The Museum of the Armed Forces (Museu das Forças Armadas), is situated within the historic Fortaleza de São Miguel de Luanda in Luanda, Angola. Established in 1975 following Angola’s independence, the museum showcases a diverse collection of military artifacts, including aircraft, combat vehicles, and weaponry used during significant conflicts such as the Angolan War of Independence (1961–1974), the South African Border War (1966–1991), and the Angolan Civil War (1975–2002).
Museu das Forças Armadas (Museum of the Armed Forces)
Fortaleza de São Miguel
Calçada de S. Miguel
Luanda
+244 222 372 623
Daily 08:30 – 17:30
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
North American AT-6 Texan/Harvard both Portugese Air Force
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– 1668 1685 | Aerospatiale SA330 Puma (wreck)
Dassault Mirage IIIRZ (wreck) North American AT-6D Harvard III North American AT-6G Texan |
Aerospatiale SA330 Puma (wreck) South African Air Force
Visitors can explore two Harvards on display, Museum of the Armed Forces also features wreckage from downed South African Air Force aircraft, such as the Puma helicopter and Mirage IIIRZ.
In addition to its aviation exhibits, the museum houses statues that once adorned colonial Luanda, including figures of Diogo Cão, the first European to set foot in Angola, and Paulo Dias de Novais, the founder of Luanda.
The Fortaleza de São Miguel, constructed in 1576, served as a central administrative hub during colonial times and played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. Today, it provides a historical backdrop for the museum’s extensive exhibits.
Pictures Mick Pearson