Uruguayan Air Force

Uruguayan Air Force
Unit name	Uruguayan Air Force
Native name	Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya
Dates	1913 – present
Country	Uruguay
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Command structure	Military of Uruguay
Garrison	Carrasco, Montevideo
Garrison label	Headquarters
Nickname	FAU
Motto	La Fuerza Aérea somos todos
Anniversaries	17 March
Identification symbol label	Roundel

Uruguayan Air Force. The Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya (FAU) is the aerial warfare service branch of the Military of Uruguay. Established in the early 20th century, it is responsible for the defense of Uruguayan airspace, national security missions, and providing support for civil society. Its headquarters are located at the Carrasco Air Base in the capital, Montevideo.

History

The origins of military aviation in Uruguay date to 1913 with the creation of the Military Aviation School, initially part of the Uruguayan Army. Key early figures included Cesáreo L. Berisso and Adhemar Sáenz Lacueva, who pioneered flight training. A significant early milestone was the 1918 trans-Andean flight by the Curtiss HS-2L flying boat named "Uruguay," piloted by Luis C. Caviglia. The service became an independent branch on 4 December 1953, separating from the Uruguayan Army. Throughout the Cold War, it operated aircraft like the Lockheed T-33 and North American F-86 Sabre, and later participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions. The modern era has seen a focus on modernization and regional cooperation within frameworks like the System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces.

Organization

The service is commanded by the General of the Air Force, operating under the authority of the Ministry of National Defense. Its structure is divided into three air brigades, each with specific operational commands. Brigade I is headquartered at the Carrasco Air Base and includes the Air Operations Command and the Air Surveillance Command. Brigade II, based at Durazno's Santa Bernardina International Airport, manages the Air Transport Command and the Air Training Command. Brigade III, located at Boisa Negra near Melo, oversees the Helicopter Command. Other key units include the Air Force Academy and the Logistics Command.

Aircraft inventory

The fleet consists of transport, training, and rotary-wing aircraft, reflecting its multi-role mission profile. Primary fixed-wing transports include the CASA C-212 Aviocar, Embraer C-95 Bandeirante, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer serves as the main advanced trainer. Rotary-wing assets are led by the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin and Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters for search and rescue and utility roles. The service also operates the IAI Heron UAV for surveillance duties. Historically, it has flown aircraft such as the FMA IA 58 Pucará and the Cessna A-37 Dragonfly.

Bases and facilities

Major operational air bases are strategically located across the country. The primary base is Carrasco Air Base, which shares infrastructure with the Carrasco International Airport and houses the high command. Santa Bernardina International Airport in Durazno is a crucial center for transport and training operations. Other significant facilities include the Cap. Juan Manuel Boiso Lanza Air Base at Carrasco, the Ángel S. Adami Airport in Montevideo, and the Melo base for Brigade III. The General Artigas Air Base in Pando and the Laguna del Sauce International Airport in Punta del Este also support various missions.

Ranks and insignia

The rank structure follows a standard officer and enlisted hierarchy, similar to other Latin American air forces. Officer ranks range from Alférez (Second Lieutenant) to General del Aire (General of the Air Force). Senior officer ranks include Comodoro (Commodore) and Brigadier General. Enlisted ranks begin with Soldado (Airman) and progress through specialties to Suboficial Mayor (Senior Master Sergeant). Rank insignia are worn on shoulder boards for officers and sleeve stripes for non-commissioned officers, with distinct designs for service and dress uniforms.

Operations and missions

Its primary mission is the control and surveillance of national airspace under the Air Surveillance Command. It conducts extensive search and rescue operations, often in coordination with the National Emergency System. The Air Transport Command provides critical logistical support for the Military of Uruguay, disaster relief, and medical evacuations across regions like Antarctica. It actively participates in international exercises such as CRUZEX and supports United Nations operations. Additional duties include aerial photography, support for firefighting efforts, and counter-narcotics patrols in cooperation with agencies like the National Navy of Uruguay.

Category:Military of Uruguay Category:Air forces by country