DAAFAR CUBA Case-Mate iPhone CASE

The main task of the DAAFAR is to preserve the integrity of Cuban airspace, to give tactical and logistical support to the army and navy and to provide such aviation services for civilian agencies as may be required. By the quantity of combat aircraft, education and combat experience of its personnel, the DAAFAR could be considered one of the best-equipped air forces in Latin America. Many pilots gained operational experience in several overseas military campaigns. However, after the end of the Cold War things changed dramatically. Support from the former Soviet Union decreased and spareparts and kerosine had to be paid in Western currency instead. Subsequently, dramatic cutbacks took place at the beginning of the nineties. The DAAFAR fired half of its personnel, all older fighter types were taken off strength and all basic flight training was suspended. With the disbandment of the flying units of the Tropas Guardafronteras in 1990 and the Sociedad de Educacion Patriotico-Militar y Internacionalista (SEPMI) significant steps took place. Most older MiG-21s were written from use by the end of 1993 and most of the L-39C Albatrosses followed soon after, marking the disbandment of the Escuela de Aviacion Militar "Comandante Ché Guevara" at San Julian. The DAAFAR nowadays operates only two active fighter squadrons, based at San Antonio de los Baños and Holguin respectively, equipped with a mix of fighter aircraft. Most transport aircraft and helicopters were transferred to the commerical branch of the air force, Aerogaviota, which is entirely run by the military. Piltos maintain their flying skills with Aerogaviota and training is mostly carried out on simulators.