Azerbaijani Air Force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Azərbaycan Hərbi Hava QüvvələriAzerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force |
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The Flag of the Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force
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| Active | October 9, 1991 - present |
| Country |  Azerbaijan |
| Branch | Air force |
| Type | Military |
| Role | Air warfare and air defence |
| Size | 7,900 military personnel 600 aircraft and 350 helicopters (2011) 4 active air bases |
| Colors |  |
| Anniversaries | June 26, 1918 (first founding); October 9, 1991 (second founding) |
| Engagements | Nagorno-Karabakh War |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Major General Altay Mehdiyev |
The Azerbaijani Air Force (also known as the Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force) is the part of Azerbaijan's military that protects the country from the air. It uses airplanes and helicopters to defend the skies and help ground forces.
This air force started a long time ago, on June 26, 1918. That's when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which had just become independent, bought its very first fighter aircraft. Later, when Azerbaijan became independent again in 1991 after the Soviet Union ended, there were already many old Soviet air bases in the country. These bases helped the Azerbaijani Air Force grow and become stronger.
Contents
What the Air Force Does
The Azerbaijani Air Force has two main jobs:
- Air Force: This part flies planes and helicopters. They protect Azerbaijan's airspace, transport people and supplies, and support soldiers on the ground.
- Air Defence: This part uses special equipment like radar and missiles to find and stop enemy aircraft or missiles from entering Azerbaijani airspace.
Aircraft and People
The Azerbaijani Air Force has about 7,900 people working for it. They also have a lot of aircraft. In 2011, they had around 600 airplanes and 350 helicopters.
Types of Aircraft
The Air Force uses different types of planes and helicopters. Many of them are from the Soviet era, like:
They also have newer planes, like the MiG-29. These are advanced fighter jets bought from Ukraine in 2006. The MiG-29 is now the main fighter jet for the Azerbaijani Air Force. For transporting things, they use large planes like the Il-76. Azerbaijan has also been talking with countries like China and Pakistan about buying new JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
Air Bases
The Azerbaijani Air Force operates from four active air bases. These are special airports where military planes are kept, maintained, and flown from.
History and Important Events
The Azerbaijani Air Force has been involved in important events, including the Nagorno-Karabakh War. During this time, the Air Force played a role in defending the country.
Related pages
- Military history of Azerbaijan
- Azerbaijani Armed Forces
- Azerbaijani Land Force
- Azerbaijani Navy
- Azerbaijani National Guard
- Internal Troops of Azerbaijan
- State Border Service of Azerbaijan
Images for kids
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Azerbaijani Air Force Su-25’s perform a fly-by on Army Day 2011
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Air Force Mil Mi-24's fly over during an army parade
See also
In Spanish: Fuerza Aérea de Azerbaiyán para niños
