Overview
The Air Wing was formed in 1977 and is organisationally part of the Botswana Defence Force.
All squadrons are designated with a Z, which has no other meaning but is used as a designation for "squadron". The main base is Molepolole and was built mostly by foreign contractors between 1992 and 1996. Other bases used are Sir Seretse Khama International Airport at Gaborone and Francistown.
The backbone of the Air Wing is formed by ex-Canadian CF-116s which are locally designated as CF-5s. Thirteen ex-Canadian CF-116s (ten single-seater CF-5As and three trainer CF-5Bs) were ordered in 1996 to replace the Strikemasters, with another three single-seaters and two dual-seaters delivered in 2000. For transport the Air Wing uses Britten-Norman Defenders, CASA C-212 Aviocars, CASA CN-235s and C-130 Hercules. The latest addition to the transport fleet was an ex-AMARC C-130 Hercules to complement the two existing aircraft.
A combination of Bell 412EP and 412SP helicopters are operated by Z21. In 1993 nine ex-US Army/AMARC Cessna O-2As were delivered for use against poaching.
In 2011 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd announced that the Botswana Defence Force selected the 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 5 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.
Botswana is also believed to operate Elbit Systems Silver Arrow and Elbit Hermes 450 UAVs.
Read more about this topic: Botswana Defence Force Air Wing