Tongan Air Wing
{{use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Tonga Air Wing
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| dates = {{start date|1996|05|04|df=yes}}
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| country = Tonga
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| branch = Air force
| type =
| role = Aerial warfare
| size = 10 personnel
| command_structure = His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga
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The Tongan Air Wing is the aerial warfare arm of His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga. The Air Wing supports the surveillance of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and conducts search and rescue (SAR) operations.
History
Tonga's first attempt to start an air wing happened in 1986, when a Victa Airtourer light aircraft was obtained. However, the aircraft was re-sold soon after.{{Cite web |date=2016-05-02 |title=His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga – Aeroflight |url=https://www.aeroflight.co.uk/ops/mil/his-majestys-armed-forces-of-tonga.htm |access-date=2024-06-09 |language=en-GB}} On 4 May 1996, the air wing was created successfully, with Tonga obtaining a Beech 18. In 1999, Tonga obtained a Citabria to assist with training. In 2008, a new aircraft was promised by the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, Fan Guijin.{{Cite web |date=2008-11-22 |title=China promises aircraft for TDS |url=https://matangitonga.to/2008/11/22/china-promises-aircraft-tds |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Matangi Tonga |language=en}}
Aircraft
File:Tonga Air Wing Beech G-18, AW01.jpg aircraft on 7 May 1996.]]
| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft ! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin ! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant ! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service ! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes |
| style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | Transport |
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| Beech 18
| |1{{Cite web |title=Aircraft Data N9644R, 1959 Beech G18S C/N BA-483 |url=https://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/N9644R.html |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=www.airport-data.com}} | |
| Citabria
| United States | Transport | |1{{Cite web |title=American Champion Citabria |url=https://www.colettiscombataircraft.com/item/american-champion-citabria/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Coletti's Combat Aircraft |language=en}} | |