NEWS & EVENTS - GENERAL
1 April 2026
Grounded no more: SAAF inks wet lease deal with budget carrier to restore rapid reaction capability
General
With its C-130BZ fleet barely airworthy and maritime surveillance a distant memory, the South African Air Force has taken a bold step to close its airlift gap.
1 April 2026
New SAAF Chief to build on foundation for next 100 years
General
In a media briefing shortly after taking command of the SAAF at a Change of Command parade in Pretoria on Tuesday, Lt Gen Carl Moatshe stressed that he would focus on skills development to build the Space Command established by his predecessor, Lt Gen Wis
27 March 2026
Moatshe is new SAAF Chief
General
Come the fourth month of 2026 on Wednesday (1 April), newly minted Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe takes over as SA Air Force (SAAF) Chief from Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, who is retiring on 31 March.
26 March 2026
New Chief of the SAAF Named
General
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has named the new Chief of the Airforce (CAF).
20 March 2026
SAAF still deployed to Mozambique for flood relief duties
General
SAAF helicopters are still deployed in Mozambique to assist with humanitarian operations in the aftermath of extreme weather earlier this year and have, to date, rescued 759 people and delivering much-needed food and fuel.
25 February 2026
New SA Defence budget for 2026/27 released
General
The new SA Defence budget for 2026/27 has been released! Herewith my comments and opinion upon initial (and cursory) review. Hint: It's a shocker!
2 February 2026
Mbambo honours SAAF units, bases and personnel at Prestige Parade
General
The SAAF has turned 106 years old, with the Chief of the SAAF, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, honouring all those who have safeguarded the country’s skies over the last century, including those involved in recent disaster relief efforts.
28 January 2026
Braving stormy seas and floods, SAAF helicopters rescue sailor, 759 Mozambicans in January
General
The SAAF is preparing to celebrate its establishment on Friday, and it will have much to be proud of, having rescued nearly 800 people in January alone.
22 January 2026
SAAF rotorcraft continue to assist with Mozambique rescue ops
General
It appears there are currently four SAAF helicopters flying search and rescue (SAR) sorties in Mozambique as South Africa’s eastern neighbour bears the brunt of continued heavy rain.
16 January 2026
Ramaphosa lauds SA Air Force role in flood rescue
General
Three of five SAAF helicopter squadrons were in action this week assisting people overcome the ravages of Mother Nature and, reportedly in certain instances, arsonists, prompting President Ramaphosa to praise the rotary wing rescues.
2 January 2026
SAAF cleared of improper conduct regarding catering on 2022 VVIP flight
General
The SAAF, specifically its VVIP transport unit 21 Squadron, was exonerated of financial mismanagement and improper conduct as regards catering onboard the Presidential Boeing 737-7ED by Public Protector (PP) Kholeka Gcaleka.
5 December 2025
SAAF secures South Africa’s airspace for historic G20 summit
General
The 2025 G20 Summit, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa from 22 to 23 November, was the first G20 summit to take place on the African continent. Throughout the event, the SAAF maintained a highly visible presence.
5 November 2025
Hard to ask for more funding when currently limited budget gets poor return " Mbambo
General
It is difficult to ask for additional funding from government when the limited amount the SAAF already receives leaves little to show for it, according to SAAF Chief, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo.
3 November 2025
SAAF weapons camp underway
General
The sharp end of the SA Air Force (SAAF) is currently honing its skills by way of a weapons camp at AFB Overberg in the Western Cape.
3 November 2025
First solo flights logged by SAAF’s Pilot Wings Course 130
General
The ten-strong Pilot Wings Course (PWC) at Air Force Base (AFB) Langebaanweg have taken to the skies for their first solo flight, marking another milestone en route to the coveted full brevet.
24 October 2025
SAAF’s C-130BZ Hercules 409 expected back in service mid-2026
General
A SAAF C-130BZ Hercules has the dubious reputation of being " apart from stored aircraft " the “oldest” resident of Marshall Aerospace where it is undergoing a major service and avionics upgrade.
