About the UAE Air Force & Air Defence

Air Force

The UAE Air Force was established in May 1968, under the name "Air Wing", as part of the Abu Dhabi Defence Land Forces. The first Islander British Aircrafts entered service on the same day. In July 1972, Air Wing was officially renamed the "UAE Air Force" with the first Air Wing Command formed on January 6, 1974, now celebrated as the "Air Force and Defence Day".

Air Defence

In 1974, the Air Defence Group was formed, with 20mm cannons. In the same year, the Group was called "Air Defence Command". In July 1975 a "30mm Regiment" was formed and on November 6, 1984 it was renamed as “35mm Battalion” which was later called "Saad Bin Abi Waqas Battalion".

Integration of Air Forces and Air Defence

In June 1987, the Air Forces and Air Defence Command were unified under one command called "Air Force & Defence Command".

Air Force & Defence Institute

The Air Defence School was established on August 1, 1980, with the school upgraded to the Air Forces & Defence Institute on June 2, 1991.