AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports On Spain Offers To Peru For Second Hand EuroFighters "Typhoon" To Replace The Peruvian Air Force Sukhoi SU-25's

Shown is a Spanish Air Force Typhoon in an air to air in flight refueling operation

A Spanish Air Force two seat version of the EuroFighter

This photo of the lower belly of the Eurofighter clearly shows the ability which the Typhoon has to hang various stores consisting of ordnance and extended fuel tanks. It apparent that such hanging stores would effect the radar cross section (RCS) of the aircraft 

UPDATE AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: AIRFORCES, Inc. (AFI) has obtained information from and article published within a Lima newspaper (La Republica) which indicated that Spain has offered the Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Peru - FAP) second-hand used Eurofighters Typhoons.
The report which was obtained by (AFI) said teh offer was made in response to the Fuerza Aerea de Peru - FAP Operations Command (COMOP) requesting information about the Eurofighter Typhoon from a various companies around the world.
The La Republica article stated that the proposed deal is with about 900 million Euro's and 20 Tranche 1 Typhoons would be released from the Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire). Apparently, this is one of a batch of offers being considered by the (FAP), which is seeking to replace its aging and corrosion plagued fighter / strike aircraft fleet, currently comprising around 22 aircraft in a mix of not only Sukhoi Su-25.s but of Dassault Mirage 2000P's and MiG-29's Fulcrum-C's. For example the Peruvian Air Force Mirages are almost 30 years old, while their MiG-29's and the Su-25's were purchased from Belarus of which the Sukhoi Su-25 fleet have suffered from poor maintenance serviceability and corrosion problems.
Reportedly, Peru has shown interest in the Saab's JAS-39 Gripen, Dassault's Rafale, Boeing's F/A18E Super Hornet and the another Sukhoi product, the Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" which to (AFI) appears to be very costly for a Nation such as Peru and the question is ponder as to why such advance fighter for that region that has seen very little to no air to air encounters. All of the above manufactures have submitted their respective contributions, but the Peruvian finial decision rests with the Peruvian government.
It has been understood that talks with the Spanish authorities have made progress. It has been reported that a delegation came from Spain came to Peru and that Peruvian Defense Minister, Mr. Peter Cateriano was in Spain in the early part of 2013.

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports On The Critical Situation Of The Peruvian Sukhoi SU-25 "Frogfoot" Operational Fleet

The official logo of the Peruvian Air Force Escuadron Aereo 112

One of 17 Sukhoi SU-25 of the Peruvian Air Force of which only five aircraft remain operational

Pilots from the Escuadron Aereo 112 showing off the strength of the multiple ordnance wing mounted pylons

One of Escuadron Aereo 112 Sukhoi SU-25 shown in their new gray tactical paint scheme. Currently only five SU-25 have undergoing the change in their paint schemes.

The Peruvian Sukhoi SU-25 fleet in their better days 

The Sukhoi SU-17 "Swing-Wing"  Fighter Bomber NATO code name "Fitter" which as replaced by the Sukhoi SU-25 "Frogfoot"

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: AIRFORCES, Inc. (AFI) established contacts with the (Fuerza Aerea de Peru - FAP) through the Peruvian Permanent Mission of Peru to the United States in New York City to inquire about their Air Force fleet of Sukhoi SU-25. Our initial contact at the Mission was with Ms. Marita Puertas, First Secretary to the Mission who kindly directed (AFI) to Vice Admiral Jorge de la Puente, Counsellor (Peacekeeping affairs).

Admiral de la Puente was most generous with his time during our phone interview and provided (AFI) with a good insight into the current operational condition of his country air force Sukhoi SU-25 fleet. In conversation with the Peruvian Permanent Mission, (AFI) was also able to confirm certain data concerning the (Fuerza Aerea de Peru - FAP) that (AFI) learned from various Ex-FAP personnel who now reside in Miami, Florida and who (AFI) interviewed.

According to Admiral de la Puente, the Peruvian fleet of Skhoi SU-25 Frogfoots, purchased in 1997 of which are operated by the Escauadron Aereo 112 are in poor operational condition. According to the Peruvian Permanent Mission in New York City a lack of budget for maintenance and corrosion control are the main problems that has plagued the fleet for sometime now.