21 October 2025
SAAF technical corps numbers boosted
General
The air support component of the SAAF can now call on 24 new additions to its technical artisan corps following what is termed “a reclassification parade” at 68 Air School in Centurion.
13 October 2025
SAAF returns its Oryx helicopters from the DRC
General
Three SAAF Oryx transport helicopters have flown back from the DRC under their own power, while two others will be airlifted back. The SAAF is seeing an improvement in aircraft availability across its fleet.
13 October 2025
Heaviest SAAF losses in WWII remembered
General
The sacrifices and bravery of members of 31 and 34 squadrons of the SAAF who died in the Italian Alps in 1944 while dropping supplies to the Italian partisans in the Po Valley 81 years ago, have been remembered at a service in Pretoria.
7 October 2025
Air allowances for helo flight engineers seemingly coming back
General
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga intimated in response to a Parliamentary question the thorny issue of flight allowances for SAAF flight engineers could be remedied.
26 September 2025
“Reduced” system availability hampers SAAF observation tasking
General
As part of its duties, the SAAF is tasked with monitoring “farm airstrips” as potential sites for trafficking ranging from contraband through to humans and weapons.
19 September 2025
Six SADC air forces bolster Ex Blue Lugwasho with aircraft contributions
General
Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa are among the SADC nations contributing aircraft to Exercise Blue Lugwasho currently underway in Zambia.
9 September 2025
SADC air exercise Blue Lugwasho 2025 kicks off in Zambia
General
Nine Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries are represented at Exercise Blue Lugwasho currently underway in Zambia.
8 September 2025
Bravery of Poles and SA airmen in 1944 Warsaw Uprising remembered
General
The Polish people who fought heroically during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, and the bravery of the South African aircrews who undertook to resupply the Polish resistance during the 63-day airlift in World War Two, have been remembered at the Katyn Memoria
3 September 2025
Only items of ‘limited tactical value’, not weapons stolen from Bloemspruit " SANDF
General
The SANDF has clarified that no arms or combat weapon systems were stolen from Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein, contradicting an earlier media report that Rooivalk ammunition was taken by thieves.
Grounded no more: SAAF inks wet lease deal with budget carrier to restore rapid reaction capability
General
With its C-130BZ fleet barely airworthy and maritime surveillance a distant memory, the South African Air Force has taken a bold step to close its airlift gap.
New SAAF Chief to build on foundation for next 100 years
General
In a media briefing shortly after taking command of the SAAF at a Change of Command parade in Pretoria on Tuesday, Lt Gen Carl Moatshe stressed that he would focus on skills development to build the Space Command established by his predecessor, Lt Gen Wis
Moatshe is new SAAF Chief
General
Come the fourth month of 2026 on Wednesday (1 April), newly minted Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe takes over as SA Air Force (SAAF) Chief from Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, who is retiring on 31 March.
New Chief of the SAAF Named
General
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has named the new Chief of the Airforce (CAF).
SAAF still deployed to Mozambique for flood relief duties
General
SAAF helicopters are still deployed in Mozambique to assist with humanitarian operations in the aftermath of extreme weather earlier this year and have, to date, rescued 759 people and delivering much-needed food and fuel.
New SA Defence budget for 2026/27 released
General
The new SA Defence budget for 2026/27 has been released! Herewith my comments and opinion upon initial (and cursory) review. Hint: It's a shocker!
Mbambo honours SAAF units, bases and personnel at Prestige Parade
General
The SAAF has turned 106 years old, with the Chief of the SAAF, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, honouring all those who have safeguarded the country’s skies over the last century, including those involved in recent disaster relief efforts.
Braving stormy seas and floods, SAAF helicopters rescue sailor, 759 Mozambicans in January
General
The SAAF is preparing to celebrate its establishment on Friday, and it will have much to be proud of, having rescued nearly 800 people in January alone.
