History
Narrative Summary
The Eastern Region of Nigeria announced its secession as the State of Biafra on 30 May 1967. Having no existing air power, the Biafran Air Force was hastily assembled from a number of aircraft and personnel obtained from abroad. The aircraft were delivered via a variety of legal and illegal means. The Nigerian Army attacked Biafra in July, but Biafran forces counter-attacked and were able to expand their territory. A civil war followed, which saw the Biafran Air Force operate extensively in support of ground forces.
Both the Biafran and Nigerian air forces saw significant expansion during the civil war. Biafra obtained several AT-6s and famously about a dozen MFI-9 ‘Minicons’ for light attack duties, but the Nigerians introduced MiG-17s and Il-28s. In December 1969 Nigerian Federal forces launched a final offensive and Biafra surrendered in January 1970. Most airworthy aircraft fled abroad.
Key Dates
| 23 Apr 1967 | First aircraft obtained – a formerly hijacked F27 | |
| July 1967 | Biafran Air Force created | |
| 13 Jan 1970 | Biafra surrenders |
Current Status
The Biafran Air Force was disbanded in January 1970.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
National Insignia
The red-black-green Biafran roundel was rarely carried.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Biafran Air Force aircraft either retained there previous registration or serial, or operated without any external identity markings, e.g. T-6 14810.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
Several aircraft were obtained clandestinely for Biafra, but didn’t manage to complete the delivery flight. These included two Meteor NF.14 night fighters and five Fouga Magisters.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
See individual aircraft histories.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
The BAF headquarters moved several times due to the course of the civil war. The initial location was Enugu.
Organisational Structure
The BAF was initially without much organisational structure, but by 1969 consisted of a Training Command and a Tactical Air Command. The units of the former are unknown. The latter had up to three squadrons.
Current Order of Battle
Not applicable.
Historical Orders of Battle
Order of Battle for late 1967
Order of Battle for mid 1968
Order of Battle for late 1969
All-Time Flying Units List
42 Squadron
45 Squadron
47 Squadron
? units flying the B-25, B-26, C-47 etc.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
The main air base was Enugu, but Port Harcourt, Orlu and Uli were also used.
To be added.
More Information
Books
African Military Aviation by Winston A. Brent (Freeworld Publications, 1994)
African Air Forces by Winston Brent (Freeworld Publications, 1999)
Air Wars and Aircraft by Victor Flintham (Arms and Armour Press, 1989)
Shadows: Airlift and Airwar in Biafra and Nigeria 1967-1970 by Micheal I Draper (Hikoki Publications, 1999)
Magazines
To be added.
Websites