Katanga 1961-63 - "Swedens last war"

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

At the beginning of hostilities Katangese AF had three Fougas (picture). Two however were lost to accidents. The third was destroyed by UN fighters.

The Katanga AF had anther three assembled, but they were also destroyed by UN aircraft.

An odd thing was the trade with the Mustangs. Katanga bought 14 North American P 51 Mustangs in Switzerland. The aircraft was sold from Israel and shipped to Portugal "to be used by the Portugese AF" - but were shipped to Angola to be assembled. These a/c:s however did not become operational during the fighting period.

These ex-Israelian Mustangs were in 1952 sold from Sweden to Israel. Sweden bought them 1945-46 from USA.