On February 15th, 1948 the Cuerpo de Aviación Militar Dominicana was formed marking the birth of the current air force. A new air base was inaugurated at San Isidro, just east of Santo Domingo. In the early fifties, the air force grew to maturity receiving large quantities of F-51 Mustangs and Vampire jet fighters from Sweden. By then, the FAD maintained by far the largest air force in the region. During the civil war and rebellion in the mid-sixties some aircraft were lost by hostile fire. The only aircraft received were a handful of T-28 Trojan COIN aircraft as well as some helicopters. US aid during the seventies granted the acquisition of T-34Bs and T-41Ds Mescaleros, but the FAD never rose to its former glory again.
Like many Latin American air forces, the OA-37B became part of the inventory. Acquisitions during the eighties and early nineties were mainly impounded from narcotraffickers. The transport capabilities were enhanced by three CASA 212s. The definitive choice for the A-37-replacement, was finally made and eight Super Tucanos have been delivered.