Tongan Air Wing Explained

Unit Name:Tonga Air Wing
Country:Tonga
Branch:Air force
Role:Aerial warfare
Size:10 personnel
2 aircraft[1]
Command Structure:His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga

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.

History

Tonga'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. In 1999, Tonga obtained a Citabria to assist with training. In 2008, a new aircraft was promised by the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, Fan Guijin.[3]

Aircraft

AircraftOriginTypeVariantIn serviceNotes
Transport
Beech 18United Statestransport1[4]
CitabriaUnited Statestransport1[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: His Majesty’s Armed Forces Corporate Plan & Budget 2020–2023. 2024-06-13. HMAF HQ. 2020-04-16. 33.
  2. Web site: 2016-05-02 . His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga – Aeroflight . 2024-06-09 . en-GB.
  3. Web site: 2008-11-22 . China promises aircraft for TDS . 2024-06-10 . Matangi Tonga . en.
  4. Web site: Aircraft Data N9644R, 1959 Beech G18S C/N BA-483 . 2024-06-10 . www.airport-data.com.
  5. Web site: American Champion Citabria . 2024-06-10 . Coletti's Combat Aircraft . en.