Squadron | Type | Base |
---|---|---|
9 Squadron | F/A-18C/D Hornet | Ahmad Al Jaber AB |
12 Squadron | Hawk Mk.64 | Ali Salim Sabah AB |
19 Squadron | Tucano T.52 | Ali Salim Sabah AB |
25 Squadron | F/A-18C/D Hornet | Ahmad Al Jaber AB |
32 Squadron | SA 330H Puma | Ali Salim Sabah AB |
33 Squadron | SA 342K Gazelle | Ali Salim Sabah AB |
41 Squadron | L-100-30 Hercules | Ali Salim Sabah AB |
61 Squadron | F/A-18C/D Hornet | Ali Salim Sabah AB |
62 Squadron | AS 532SC Cougar | Ali Salim Sabah AB |
88 Squadron | AH-64D Apache Longbow | Ali Salim Sabah AB |
91 Squadron | S-92A | Kuwait IAP |
Kuwait
Current Order of Battle
Current Aircraft Inventory
Kuwait Air Force
Aircraft Type | Total Del’d | Total Active | Still on Order | Role |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aerospatiale AS 532SC Cougar | 6 | 4 | 0 | Maritime Patrol/ASW |
Aerospatiale SA 330H Puma | 12 | 6 | 0 | Transport |
Aerospatiale SA 342K Gazelle | 24 | 14 | 0 | Anti-Armour |
Airbus Helicopters H225M | 0 | 0 | 24 | Assault |
Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow | 16 | 16 | 0 | Anti-Armour/Attack |
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III | 2 | 2 | 0 | Transport |
Boeing F/A-18C Hornet | 32 | 27 | 0 | Fighter-Bomber/Recce. |
Boeing F/A-18D Hornet | 8 | 7 | 0 | Trainer |
British Aerospace Hawk T.64 | 12 | 10 | 0 | Trainer/Light Attack |
Eurofighter Typhoon | 0 | 0 | 28 | Fighter-Bomber |
Lockheed L-100-30 Hercules | 4 | 3 | 0 | Transport |
Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules | 3 | 3 | 5 | Tanker/Transport |
Shorts Tucano T.52 | 16 | 12 | 0 | Trainer |
Sikorsky S-92 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Utility |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Kuwait Air Force
Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aerospatiale SA 342K Gazelle | 24 | 1974 | current | France |
Aerospatiale SA 330H Puma | 12 | 1975 | current | France |
Aerospatiale AS 532SC Cougar | 6 | 1984 | current | France |
Agusta AB205A Iroquois | 8 | 1968 | 1977 | Italy |
Agusta AB206A JetRanger | 3 | 1968 | 1978 | Italy |
Airbus Helicopters H225M | 24 | – | – | France |
Auster J1 Autocrat | 3 | 1958 | 1959+ | UK |
Auster J5 Aiglet Trainer | 6 | 1954 | 1960+ | UK |
Auster J5P Autocar | 3 | 1953 | 19?? | UK |
BAC Strikemaster T.83 | 12 | 1970 | 1986 | UK |
BAC Jet Provost T.51 | 6 | 1962 | 1977 | UK |
Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow | 16 | 2005 | current | USA |
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III | 2 | 2014 | current | USA |
Boeing F/A-18C Hornet | 32 | 1992 | current | USA |
Boeing F/A-18D Hornet | 8 | 1992 | current | USA |
British Aerospace Hawk T.64 | 12 | 1985 | current | UK |
Dassault Mirage F.1BK | 6 | 1977 | 2002 | France |
Dassault Mirage F.1CK | 27 | 1976 | 2002 | France |
de Havilland DH.104 Dove | 2 | 1955 | 1968 | UK |
de Havilland DH.114 Heron | 1 | 1962 | 1972 | UK |
De Havilland Canada DHC-4A Caribou | 2 | 1962 | 1979 | Canada |
English Electric Lightning F.53 | 12 | 1968 | 1977 | UK |
English Electric Lightning T.55 | 2 | 1968 | 1977 | UK |
Eurofighter Typhoon | 28 | – | – | UK |
Hawker Hunter FGA.9 | 2 | 1967 | 1971 | UK |
Hawker Hunter FGA.57 | 4 | 1965 | 1976 | UK |
Hawker Hunter T.67 | 5 | 1965 | 1980 | UK |
Lockheed L-100-20 Hercules | 2 | 1971 | 1983 | USA |
Lockheed L-100-30 Hercules | 4 | 1983 | current | USA |
Lockheed Martin KC-130J Super Hercules | 3 | 2012 | current | USA |
McDonnell Douglas A-4KU Skyhawk | 30 | 1977 | 1993 | USA |
McDonnell Douglas TA-4KU Skyhawk | 6 | 1978 | 1993 | USA |
McDonnell Douglas C-9K/DC-9 | 3 | 1976 | 1997 | USA |
Shorts Tucano T.52 | 16 | 1995 | current | UK |
Sikorsky S-92A | 2 | 2007 | current | USA |
Westland Whirlwind 2 | 3 | 1960 | 1963 | UK |
National Markings
Kuwait Air Force
This section describes and illustrates the various national insignia used by the Kuwait Air Force since its formation:
Main Marking
Fin Flash
1953-1961
The markings carried by Security Department of Kuwait aircraft are not known.