SAAF rotorcraft continue to assist with Mozambique rescue ops
General
It appears there are currently four SAAF helicopters flying search and rescue (SAR) sorties in Mozambique as South Africa’s eastern neighbour bears the brunt of continued heavy rain.
Ramaphosa lauds SA Air Force role in flood rescue
General
Three of five SAAF helicopter squadrons were in action this week assisting people overcome the ravages of Mother Nature and, reportedly in certain instances, arsonists, prompting President Ramaphosa to praise the rotary wing rescues.
SAAF cleared of improper conduct regarding catering on 2022 VVIP flight
General
The SAAF, specifically its VVIP transport unit 21 Squadron, was exonerated of financial mismanagement and improper conduct as regards catering onboard the Presidential Boeing 737-7ED by Public Protector (PP) Kholeka Gcaleka.
SAAF secures South Africa’s airspace for historic G20 summit
General
The 2025 G20 Summit, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa from 22 to 23 November, was the first G20 summit to take place on the African continent. Throughout the event, the SAAF maintained a highly visible presence.
Hard to ask for more funding when currently limited budget gets poor return " Mbambo
General
It is difficult to ask for additional funding from government when the limited amount the SAAF already receives leaves little to show for it, according to SAAF Chief, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo.
SAAF weapons camp underway
General
The sharp end of the SA Air Force (SAAF) is currently honing its skills by way of a weapons camp at AFB Overberg in the Western Cape.
First solo flights logged by SAAF’s Pilot Wings Course 130
General
The ten-strong Pilot Wings Course (PWC) at Air Force Base (AFB) Langebaanweg have taken to the skies for their first solo flight, marking another milestone en route to the coveted full brevet.
SAAF’s C-130BZ Hercules 409 expected back in service mid-2026
General
A SAAF C-130BZ Hercules has the dubious reputation of being " apart from stored aircraft " the “oldest” resident of Marshall Aerospace where it is undergoing a major service and avionics upgrade.
SAAF technical corps numbers boosted
General
The air support component of the SAAF can now call on 24 new additions to its technical artisan corps following what is termed “a reclassification parade” at 68 Air School in Centurion.
SAAF returns its Oryx helicopters from the DRC
General
Three SAAF Oryx transport helicopters have flown back from the DRC under their own power, while two others will be airlifted back. The SAAF is seeing an improvement in aircraft availability across its fleet.
Heaviest SAAF losses in WWII remembered
General
The sacrifices and bravery of members of 31 and 34 squadrons of the SAAF who died in the Italian Alps in 1944 while dropping supplies to the Italian partisans in the Po Valley 81 years ago, have been remembered at a service in Pretoria.
Air allowances for helo flight engineers seemingly coming back
General
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga intimated in response to a Parliamentary question the thorny issue of flight allowances for SAAF flight engineers could be remedied.
“Reduced” system availability hampers SAAF observation tasking
General
As part of its duties, the SAAF is tasked with monitoring “farm airstrips” as potential sites for trafficking ranging from contraband through to humans and weapons.
Six SADC air forces bolster Ex Blue Lugwasho with aircraft contributions
General
Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa are among the SADC nations contributing aircraft to Exercise Blue Lugwasho currently underway in Zambia.
SADC air exercise Blue Lugwasho 2025 kicks off in Zambia
General
Nine Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries are represented at Exercise Blue Lugwasho currently underway in Zambia.
Bravery of Poles and SA airmen in 1944 Warsaw Uprising remembered
General
The Polish people who fought heroically during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, and the bravery of the South African aircrews who undertook to resupply the Polish resistance during the 63-day airlift in World War Two, have been remembered at the Katyn Memoria
Only items of ‘limited tactical value’, not weapons stolen from Bloemspruit " SANDF
General
The SANDF has clarified that no arms or combat weapon systems were stolen from Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein, contradicting an earlier media report that Rooivalk ammunition was taken by thieves.
