Tongan Air Wing

Tonga Air Wing
Active	4 May 1996 (1996-05-04)
Country	Tonga
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial reconnaissance Airlift Search and rescue Support maritime patrol Support ground forces operations
Size	10 personnel 2 aircraft [1]
Part of	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 aerial reconnaissance and surveillance of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and conducts airlift, search and rescue, and support ground forces 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. ^[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

The Beech 18 aircraft on 7 May 1996.

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In service	Notes
Transport
Beech 18	United States	Transport		1 [2] [4]
Citabria	United States	Transport		1 [2] [5]

References

1. "His Majesty's Armed Forces Corporate Plan & Budget 2020–2023" (PDF). HMAF HQ. 16 April 2020. p. 33. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
2. "His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga – Aeroflight". 2 May 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
3. "China promises aircraft for TDS". Matangi Tonga. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
4. "Aircraft Data N9644R, 1959 Beech G18S C/N BA-483". www.airport-data.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
5. "American Champion Citabria". Coletti's Combat Aircraft. Retrieved 10 June 2024.