The Mauritanian Air Force (which played only a minor role in the Western Sahara Conflict) numbered 150 men in 1987, and its combat capabilities were minimal (see table 5, Appendix). The highest ranking officer was a colonel. Because the air force lacked defensive capabilities, French troops from neighboring Senegal assisted with aerial surveillance and bombing raids during the Western Sahara war. At any one time, most aircraft were grounded because of mechanical failure, lack of spare parts, and general maintenance problems. Air strips were located at 'Ayoûn el 'Atroûs, Akjoujt, Atar, Fdérik, Bir Moghreïn, Kaédi, Kiffa, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, and Rosso.

Data as of June 1988

NOTE: The information regarding Mauritania on this page is re-published from The Library of Congress Country Studies and the CIA World Factbook. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Mauritania The Air Force information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Mauritania The Air Force should be addressed to the Library of Congress and the CIA.