Tongan Air WingThe Tongan Air Wing is the aerial arm of His Majesty's [Armed Forces (Tonga)|His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga].OperationsThe Air Wing conducts aerial reconnaissance and surveillance of the exclusive economic zone and the provision of airlift, search and rescue, and support to Land and Maritime Force operations.HistoryTonga's first attempt to start an air wing happened in 1986, when a Victa Airtourer light aircraft was obtained. However, the aircraft was re-sold soon after. On 4 May 1996, the air wing was created successfully, with Tonga obtaining a Beech 18. In 1999, Tonga obtained a Citabria to assist with training. In 2008, a new aircraft was promised by the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga - Fan Guijin, this aircraft was a Harbin Y-12 and delivered to the Tongan Government and went to the state owned Lulutai Airlines. With the decommissioning of the Beech 18 an agreement was entered into with Lulutai Airlines that if the HMAF urgently required a aircraft for Medical or Search and Rescue tasking they could charter the Harbin Y-12 and it would be flown by the HMAF Pilot's and Tongan Air Wing crews