960|df=yes}} | country = {{flag|Botswana}} | allegiance = | branch = | type = [[Air force]] | role = [[Aerial warfare]] | size = 500 personnel<ref name=IISS1>{{cite book| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2023| title=The Military Balance 2023| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=15 February 2023| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| page= 436| isbn=9781032508955}}</ref> | command_structure = [[Botswana Defence Force]] | garrison = [[Gaborone]] | garrison_label = Headquarters | nickname = | patron = | motto = | colours = | colours_label = | march = | mascot = | anniversaries = | equipment = | equipment_label = | battles = | decorations = | battle_honours = | battle_honours_label = | flying_hours = | website = <!-- Commanders --> | commander1 = [[President of Botswana|President]] [[Duma Boko]] | commander1_label = [[Commander-in-Chief]] | notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia --> | identification_symbol = [[File:Roundel of Botswana.svg|90px]] | identification_symbol_label = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]] | identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Fin Flash of Botswana.svg|90px]] | identification_symbol_2_label = [[Fin flash]] | identification_symbol_3 = | identification_symbol_3_label = <!-- Aircraft --> | aircraft_attack = | aircraft_bomber = | aircraft_electronic = | aircraft_fighter = [[Canadair CF-5]] | aircraft_helicopter = [[Bell 412]]SP, [[Eurocopter AS350|AS 350 Ecureuil]] | aircraft_helicopter_attack = | aircraft_helicopter_cargo = | aircraft_helicopter_multirole = | aircraft_helicopter_observation = | aircraft_helicopter_trainer = | aircraft_helicopter_utility = | aircraft_interceptor = | aircraft_patrol = | aircraft_recon = [[Elbit Hermes 450]], [[Israel Aerospace Industries|IAI]] Silver Arrow 180 | aircraft_trainer = [[Pilatus PC-7|Pilatus PC-7 Mk II]] | aircraft_transport = [[C-130 Hercules]], [[Beechcraft Super King Air]], [[Britten-Norman Defender]], [[CASA C-212 Aviocar]], [[CASA CN-235]], [[Cessna O-2 Skymaster]], [[Bombardier Global Express]] | aircraft_tanker = | aircraft_general = }}
The '''Air Arm Command''' is the [[air force]] of the [[Botswana Defence Force]]. The Air Arm was formed in 1977 and squadrons are designated with a Z, meaning "squadron".
==History== The Air Arm Command was formed in 1977 and is part of the [[Botswana Defence Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Botswana Defence Force |url=https://online.bdf.org.bw/index |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=online.bdf.org.bw}}</ref> All [[Squadron (aviation)|squadrons]] are designated with a Z, which stands for "squadron".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orbats |url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/botswana |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=www.scramble.nl}}</ref> The main base is near [[Molepolole]] and was built by mostly foreign contractors between 1992 and 1996.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Botswana Air Force |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/botswana/air-arm.htm |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref> Other airports used are [[Sir Seretse Khama International Airport]] and [[Francistown International Airport]].<ref name=":0" />
The backbone of the AAC is a squadron of former Canadian [[Canadair CF-5|Canadair CF-116s]], locally designated as BF-5s. These fighter jets were ordered in 1996 to replace the [[BAC Strikemaster]], with another three single-seaters and two dual-seaters being delivered in 2000.{{#tag:ref|Only 14 CF-5s (both single- and dual-seat versions) remain in service in 2009.<ref name=Janes>{{cite journal |year=2009 |title=Jane's Sentinel Country Risk Assessments Southern Africa|journal=Ihs Jane's Sentinel. Country Risk Assessments. Southern Africa|issue=26 |pages=94–96 |publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]] |issn=1754-9256 }}</ref>|group=Note}} The aircraft were re-designated OJ-1 through 16. For transport, the AAC uses [[Britten-Norman Defender]]s, [[CASA C-212 Aviocar]]s, [[CASA CN-235]]s and [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed C-130B Hercules]]. The latest addition to the transport fleet was a former [[United States Air Force]] C-130H Hercules to complement the two existing aircraft.<ref name="Janes" />
A combination of Bell 412EP and 412SP helicopters are operated by Z21 and perform a variety of functions; search and rescue, medivac, anti-poaching and troop/VIP transport. In 1993, nine ex-[[United States Army|US Army]]/AMARC [[Cessna O-2 Skymaster|Cessna O-2]]As were delivered for use against poaching.
