Royal New Zealand Air Force

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The crest of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) (Maori: Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa, previously Te Hokowhitu o Kahurangi) is the air force component of the New Zealand Defence Force. It was formed from New Zealand elements of the British Royal Air Force, becoming an independent force in 1923, although many RNZAF aircrew continued to serve in the Royal Air Force until the end of the 1940s. The RNZAF fought in World War II, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Gulf War plus various United Nations peacekeeping missions. From a 1945 peak of over 1,000 combat aircraft the RNZAF has shrunk to a strength of around 134 aircraft in 2019, focusing on maritime patrol and transport duties in support of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Army, although the RNZAF does the F-16C/D Blk.52 Fighting Falcon in its inventory. The Air Force is led by an air chief-marshal who holds the appointment of Chief of Air Force.

The RNZAF motto is the same as that of the Royal Air Force, Per ardua ad astra, meaning "Through adversity to the stars."

Aircraft Inventory[edit | edit source]

Combat Aircraft[edit | edit source]

ELINT Aircraft[edit | edit source]

Transport Aircraft[edit | edit source]

Helicopters[edit | edit source]

Trainer Aircraft[edit | edit source]