The Cameroon Air Force was established on 1 January 1961 as National Squadron (Escadrille Nationale), one year after gaining independence.Erwan de Cherisey. Siły Powietrzne Kamerunu [Cameroon Air Force], "Lotnictwo" 7-8/2017, p. 78-88 (in Polish) The French supplied the first equipment, which was three Max Holste MH.1521M Broussard. In 1964 the air force was renamed National Aviation (Aviation Nationale), and in 1966 Cameroon Air Force (Armée de l'Air du Cameroun). Later orders from France included the Alouette II, Alouette III and Gazelle helicopters, and Fouga Magister and Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet jet trainers. In 1977 two Lockheed C-130 Hercules entered service. Following that four turboprop de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalos were ordered in 1981. In 1982 three twin turboprop Dornier 128s entered service for the maritime patrol role.