In 2011, [[Pilatus Aircraft|Pilatus Aircraft Ltd]] announced that the AAC had selected the [[Pilatus PC-7|PC-7]] MkII turboprop trainer aircraft to replace their [[Pilatus PC-7]] fleet which has been in service since 1990. The contract value is approximately 40 million Swiss francs to procure a fleet of five PC-7 MkII turboprop trainer aircraft, with ground-based training system including computer-based training, spares, support equipment, as well as pilot and technician conversion training elements. The contract was signed in Gaborone on 13 April 2011.<ref name=upi>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2011/04/25/Botswana-buys-Swiss-trainers/UPI-51061303744131/|title=Botswana buys Swiss trainers|publisher=upi.com business news|access-date=13 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829050654/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2011/04/25/Botswana-buys-Swiss-trainers/UPI-51061303744131|archive-date=29 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
Botswana is also believed to operate [[Elbit Systems]] Silver Arrow<ref name=FG2>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2001/03/20/127601/botswana-builds-uav-surveillance-force.html |title=Botswana builds UAV surveillance force |date=20 March 2001 |work=Flightglobal |publisher=Reed Business Information |quote=According to sources in Botswana, the southern African country recently signed a contract to purchase at least three short-range systems from Silver Arrow |access-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930030752/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2001/03/20/127601/botswana-builds-uav-surveillance-force.html |archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Elbit Hermes 450]] UAVs.<ref name=FG1>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/06/05/214395/singapore-seals-deal-for-hermes-450-uavs.html |title=Singapore seals deal for Hermes 450 UAVs |author=Peter La Franchi |date=5 June 2007 |work=Flightglobal |publisher=Reed Business Information |access-date=9 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930031626/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/06/05/214395/singapore-seals-deal-for-hermes-450-uavs.html |archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Paul Morris money laundering case === Paul Morris, whom had a major role in the AAC, had made the decision to buy 10 [[Bell 412|Bell 412EP]] helicopters, however the funds were used in a money laundering case, being the largest in Botswana history. Paul Morris would later be sentenced to the [[death penalty]] in 1998, and was executed in 1999.
==Accidents and incidents== *On 20 October 2011, two PC-7s of the AAC were involved in a midair collision over Letlhakeng 100 km west of Gaborone. Two of the four aircrew involved were killed in the accident.<ref>[https://www.google.co.bw/search?q=bdf+pc7+crash&oq=bdf+pc7+crash&aqs=chrome..69i57.5424j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8# "BDF assists plane crash victims."] ''dailynews.gov.bw,'' Retrieved 21 September 2017.</ref> *On 27 June 2014, The Botswana Defence Force Air Arm lost a [[Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil|Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil]] helicopter which crashed during a routine training at Thebephatshwa Air Base. Two pilots who were on board the aircraft, were taken to hospital in a stable condition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=12460|title=A Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Ecureuil helicopter crashed this morning (27/6/14). Two pilots who were on board the aircraft were taken to Thebephatshwa Hospital in a conscious condition.|publisher=Prince Kangwane|access-date=21 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921095005/http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=12460|archive-date=21 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> *On 9 February 2017, a BDF CASA C-212 crashed near Thebephatshwa village minutes after leaving the Thebephatshwa Air Base, killing all three people on board. The aircraft was on its way to the capital, [[Gaborone]], which is 90 km away.<ref>[http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=66563&dir=2017/february/10 "BDF plane crashes, kills 3."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062604/http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=66563&dir=2017%2Ffebruary%2F10 |date=17 December 2018 }} ''mmegi.bw,'' 10 February 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.</ref> *On 27 April 2018, a day before BDF Day, a BF-5 fighter aircraft crashed at the Gaborone Golf Club during aerobatic rehearsals. The pilot was the only recorded casualty.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=989848889481146369|user=BWGovernment|title=PRESS RELEASE |The Botswana Defence Force informs the public of an unfortunate incident in which a pilot lost his l…|date=27 April 2018}}</ref>
