In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the air force has become a vital component in safeguarding national sovereignty and security.
Several small countries, despite their limited territories, have developed effective and robust air forces. In this article, you will discover five countries with the smallest land areas that have active and combat-capable air forces.
5. Lebanon - Lebanese Air Force
With an area of 4,036 square miles (10,452 km²), Lebanon is the fifth smallest country to have an active air force, known as the Lebanese Air Force (LAF). Established in 1940, the LAF's mission is to defend the country's borders.
The country's air force consists of 2,500 active personnel, 68 aircraft and 18 unmanned aerial vehicles. Its fleet of attack aircraft includes 6 Embraer EMB 314s and 3 Cessna AC 208s for reconnaissance and ground attack missions, while its attack helicopters are the MD500 Defender and Aérospatiale Gazelle.
4. Cyprus - Cyprus Air Command
Cyprus, which covers an area of 3,572 square miles (9,251 km²), is home to the Cyprus Air Command (CAF) with 1,200 active personnel and 26 aircraft. The CAF operates Pilatus PC-9 attack aircraft and Aérospatiale Gazelle attack helicopters, with four helicopters and four UAVs on order.
Established in April 1964, the CAF relies on attack and anti-tank helicopters, surface-to-air missiles and integrated radar systems. Its main squadrons are the 450 Attack Helicopter Squadron and the 460 Search and Rescue Squadron.
3. Brunei - Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF)
Covering 2,226 square miles (5,765 square km), Brunei is homeland to the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) based at Rimba near Brunei International Airport. Established in March 1965, the RBAirF operates 22 manned aircraft and five UAVs, including the Meggitt Banshee and RQ-21 Blackjack, with plans to acquire fighter aircraft.
Responsible for air defense and border surveillance, the RBAirF relies on multi-role helicopters and UAVs for maritime missions. Armament includes M134 miniguns, FZ rockets and air-to-surface missiles, with plans to acquire BAE Hawk aircraft to enhance combat capabilities.
2. Bahrain - Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF)
Bahrain, with a land area of 304 square miles (787 km²), ranks second on the list of smallest countries with a combat-capable air force. The Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF), part of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF), has 1,500 active personnel and 118 aircraft, including 17 F-16C fighter jets and Bell AH-1E/F and Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.
Established in May 1976, the RBAF has played a major role in several combat operations, including the Gulf War and Saudi Arabia's intervention in the Yemeni civil war.
1. Singapore - Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
Singapore, covering 275 square miles (712 km²), boasts a strong Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), part of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Established in September 1968, the RSAF has 6,000 active personnel and 7,500 reserve personnel.
With 247 aircraft, including 60 General Dynamics F-16C/D Fighting Falcons and 40 custom-built McDonnell Douglas F-15SGs, the RSAF is responsible for providing air support and defending the country's airspace. Despite being the smallest with a combat-capable air force, the RSAF ranks 35th out of 103 global air forces.
Source: simpleflying.com
