Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Air Wing
| Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Air Wing | |
|---|---|
Roundel | |
| Active | 12 April 2022–present[1] |
| Country | Antigua and Barbuda |
| Allegiance | Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force |
| Size | 2 aircraft[2] |
| Motto | Sparing nothing, giving all |
| March | Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee[3] |
| Commanders | |
| Lieutenant colonel | Alando Michael |
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Air Wing is the aerial component of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. It is one of the five branches of the force. The purpose of the air wing includes troop transport, medical evacuation, disaster response, search and rescue and assisting other government agencies.[4][5] The unit was commissioned on 12 April 2022 and started operations with one aircraft (a second-hand BN-2 Islander[6][7]), a second airframe (Piper PA-31) entered service in 2023.[8] Since then, it has expressed interest in acquiring a helicopter, and additional aircraft.[9][10] As of March 2025, the aircraft numbered two, and a third aircraft was being planned.[11] Currently they are based in the Calvin Air hangar at V.C. Bird International Airport, but are scheduled relocate to a more suitable hangar.[9]
Aircraft
Current inventory
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | |||||
| Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander | United Kingdom | Transport | 1[2] | Serial ABDF-A1[8] | |
| Piper PA-31 Navajo | United States | Transport | PA-31-350 Chieftain | 1[10][2] | Serial ABDF-A2[8]. Also 1 additional "unserviceable" aircraft[12] |
References
- ^ "Antigua And Barbuda Defence Force Airwing - Commissioned!". Facebook. May 2022.
- ^ a b c Hoyle, Craig (2025). World Air Forces 2026 (Report). FlightGlobal. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ "Saluting the National Anthem after the Governor General has arrived". Facebook. May 2022.
- ^ "Antigua and Barbuda: Defense Forces Enhance Fleet with New Aircraft". Carib Daily News. 18 September 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ Vivian Michael, Kisean Joseph (25 January 2025). "ABDF's Air Wing Unit looks to better 2024 performance". ANTIGUA OBSERVER. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ One Caribbean Television (13 April 2022). "Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force Adds Air Wing". YouTube. One Caribbean News.
- ^ "Antigua and Barbuda Air Wing to be established". 6 March 2022.
- ^ a b c "Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force enhances Air Fleet with new Piper Pa-31-350 Navajo/Chieftain Aircraft". Army Recognition. 20 November 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Commissioning of ABDF Airwing". YouTube.
- ^ a b "Antigua & Barbuda's Air Wing receives 2nd aircraft". Scramble Magazine. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ "Another Aircraft to Be Purchased for the Defence Force Air Wing - Government to Expand Air Surveillance for National Security". Antiguan Trumpet. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ "AIRWING". Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. Retrieved 17 November 2024.