1961-1991
The main marking is displayed in 6 positions (i.e. above and below each wing, and on each side of the fuselage) on aircraft – but on the fuselage sides only on helicopters. The fin flash is displayed on the tailfin. Transport aircraft carried the service titles KUWAIT AIR FORCE in English and Arabic. During the period of Kuwaiti occupation 1990-1991, exiled KAF aircraft replaced the roundel with the words ‘FREE KUWAIT’.
Main Marking
Fin Flash
1991-present
Since the 1991 Gulf War, KAF aircraft normally fly without roundels and only dispay the fin flash. Transport aircraft carry the service titles KUWAIT AIR FORCE in English and Arabic.
1991-present
Some sources indicate that a version of the roundel with the words Kuwait in Arabic script on the green outer ring has been occasionally used. There is little photographic evidence of this.
Aircraft Not Used
Kuwait Air Force
This page gives details of some of the aircraft types that were offered or promised to the Kuwait Air Force but not delivered, cancelled official orders, and types have been falsely reported as being in service.
Agusta AB204B Iroquois
Six examples reported in service 1968-1978. Probably confusion with the AB205s actually used.
Boeing AH-64A Apache
16 ordered in 1994, but cancelled in 1996.
Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules
Four C-130J reportedly ordered in 2000.
Sikorsky UH-60L Blackhawk
16 ordered in 1996, but cancelled in 1997.
Kuwait Air Force
History
Narrative Summary
Military aviation started in Kuwait when the Security Department of Kuwait began to operate a number of Auster aircraft supplied by the Kuwait Aero Club. These were soon supplemented by a pair of Doves. In 1961 a growing threat by Iraq to invade Kuwait was averted by rapidly-deployed British military reinforcements, but this lead to the Air Wing being reorganised as the Kuwait Air Force. The Air Force took delivery of its first jet aircraft in 1962 and expanded rapidly with additional helicopters and other aircraft. Hawker Hunters and then Lightnings formed the nucleus of a fighter force that now operates F/A-18 Hornets. During the Iraqi invasion on 2nd August 1990, KAF aircraft were forced to flee to Bahrain to escape capture. The KAF then regrouped in Saudi Arabia, and was able to conduct offensive operations alongside coalition forces during the United Nations campaign to liberate Kuwait from occupation.
Key Dates
1953 | Security Department of Kuwait Air Wing established | |
1961 | Kuwait Air Force established | |
1960 | First helicopters received – Westland Whirlwind | |
1962 | First jet aircraft delivered – Jet Provost | |
1988 | Kuwait Air Force assumes its present name | |
2 August 1990 | Iraq invades and occupies Kuwait | |
February 1991 | Gulf War – United Nations liberates Kuwait |
Current Status
To be added.
Future Plans
To be added.
Markings
National Insignia
Current — Historical
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The Kuwait military serial numbering system consists of a three digit mumber, e.g. 414 for F/A-18C and 145 for Hawk Mk.64. The numbers are reused once a type has been retired.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
False reports of aircraft on order or in service
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Kuwait City.
Organisational Structure
The KAF is organised into nine Squadrons at three main bases.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
List of Historical Orders of Battle – to be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
To be added.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The main air bases currently used are Ahmed al Jaber, Ali al Salim and Kuwait International Airport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
In addition to the above, during the 1991 Gulf War KAF aircraft were based at Dhahran in Saudi Arabia.
Military Air Bases Listing – to be added.
More Information
Books
Kuwait Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.
Magazines
To be added.
Websites
Kuwait Police Helicopter Wing
History
Narrative Summary
The Kuwait Police operates a small Air Wing comprising a handful of helicopters. The Police report to the Ministry of Interior. No historical details are known.