The Escuadron Aereo 112 is home based at the El Plato, Talara base and the lack of proper hangar facilities at the base and exposure to the elements is one of the main cause for the fleet wide corrosion problem. The second-hand aircraft were purchased from the Republic of Belarus for a cost of about 150-165 million dollars.  During its operational history of the unit one SU-25 was lost in 2006. Three of the fleet aircraft were built in 1987, six in 1988, two in 1990 and three were produced in 1991.

Admiral de la Puente advised (AFI) that the Peruvian Ministry of Defense has evaluated a proposal from the Sukhoi Corporation to refurbish the Peruvian fleet of SU-25's with each aircraft having a refurbishing cost of about US$10 million dollars.

It should be noted that the Sukhoi SU-25 of the 112 Escaudron replaced the Sukhoi SU-17 which was a Soviet "Swing Wing" fighter bomber and which NATO code named "Fitter".

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports on The Chilean Air Force Third And Final Boeing KC-135E Delivered

Chilean Air Force (FACH) Tanker serial number 981, C/n 17572, former USAF 57-1501 flying with an F-16C from the "Peace Puma" Program in which the U.S. provided the 1st six F-16C Block 50 aircraft. Shown with 981 is F-16C 853 from the "Peace Puma" Program from 2006

The (FACH) last and final KC-135E tanker to have be delivered is aircraft serial number 983, C/n 17759, which was formerly USAF 58-0014

U.S. Ambassador to Chile Paul Simons, Chilean Minister of National Defesne, Francisco Vidal and Commander in Chief of the Chilean Air Force, General Ricardo Ortega, cutting the ribbon commissioning the first KC-135E, serial # 981 into the Chilean Air Force

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The Chilean Airforce (FACH) commissioned February 18 the first three Boeing KC-135E tanker aircraft purchased from the United States, with an official ceremony held at the Grupo 10 Air Base located in Santiago. Chile's National Defense Minister, Francisco Vidal, and the Commander in Chief of  the Air Force, General Ricardo Ortega presided over the event. Representing the United States was Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs, Mr. Bruce Lemkin and U.S. Ambassador to Chile Paul Simons. 

Chilean authorities explained to AIRFORCES, Inc (AFI). that the purchase of the three plane is part of the process to renew Chilean Air Force equipment to enhance airlift capability for peacekeeping operations as well as for humanitarian assistance or medical evacuations and for aerial refueling of the (FACH') F-16 and F-5 aircraft. In learning that the 151st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) of the Utah Air National Guard provided support in ferrying the planes to Santiago, Chile. 

AIRFORCES, Inc.placed a call to the 151st and contacted the office of Command Chief, CMSgt Kyle A. Dillingham, who was kind enough to have directed (AFI) to base public affairs office who advised (AFI) that aside of ferrying the aircraft to Chile, the 151th ARW also played a key and supportive role in providing initial KC-135E aircraft maintenance and ground operational training to the (FACH). 

To date, Chile now becomes the latest Latin American Country to employ and operate the Boeing KC-135 in joining Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela. Currently, AIRFORCES, Inc. is liaising with the Chilean Consulate in Miami, Florida so as to arrange a visitation to Grupo 10 for an formal interview so as to present further informative articles on this matter.

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports on Colombian National Police ATR 42-320 at Opa Locka Airport in Miami, Florida

PNC-2041 as seen at Opa Locka (KOPF) on 24th March 2012

Aircraft 0241 seen on the ramp in Bogota (BOG)

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: With their known and established abilities to have both, actively paid informants and aviation / aircraft spotters eyes able to report from the three major airports within Miami-Dade, hence Miami International Airport (KMIA), Opa Locka (KOPF) and Tamiami Airport (KTMB), AIRFORCES, Inc. monitors most and random activities of odd and often not seen aircraft within this region, as the case with the Colombian National Police ATR-42-320, with manufactures serial number (s/n 11) which was observed and recorded at Opa Locka Airport on 24th March 2012.

A review of ATR production and deliveries of the type aircraft based on its production serial number as well as a check of the aircraft Hull Insurance Policy via Lloyd's of London, as the Colombian National Police maintains its fleet operational risk insured via AON Insurance as placed within the London Insurance Market, has clearly indicated to AIRFORCES, Inc. that aircraft PNC-0241 is a one of kind within the Colombian National Police fleet of operational aircraft's according to their policy or as they say in London according to their "Slip".

