Aviation Support

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office of Aviation (also known as the INL Air Wing), oversees a combined fleet of more than 110 active airplanes and helicopters operating in some of the most challenging, remote, austere, and dangerous environments in the world. INL’s fleet of aircraft flies more than 13,000 hours annually in support of missions related to counternarcotics, counterterrorism, border security, law enforcement, and embassy transportation. The Air Wing operates in several countries in South America, the Middle East, and South Central Asia on a continuous basis, as well as at other temporary locations as required by the Department. INL’s Air Wing has robust logistics and maintenance capabilities that provide a full range of aviation services to various overseas operating locations and ensure high aircraft availability rates. INL received the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Aviation Program Award for outstanding achievements in aircraft administration, operations, maintenance, training, and safety in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2015.

Program Goals:

• Provide aviation expertise and resources to eradicate and interdict illicit drugs, strengthen law enforcement, and support counterterrorism efforts.
• Build host nation capacities to operate and maintain aircraft and use them effectively for counternarcotics and law enforcement purposes.
• Conduct reconnaissance and surveillance as well as command and control operations to support counternarcotics operations.
• Provide aviation support to selected embassies for security and transportation purposes, including personnel and cargo movement and emergency medical evacuation services.
• Provide centralized maintenance and logistical support to ensure safe and effective operation of a fleet of over 110 active aircraft.