Estonian Air Force | |
---|---|
Õhuvägi | |
Active | 1919–1940 1991–present |
Country | Estonia |
Type | Air force |
Role | Aerial warfare |
Size | 1,570 personnel |
Part of | Estonian Defence Forces |
Garrison/HQ | Ämari Air Base, Tallinn |
Motto(s) | Pro patria ad astra! (For the Fatherland to the Stars!) |
March | Lennuväepoiste laul |
Engagements | |
Decorations | Estonian Air Force Service Cross |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Brigadier General Toomas Susi[1] |
Insignia | |
Roundel | |
Fin flash |
The Estonian Air Force (Estonian: Õhuvägi, [ˈɤhuvæki] ) is the aviation branch of the Estonian Defence Forces. The air force traces its history to 1918, and was re-established in its current form in 1991.
As of 2016, the Estonian Air Force has a strength of 1,568 personnel. It operates unarmed aircraft and several radar systems. Its main tasks are to provide surveillance of Estonian air space and support the country's ground forces. In addition, the air force hosts units from other NATO countries at its single operational air base.