Key Dates
? | Police aviation unit established. |
Current Status
The Police Helicopter Wing is primarily involved in traffic patrol, VIP transport, SAR and EMS duties.
Future Plans
None known.
Markings
National Insignia
Main markingFin Flash
The national flag was carried as a fin flash. POLICE service titles were also displayed.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Kuwait Ministry of Interior helicopters originally retained their former Air Force serial numbers. Helicopters purchased new since 2000 have a serialling system comprising a two-figure number for each airframe, prefixed by the letters KMOI, e.g. KMOI-04.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Aircraft Type | Total Del’d | Total Active | Still on Order | Role |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aerospatiale SA330H Puma | 1 | 1 | 0 | Policing |
Aerospatiale SA342K Gazelle | 4 | 3 | 0 | Policing |
Aerospatiale AS365N3 Dauphin | 2 | 2 | 0 | Policing |
Eurocopter EC 135T1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Policing |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin | Aerospatiale SA330H Puma | 1 | 19?? | current | Air Force |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aerospatiale SA342K Gazelle | 4 | 19?? | current | Air Force |
Aerospatiale AS365N3 Dauphin | 2 | 2005 | current | France |
Eurocopter EC 135T1 | 2 | 2001 | current | Germany |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Not known.
Organisational Structure
All aircraft are based at an unknown base.
Current Order of Battle
Squadron | Type | Base |
---|---|---|
KPHW | SA330, SA342, AS365, EC135 | ? |
Historical Orders of Battle
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
All helicopters are operated from an unknown base.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
Not applicable.
More Information
Books
To be added
Magazines
None known.
Websites
Kuwait Government Aviation Unit
History
Narrative Summary
A Government Aviation Unit was established circa 1973 for VIP transport.
Key Dates
1973? | Kuwait Government Aviation Unit first established. |
Current Status
Kuwait Government aircraft are operated by Kuwait Airways under contract to the government.
Future Plans
No information.
Markings
National Insignia
Kuwait Government aircraft fly in a white and blue colour scheme, with the national flag and the insignia of Kuwait Airways on the fin. The country title STATE OF KUWAIT appears on the fuselage in English and Arabic script.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
All government aircraft carry civilian registrations in the 9K-Axx series.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Aircraft Type | Total Del’d | Total Active | Still on Order | Role |
---|---|---|---|---|
Airbus A300C4-620 | 1 | 1 | 0 | VIP Transport |
Airbus A310-608 | 1 | 1 | 0 | VIP Transport |
Airbus A320-212 | 1 | 1 | 0 | VIP Transport |
Boeing 747-400 | 1 | 1 | 0 | VIP Transport |
Gulfstream V | 3 | 3 | 0 | VIP Transport |
Sikorsky S-92A | 3 | 3 | 0 | VIP Transport |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin | Airbus A300C4-620 | 1 | 19?? | current | France |
---|---|---|---|---|
Airbus A310-608 | 1 | 1993 | current | France |
Airbus A320-212 | 1 | 2004 | current | France |
Boeing 727-269 | 1 | 1989 | 1999 | USA |
Boeing 737-200 | 1 | 1978 | 1982 | USA |
Boeing 747-400 | 1 | 19?? | current | USA |
Gulfstream II | 2 | 1980 | 1985 | USA |
Gulfstream III | 2 | 1984 | 1993 | USA |
Gulfstream IV | 3 | 1991? | 2000 | USA |
Gulfstream V | 3 | 2000 | current | USA |
Hawker Siddeley HS.125-700B | 2 | 1982 | 1990 | UK |
Lockheed Jetstar 8A | 1 | 1973 | 1981 | USA |
McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 | 1 | 19?? | 2000 | USA |
Sikorsky S-92A | 3 | 2007 | current | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Kuwait City.
Organisational Structure
All aircraft were based at Kuwait International Airport.
Current Order of Battle
Not applicable.
Historical Orders of Battle
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
All aircraft are now based at Kuwait International Airport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added.
More Information
Books
To be added
Magazines
To be added
Websites
Kuwait Key Dates
1710 | Kuwait becomes an independent kingdom. | |
18?? | Kuwait becomes a British protectorate. | |
1961 | Kuwait is granted full independence by Britain. | |
1961 | Iraq makes a claim for Kuwaiti territory. | |
1976 | The Amir suspends the National Assembly. | |
2 August 1990 | Iraq invades Kuwait. | |
1991 | Kuwait liberated by United Nations Coalition during the Gulf War. | |
1992 | National Assembly elections. | |
2003 | Women allowed to vote in elections. |