Further analysis of the aircraft and its operational history research has indicated that the subject aircraft was acquired by the Colombian National Police as a second-hand, previously operated aircraft. Early and primary intelligence indicates that the aircraft was delivered to the Colombian National Police sometime in the early to middle part of 2009.

Further information on this particular aircraft will follow in time to come, as we here at AIRFORCES, Inc. have designated PNC-0241 as an aircraft of interest.

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports On The Delivery of Two Ulan-Ude Manufactured Mi-171E's For The Argentine Air Force

The first of two new Fuerza Aerea Argentina (FAA-Argentine Air Force) Ulan-Ude built Mi-171E's similar to the example shown above have been delivered to Argentina 

The two new Mi-171E's delivered to the Argentine Air Force have side identification hull numbers of H-94 and H-95 for operation in Antarctica 

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: Two MIL, Mi-171E's that had been ordered by the Argentine Air Forces thus being known as H-94 and H-95 for Antarctica service have arrived into Buenos Aires International Airport inside an An-124 transport aircraft operated by Volga Dnepr.

Speaking to our contact within the Argentine Permanent Mission based in New York City, Military Attache, Mr. Julio Brandan-Araoz, AIRFORCES, Inc. has been advised that the two Mi-171E's will be painted in high-visibility "international orange" paint scheme for Antarctica operation similar to the paint scheme which their Chinooks that were previously used for the mission wore.

The unit that will receive the new Mi-171E's will be the VII Brigada Aerea, based at Jose C. Paz Air Base near Buenos Aires, but will most likely be temporally deployed to operate out of a base in Marambio.

We have leaned that options are being held on a further three Mi-171E's as the Argentine Air Force hopes to purchase a total of seven Mi-171E's.

AIRFORCES, Inc. hopes to meet with members of the Argentine Air Force who shall visit Miami, Florida during the summer to see about requesting an official visitation to observe the operation of the Mi-171E's.

AIRFORCES Inc. Reports On The Bolivian Army Purchase of Six Chinese Made Harbin H425 Helicopters

The Harbin H425 Helicopter in a steady hover 

Representative from the Chinese manufacture Harbin Aircraft and members of the Bolivian Government at the official signing and purchase of the six H425 helicopters

An official Harbin marketing rendering showing the various views of the H425 

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: As China creates and establishes bilateral co-operation with various Nations in Latin America, the Nation of Bolivia becomes the latest Latin American Nation to obtain and commence to utilize Chinese made military hardware.

The Government of Bolivia and China have engaged in signing a contract for Bolivia to purchase six Harbin H425  helicopters for the Bolivian Army. Bolivian Foreign Minister, Mr. Carlos Romero and Planning Minister, Mr. Viviana Caro signed the accord with China diplomatic representative, Mr. Shen Zhiliang at a ceremony held in La Paz, Bolivia in the presence of the Bolivian Army Chiefs.

Our sources in Santa Cruz and La Paz have informed us that the new helicopters will be flown and operated by the Bolivian Army newly created air cavalry units.

Sources within the Bolivian Army have also indicated to us that the H425 will also be utilized for emergency response roles to include search and rescue (SAR) as well as medical emergency services. The H425 is a newly developed version of the Harbin Z-9 which itself is the Chinese version of the EADS / Eurocopter SA365 Dauphin / Panther helicopter, which in the United States is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard as the HH-65. The delivery of the H425 would be the first rotary wing assets to the Bolivian Army, as at the time the Army only operates two fixed wing aircraft's, as Beech C90 King Air and a CASA 212-100 Aviocar.

AIRFORCES Inc. Reports On The Ecuadorian Army Receiving Their First Two New AS350B2s Helicopters

Shown above is an AS350B2's Ecureuils helicopter obtained by the Ecuadorian Army 

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: It has been learned that Eurocopter has delivered the first of two new of a batch of nine AS350B2s helicopters to the Ecuadorian Army. The arrival of these new air assets come as an extensive modernization program within the Ecuadorian Armed Forces.

