The Tongan Air Wing is the aerial warfare arm of His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga. The Air Wing supports the surveillance of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and conducts search and rescue (SAR) operations.
| Tonga Air Wing | |
|---|---|
| Active | 4 May 1996 |
| Country | Tonga |
| Branch | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 10 personnel 2 aircraft[1] |
| Part of | His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga |
History
editTonga's first attempt to start an air wing happened in 1986, when a Victa Airtourer light aircraft was obtained. However, the aircraft was re-sold soon after.[2] On 4 May 1996, the air wing was created successfully, with Tonga obtaining a Beech 18.[2] In 1999, Tonga obtained a Citabria to assist with training.[2] In 2008, a new aircraft was promised by the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, Fan Guijin.[3]
Aircraft
edit
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | ||||||
| Beech 18 | United States | transport | 1[2][4] | |||
| Citabria | United States | transport | 1[2][5] | |||
References
edit- ^ "His Majesty's Armed Forces Corporate Plan & Budget 2020–2023" (PDF). HMAF HQ. 16 April 2020. p. 33. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga – Aeroflight". 2 May 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "China promises aircraft for TDS". Matangi Tonga. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "Aircraft Data N9644R, 1959 Beech G18S C/N BA-483". www.airport-data.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "American Champion Citabria". Coletti's Combat Aircraft. Retrieved 10 June 2024.