History
Narrative Summary
The Air Element of the Suriname Air Force was formed in 1982 shortly after gaining independence from the Netherlands. In May 1982 the SAF received a couple of BN-2A for observation and transport duties. During a civil war in 1986 the SAF bought two PC-7 and two Alouette III to counter the rebels. Some of the aircraft were sold after the conflict. Two C-212 aircraft were delivered in
December 1998 and May 1999. Although the aircraft provide valuable capabilities for fishery patrol, border patrol and transportation into Suriname’s vast jungle, as for earlier acquisitions, maintaining and operating these relatively sophisticated aircraft is almost impossible with the limited resources of the Surinam Air Force.
Key Dates
| 1982 | The Air Element of the Suriname Air Force was formed. |
Current Status
Unit of the Air Force is fully operational.
Future Plans
No information available.
Markings
National Insignia
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The aircraft use the prefix SAF plus the serial number.
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
Alphabetical Order — Chronological Order
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports of aircraft on order or in service have been noted.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Membre Boekoe Kazerne, Paramaribo.
Organisational Structure
The Air Force is organised in one Air Element.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
None.
All-Time Flying Units List
Air Element / Surinaamse Luchtmacht
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The Surinam Air Force currently operates one major airbase and one secondary airfield.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
More Information
Books
None.
Magazines
World Air Power Journal 30, p.150
Websites