Delivery of the new helicopter was received by the Ecuadorian Army "Brigada de Aviacion" Army Aviation Brigade 15 which are station at the La Balvina Sangolqui base.

Present to receive the helicopter at the base in early January 2012 was Ecuadorian Defense Minister Mr. Javier Ponce and the head of Armed Forces Joint Command Army Commander Ernesto Gonzalez and Army Commander Patricio Cardenas, as well as other Ecuadorian military leaders.
Ecuador is one the first Nations in Latin America to have their military to "integrate" Eurocopter aircraft into their fleet of which the Ecuadorian Army now have nearly 30 Eurocopter helicopters in service. These include a sampling of 2ea. AS350B2's, 2ea. SA315B's 'Lamas", 2ea SA316 "Alouettes" and 19ea. SA342 "Gazalles", as well as 4ea. AS332 "Super Pumas".
The arrival of the new AS350B2's will be utilized to replace the much older SA315B's "Lamas" which according to our sources in Ecuador it appears that these new helicopter will be based in Guayaquil for army pilot training, reconnaissance and search and rescue (SAR).

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports On The Honduran Air Force Piper Cheyenne Aircraft Once Again Operational Service

Shown above is a Piper Cheyenne similar to the one that the Honduran Air Force has recently return back to operational service

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: After a period in storage at a Honduran Air Base known as Teniente Coronel Hernan Acosta Mejia, Toncontin, Tegucigalpa, Honduran Air Force Piper Cheyenne III 016 with manufacture serial number PA-42-720 and Honduran Air Force serial number 42-8001056, ex HR-JFA is now back in operational service.

When reported and spotted by associates in Honduras back in mid April 2012, it was noted that the aircraft was operating completely unmarked and appeared not to carry any sort of registration markings.

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports On The New Bell 412EP For Panama "Servicio Nacional Aeronaval" National Naval Air Service

Similar to the Bell 412 shown above in Pakistani Air Force colors, the National Naval Air Services of Panama are now in receipt of a new Bell 412 with manufacture serial number s/n 36569

The typical cockpit layout within a Bell 412. Note the presence of the large CRT screen which manages and displays the multi-function display information screens

Shown from port side view is the large and spacious passenger / cargo interior that is found within the Bell 412 of which it is a valued asset to many world operators

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: Our ability to monitor the movement of air assets to the region of Latin America, we have recently learned that a new, factory fresh production Bell 412EP with manufacture serial number s/n 36596 and currently holding a U.S. Registration of N4360H is scheduled for delivery to Panama's "Servicio Nacional Aeronaval- SEMAN" which translates to the National Naval Air Service of Panama.

The new aircraft underwent pre-delivery test flights at Bells facility located at Forth-Worth Alliance Airport in Fort Worth Texas back in late February.

S/n 36569 is equipped and configured for over water search and rescue (SAR) operation, as the aircraft is equipped with pop-out float units attached to the skids. Another feature of the (SAR) capability is a rescue hoist over the cabin door fitted on the starboard side of the aircraft. 

It should be noted that with the delivery of s/n 36569 it marks the second Bell 412EP to be accepted for operational use by "SEMAN". The first unit was delivered back in 2009 and accepted of operational use by the 2nd Air Squadron based at Tocumen near to Panama City.

Founder of AIRFORCES, Inc. Meets with U.S. Southern Command Leadership

Shown with Benny Benitez of AIRFORCES, Inc. is U.S. Southern Command Commanding Officer. General Douglas M. Fraser, USAF

Greetings were extended to the USMC component of U.S. Southern Command

Miami, Florida 9th January 2010: AIRFORCES, Inc. commenced their operation year by attending the post new year celebration given by U.S. Southern Command. In attendance were the leadership of Southern Command as head up by General Douglas M. Fraser USAF.

Elements of all U.S Military branches were present at the celebration and thus allowing AIRFORCES. Inc. to liaise with them and with many of the foreign dignitaries that were also present. AIRFORCES, Inc. via its related association with various professional aviation groups in Miami operates as link and inter-phase by and between the civilian aviation market and the global military aviation realm of clients and support.