==Organization== [[File:2 BDF Air Wing C-130s 2008-09-12.jpg|thumb|Two [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130]]s operated by the AAC.]] *Z1 Transport Squadron – [[Thebephatshwa Airport|Maparangwane Air Base]] (Thebephatshwa/Molepolole) *Z3 Transport (Liaison) Squadron – O-2A, Bat Hawk – [[Francistown Airport]] *Z7 Training Squadron – PC-7MkII, [[Beechcraft Super King Air|King Air 200]] – [[Thebephatshwa Airport|Maparangwane Air Base]] (Thebephatshwa/Molepolole) *Z10 Transport Squadron – C-130, C-212 and CN-235 – [[Thebephatshwa Airport|Maparangwane Air Base]] (Thebephatshwa/Molepolole) *Z12 Transport Squadron – [[Francistown Airport]] *Z21 Transport/Helicopter Squadron – Bell 412 – [[Thebephatshwa Airport|Maparangwane Air Base]] (Thebephatshwa/Molepolole) *Z23 Transport/Helicopter Squadron – AS-350 – [[Thebephatshwa Airport|Maparangwane Air Base]] (Thebephatshwa/Molepolole) *Z28 Fighter Squadron – CF-5 – [[Thebephatshwa Airport|Maparangwane Air Base]] (Thebephatshwa/Molepolole) *VIP Flight Squadron – G-IV – [[Sir Seretse Khama International Airport]]
===Air bases=== [[Thebephatshwa Airport|Maparangwane Air Base]] is the only full air base in Botswana. Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is a civilian airport that hosts the VIP jets and Francistown Airport is a joint civilian/military airfield with ownership by the BDF since 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=169&dir=2011/September/Thursday8|title=Armed forces inherit old Francistown Airport|author=Patricia Edwin|access-date=21 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921095639/http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=169&dir=2011%2FSeptember%2FThursday8|archive-date=21 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Air defence command and control system=== In 2005 Botswana Defence Force (BDF) awarded the Spanish company Indra a €7.1 million contract for the development and implementation of a full air defence command and control system. The project included the development and implementation of an operational control centre, composed of a total of nine air traffic tracking and control posts to process and concentrate the information regarding the country's air space being provided by air surveillance radars, radio communication links with the airships, and air traffic management civil systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indra.es/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/Render&inifile=futuretense.ini&c=SalaPrensa_FA&cid=1103830050408&p=1083830063846&pid=1083830063846&Language=en_GB&mes=January&ay=2005&retorno=Url:listadoProyecto|title=Indra is awarded Botswana's air defence control system|access-date=21 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720142253/http://www.indra.es/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FRender&inifile=futuretense.ini&c=SalaPrensa_FA&cid=1103830050408&p=1083830063846&pid=1083830063846&Language=en_GB&mes=January&ay=2005&retorno=Url%3AlistadoProyecto|archive-date=20 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Land-Based-Air-Defence/Botswana-Botswana.html|title=Botswana (Botswana) – Jane's Land-Based Air Defence|publisher=Janes.com|date=4 April 2011|access-date=21 September 2017}}</ref>
==Aircraft== === Current inventory === [[File:Botswana DF CF-5D OJ 25 (6918328249).jpg|thumb|A Botswana Defence Force CF-5 on display]] [[File:190620-A-NV3840030 (48103168987).jpg|thumb|A BDF Bell 412 in 2019.]] [[File:Dornier Do-328-110 OB2 Botswana Defence Force Roundtrip Oberpfaffenhofen (4000 ft.).jpg|thumb|Dornier Do-328-110 OB2 Botswana Defence Force]] {| class="wikitable" ! style="text-align:center; "|Aircraft ! style="text-align: center; "|Origin ! style="text-align:l center; "|Type ! style="text-align:left; "|Variant ! style="text-align:center; "|In service ! style="text-align: center; "|Notes |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military aircraft#Combat|Combat aircraft]] |- |[[Canadair CF-5]] | [[Canada]] |[[Fighter aircraft|Fighter]] |[[Canadair CF-5#Variants|CF-5A]] |10<ref name="World Air Forces 2023">{{cite web |last =Hoyle |first =Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=113841|title = World Air Forces 2026|publisher= Flightglobal|year= 2025 |doi = |accessdate= 26 January 2026|date=2025|page=14}}</ref> | Improved license-built variant of the [[Northrop F-5]] |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]] |- | [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]] | [[United States]] | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]] | [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules#Variants|C-130B/H]] | 4<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Çetiner |first1=Yusuf |title=The United States Donates a C-130 Hercules Military Transport Aircraft To The Botswana Defense Force |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2024/07/08/the-united-states-donates-a-c-130-hercules-military-transport-aircraft-to-the-botswana-defense-force/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |publisher=Overt Defense |date=8 July 2024}}</ref> | |- | [[CASA C-212 Aviocar|CASA C212]] | [[Spain]] | Transport | | 3<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> |[[STOL]] capable aircraft |- | [[CASA/IPTN CN-235]] | [[Indonesia]] / Spain | Transport | | 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> | |- | [[Beechcraft Super King Air]] | United States | Transport | [[Beechcraft Super King Air#Variants|200]] | 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> | |- | [[Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander|Britten-Norman BN-2]] | [[United Kingdom]] | [[Utility aircraft|Utility]] | | 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> | |- | [[Dornier 328]] | [[Germany]] | Transport | | 1{{cn|date=June 2024}} | |- |[[Bombardier Global Express]] | Canada | [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]] | Global 5000 |1{{cn|date=November 2025}} | |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Helicopter]]s |- |[[Bell 412]] | United States |[[Utility helicopter|Utility]] | |6<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> | |- |[[Eurocopter AS350]] | [[France]] |[[Liaison aircraft|Liaison]] / Utility | |10<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> | |- |[[AgustaWestland AW189|AW 189]] |[[Italy]] |Utility | | |1 on order.