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Let‘s start a thread about the Somali Air Force.
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Hawker Hunter. Apparently this one saw use only after the war with Ethiopia was over, albeit details are murky.
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Hawker Hunter. Apparently this one saw use only after the war with Ethiopia was over, albeit details are murky.
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SF-260, delivered from Italy in the 1970s and in service for most of the history of the Somali Aeronautical Corps.
Also one of the rarest birds ever in Somalia.
SF-260, delivered from Italy in the 1970s and in service for most of the history of the Somali Aeronautical Corps.
Also one of the rarest birds ever in Somalia.
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The MiG-17 remained a mainstay of the SAC well into the late 1980s, seeing much service in the Civil War, including the infamous bombing of Hargeisa.
In-service photos are exceptionally rare. Notice the winged leopard insignia on the front.
The MiG-17 remained a mainstay of the SAC well into the late 1980s, seeing much service in the Civil War, including the infamous bombing of Hargeisa.
In-service photos are exceptionally rare. Notice the winged leopard insignia on the front.
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MiG-21MF. Main fighter during the Ogaden War, few survived and almost none were used afterwards.
BTW, if anyone has materials on the 80s Civil War please recommend!
MiG-21MF. Main fighter during the Ogaden War, few survived and almost none were used afterwards.
BTW, if anyone has materials on the 80s Civil War please recommend!
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Various SAC support aircraft, including Turboporters and what almost looks like a flying boat. Happy to hear any ID suggestions!
the fact that these are of Western manufacture points towards acquisition and service in the 80s.
Various SAC support aircraft, including Turboporters and what almost looks like a flying boat. Happy to hear any ID suggestions!
the fact that these are of Western manufacture points towards acquisition and service in the 80s.
6/
Antonov An-24 transports were used during the Ogaden War with Ethiopia and the following civil war for transport and barrel bombing.
Note the winged leopard!
Also, photo three shows another light support aircraft in front.
Antonov An-24 transports were used during the Ogaden War with Ethiopia and the following civil war for transport and barrel bombing.
Note the winged leopard!
Also, photo three shows another light support aircraft in front.
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Continuing with the transports, Somalia acquired a small number of G.222 transports from Italy following the war with Ethiopia.
These saw intense service as transports and bombers during the Somali Civil War
Continuing with the transports, Somalia acquired a small number of G.222 transports from Italy following the war with Ethiopia.
These saw intense service as transports and bombers during the Somali Civil War
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More misc. light support aircraft.
One can safely assume that Somali Airlines had a paramilitary role during the Civil War.
More misc. light support aircraft.
One can safely assume that Somali Airlines had a paramilitary role during the Civil War.
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Shenyang F-6 were delivered after the Soviet supply line dried up following the end of the Ogaden War.
These formed the other main SAC aircraft of the 80s, with intense use during border clashes with Ethiopia and as bomber during the Civil War.
Shenyang F-6 were delivered after the Soviet supply line dried up following the end of the Ogaden War.
These formed the other main SAC aircraft of the 80s, with intense use during border clashes with Ethiopia and as bomber during the Civil War.
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Helicopters. The Soviets delivered a few Mi-4s and Mi-8s. None are known to have remained in use after the Somali defeat in 1979.
Note the flag on the Mi-8 boom.
Helicopters. The Soviets delivered a few Mi-4s and Mi-8s. None are known to have remained in use after the Somali defeat in 1979.
Note the flag on the Mi-8 boom.
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More photos of the AB-212 used during the 1980s. These were bought from Italy.
Notice that the green paint tended to weather into a khaki brown.
More photos of the AB-212 used during the 1980s. These were bought from Italy.
Notice that the green paint tended to weather into a khaki brown.
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MiG-15UTI jet trainer at Mogadishu.
MiG-15UTI jet trainer at Mogadishu.
12.1/
Another nice view of a Somali MiG-15 trainer.
Another nice view of a Somali MiG-15 trainer.
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The single rarest Somali bird, the Il-28.
Less than a handful were delivered by the Soviets in the 70s and used against Ethiopia. None were in used afterwards. Insignia said to have been in six positions.
The single rarest Somali bird, the Il-28.
Less than a handful were delivered by the Soviets in the 70s and used against Ethiopia. None were in used afterwards. Insignia said to have been in six positions.
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A few more rare photos of Somali Mi-8/17 Hip Helos.
Note that as early as 1983, when US Soldiers first photographed these helos, they were already out if service.
Courtesy of the Somali Air Force Club.
A few more rare photos of Somali Mi-8/17 Hip Helos.
Note that as early as 1983, when US Soldiers first photographed these helos, they were already out if service.
Courtesy of the Somali Air Force Club.
1.3/
Another nice view of a Somali Hawker Hunter, Mogadishu.
Another nice view of a Somali Hawker Hunter, Mogadishu.