Chilean Presidency Changes aging Boeing 707 with Boeing 767-300ER

Boeing 767-3Y0R / FACh 985 (s/n 26205)

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: Contacts at Brazil VEM Maintenance and Engineering facility informed Latin Airforces in October 2008, that Boeing 767-300ER (s/n 26205) was turn over to the Chilean Air Force (FACh) to serve as their new Presidential aircraft, thus replacing their ageing Boeing 707.

The Fuerza Aerea de Argentina Retires Their Boeing 707's

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: We at Latin AirForces / AirForces, Inc., learned via our Bueno Aires contacts that on 25th January of this year, the Fuerza Aerea Argentina (FAA) will retire their Boeing 707 fleet, despite having no suitable replacement for the type. This retirement shall stymie the (FAA) ability for its long range transport and reconnaissance missions.

Proposals to transform them in effective tanks have been disregarded as well. Of the entire (FAA) active fleet of B707's, five were know to be in service until 2006 when the type was initially taken out of service. The B707's have been in (FAA) service since the late 1970's and provided long range reconnaissance mission during the Falkland War in 1982. The type was employed to transport troop in support of UN peace keeping mission in Haiti in 2006.

We have also learned, but not yet confirmed that one Hull has and / or was converted for electronic intelligence (ELINT) and signal intelligence (SIGINT) missions.

Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Retires the De Havilland C-115 Buffalo's

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: After forty (40) years of service the Forca Aerea Brasilieira (FAB) has retired the last of their De Havilland C-115 "Buffalo's". Originally delivered to FAB back in 1968, have flown with the Manus based 1 Squadron of the 9th Aviation Group ( 1 Esquadrao 9 Grupo de Aviacao 1/9 GAV).

The FAB had official retirement ceremonies for the C-115 were had back on March 15th 2008, thus ending an era of FAB operational history.

The Chilean Air Force "Italian Connection" with the Breda Ba-65

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The Ba.65 sprang from the concept of a flying military jack-of-all-trades, formulated by Colonel Amadeo Mecozzi as he set about procuring a modern ground-attack plane for the Regia Aeronautica. Evolved from the Ba.64, the Ba.65 was also a single-seat, all-metal, cantilever low-wing monoplane with aft-retracting main undercarriage. Initially intended as an interceptor and attack-reconnaissance plane the Ba.65 carried wing-mounted armament of two 12.7mm and two 7.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, and provided internal stowage for a 440-pound bomb-load in addition to external ordnance that could total 2,200 pounds.In 1938, 17 single-seat attack planes and three dual-control trainers, were delivered to Chile, thus making Chile the only Latin American Air Force to operate Mussolini's attack aircraft.

Mexico & Chile The Two Latin American Countries That Operated The Famed USN WWII Dive Bomber "The Dauntless"

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The Northrop BT-1 provided the basis for the SBD, which began manufacture in 1940. It was designed by designers team lead by Ed Heinemann with a 1,000 horsepower Wright Cyclone powerplant. The Douglas SBD Dauntless was the U.S. Navy's main dive bomber from mid-1940 until late 1943, when it was supplanted (although not entirely replaced) by the SB2C Helldiver.

The U.S. Army had its own version of the SBD, known as the A-24 Banshee, it was the same aircraft except it came it came without the tail hook used for carrier landings, and a pneumatic line replaced the solid tail wheel on some of them. This was the same version acquired and thus operated by both the Mexican and Chilean Air Forces, thus making each Country the only Latin American Airforces who operated the famed U.S. Navy Pacific War Dive Bomber.

Chilean Air Force (FACh) Phalcon System

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The IAI EL/M-2075 Phalcon is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) radar system in use by a number of countries to give intelligence to maintain air superiority and conduct surveillance. It was developed with a partnership between Israeli Aircraft Industries and Elta Electronics Industries, of Israel. The Phalcon was considered the most advanced AEW&C system in the world, before the introduction of American made Wedgetail for Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF).

Under a contract signed with Chile in 1989, the first Phalcon system to be installed was fitted to a former LanChile Boeing 707 and first flown in 1993. In May 1994 the aircraft was delivered to the Chilean Air Force, where it is known as the Condor.