<ref name="World Air Forces 2023" /> |- ! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Trainer aircraft]] |- |Canadair CF-5 | Canada |[[Trainer aircraft#Operational conversion|Conversion trainer]] |[[Canadair CF-5#Variants|CF-5D]]<ref>{{cite magazine |journal=Flight International |date=16–22 November 2004|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%202339.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516072559/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2004/2004-09%20-%202339.html |archive-date=2013-05-16 |title=World Air Forces 2004 |page=46 |publisher= flightglobal.com |accessdate=31 May 2015}}</ref> |5<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> | Improved license-built variant of the Northrop F-5 |- | [[Pilatus PC-7]] | [[Switzerland]] |[[Trainer aircraft|Trainer]] | [[Pilatus PC-7#Variants|Mk II]] | 5<ref name="World Air Forces 2023"/> | |}
===Retired aircraft=== Previous aircraft operated by the Air Force were the [[Gulfstream IV]], [[Cessna 150]], [[Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander]], [[Scottish Aviation Bulldog]], and [[Short SC.7 Skyvan|Short Skyvan]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%202500.html |title= World Air Forces 1981 pg. 328 |publisher= flightglobal.com |access-date= 1 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180102073741/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1981/1981%20-%202500.html |archive-date= 2 January 2018 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</ref> ===Future acquisitions=== The Botswana Air Arm Command has been considering a replacement for the BF-5 since 2013, due to the fact that the [[Canadair CF-5]]s are old, built in the 1970s, and are increasingly hard to maintain and to find spare parts for them.<ref>Patrick Kenyette, May 30, 2023, [https://www.military.africa/2023/05/botswana-in-negotiation-with-india-for-tejas-aircraft/ Botswana in negotiation with India for Tejas aircraft] – updated June 12, 2023.</ref> A report in 2013 by the then the head of the BDF's air arm, Major General Odirile Mashinyana, recognized the need to replace the aircraft, but also advised that upgrading the BF-5s would allow time to save funds for a well chosen successor.<ref>Ekene Lionel, March 25, 2021, [https://www.military.africa/2021/03/contest-for-botswana-new-fighter-jet-gathers-momentum/ Contest for Botswana's new fighter jet gathers momentum], Military Africa.</ref>
Since that time, the [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle]],<ref>[https://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/south-koreas-eagle-swoops-on-botswana South Korea's Eagle swoops on Botswana], Times aerospace, April 10, 2018.</ref> used versions of the [[F-16]], and the [[Saab AB|Saab]] [[Gripen]] were all considered.<ref>[https://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/botswana-looks-to-india-for-fighter-upgrade Botswana looks to India for fighter upgrade], Times aerospace, 2 August 2023.</ref>{{Sfn|Wyatt|2017}} The most recent potential replacement was the [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]-made [[HAL Tejas]] fighter,<ref>[https://www.africaintelligence.com/southern-africa-and-islands/2023/03/16/gaborone-looks-to-procure-indian-hal-fighter-aircraft,109924094-art Gaborone looks to procure Indian HAL fighter aircraft], Africa intelligence, 16/3/2023.</ref> however as of January 2025, the Tejas is no longer being considered.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thegazette.news/news/govt-halts-plans-to-purchase-indian-fighter-jets/|title=Govt Halts Plans To Purchase Indian Fighter Jets|date=23 January 2025|access-date=25 January 2025}}</ref>
==Ranks== {{main|Military ranks of Botswana}} ===Commissioned officer ranks=== The rank insignia of [[commissioned officer]]s. {| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Botswana}} |}
===Other ranks=== The rank insignia of [[non-commissioned officer]]s and [[Enlisted rank|enlisted personnel]]. {| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Botswana}} |}
==Notes== {{Reflist|group=Note}}
==Citations== {{Reflist}}
==References== {{Commons category|Air force of Botswana}} *{{cite book| title=The Military Balance 2019| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=15 February 2019| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| isbn=9781857439885| ref={{harvid|IISS|2019}}}} *{{Cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49486:feature-botswanas-gripen-plan-highlights-need-for-a-defence-white-paper&catid=32:military-art-a-science&Itemid=112|title=Feature: Botswana's Gripen plan highlights need for a defence white paper {{!}} defenceWeb|last=Wyatt|first=Chris|website=www.defenceweb.co.za|date=5 October 2017|language=en-gb|access-date=7 October 2017}}
{{Air forces}} {{Authority control}}
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1977]] [[Category:National air wings]] [[Category:Military of Botswana|Air Arm Command]] [[Category:Aviation in Botswana]] [[Category:1977 in Botswana]] [[Category:Military aviation in Africa]]