Venezuela and the Hind-E / Mi-35, Latin America Most Powerful Attack Helicopter

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: Editor Note (Miami 2008) With the commencement of the New Year, Airforces, Inc, the publisher of Latin Airforces blog (L/AF) has learned about the presence of the most powerful and modern attack helicopter within Latin America, the Mil-35 Hind-E's.

In a telephone conversation with Col. (Av) Hector Mellado of the Venezuelan Air Force, L/AF has learned that the Venezuelan Air Force is now actively operating five (5) of the Mi-35's known as the "Caribe" within Venezuela armed forces.

We at L/AF believe as well as our friends at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) would concur that the presence of these specialized helicopters poses a significant threat to neighboring countries within the region as well as U.S. interest. Within a period of 24 months, the presence of newly purchased Su-30MK's modern Russian fighters and now the Mi-35's have come into operational view within the region, thus giving the Chavez Government a formidable offensive punch. Always keeping in mind that the acquisition of such hardware has one sole purpose with a sinister overtone.

The Georgetown Air Force of Guyana

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The president of Guyana is commander in chief of the GDF. The GDF is organized into approximately twenty corps whose activities ranged from training to intelligence to catering and musical performance. Service in the GDF is voluntary, and its membership is overwhelmingly Afro-Guyanese. Women were accepted into the service but constituted only a small percentage of the total force.

The air wing of the GDF was created in 1968. In 1970 it was redesignated the Air Command, GDF. The 200-member Air Command is headquartered at Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown. In the early 1990s, it's aircraft helicopters operated from Georgetown's Timehri Airport. The command's primary missions are transportation, communications, and liaison. Secondary missions include counter narcotics and maritime patrolling.

Currently the GDF Air Command's operates a variety of aircraft. Only one Shorts Skyvan remains in service and is operated alongside a Harbin Y-12 Turbo Panda, acquired from the Chinese aircraft manufacturer in early 2002. For many years, a Bell 412 was the sole helicopter in use with the GDF, until it was augmented by a pair of Rotorway Exec 162F helicopters in 2004 and 2005, which were locally assembled.

the Suriname Air Force

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The Surinam Air Force (sometimes simply referred to as luchtmacht) is an independent part of the National Army (or Nationale Leger) alongside the army, navy and military police. With a colonel as Commander-in-Chief, consisting of some 2.000 man and a budget of less than $ 10 million the National Army is a very limited power in the international environment although internally and politically it remains a force to be reckoned with. The air force forms a relatively large part of the armed forces and it's history started soon after the country gained independence and is closely linked with the country's recent history.

The first military aircraft of the young air force was a Hughes 500 helicopter, simply registered SAF-001 and being used for light observation tasks. Unfortunately the aircraft was written off in March 1982, but in May of the same year a couple of Britten-Norman Defenders were delivered, providing the air force with a slow but valuable observation and light transportation aircraft. Later the number of Defenders increased to four and currently at least one is still operated by the air force, another two are (temporarily) stored.

201st Mexican Fighter Squadron "The Aztec Eagles" P-47D

AIRFORCES, Inc. Reports: The 201st Mexican Fighter Squadron of the "Fuerza Area Expedicionaria Mexicana" is the only Mexican military unit that has seen combat outside Mexico.
Affectionately known as the "Aztec Eagles," the squadron flew combat missions in the Philippines from May to August 1945. The 201st was attached to the American 58th Fighter Group, 5th Fighter Command, 5th Air Force and flew P-47 Thunderbolts.
Mexico declared war against the Axis powers in 1942 after U-boats sank two Mexican ships. In 1944, The Mexican Air Force formed 300 pilots and crewmen into El Escuadron Aereo de Pelea 201 and sent them to Idaho and Texas for training.
The 201st flew its first combat missions in support of American ground troops in June 1945 during the advance into northern Luzon. In July the squadron flew long range fighter sweeps from the Philippines to Formosa and in August they flew a dive-bombing mission on the Port of Karenko, Formosa.
During its four-month tour, the squadron flew 791 sorties including 96 combat missions, dropped 1,497 bombs and fired 166,922 rounds of 0.50 cal. ammunition. Five of the squadron's 31 pilots were killed during the war.

The MEAF was disbanded after returning to Mexico from the Philippines. The 201st is still an active duty squadron, flying the Pilatus PC-7 from Cozumel, Quitna Roo.