NEWS & EVENTS - GENERAL
18 November 2024
All SAAF rotary wing maintenance contracts underfunded
General
None of the maintenance contracts in place for the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) five helicopter types are fully funded.
14 November 2024
Most SAAF fixed wing maintenance contracts underfunded
General
Most of the maintenance contracts state defence materiel agency Armscor has in place for the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) fixed wing aircraft are only partially funded at present.
5 November 2024
SAAF Ex Eagle Eye II underway in Limpopo
General
The SAAF is honing and evaluating the various skills that make up the force’s combat readiness by way of Exercise Eagle Eye II, working from a remote location in the Limpopo province.
5 November 2024
Lack of SAAF aircraft a huge impediment to SA’s search and rescue capabilities
General
The limited to no availability of SAAF aircraft for search and rescue (SAR) operations “is a huge challenge,” the South African Search and Rescue (SASAR) organisation has said in its latest annual report, adding that funding shortfalls and resource limita
28 October 2024
SAAF personnel hear force is asset rich but cash poor
General
Four weeks after AFB Waterkloof hosted a successful Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, SAAF Chief Lt Gen Wiseman Mbambo called on the force’s transport centre of excellence to update base personnel on the state of the SAAF.
22 October 2024
Surprise Skies: SAAF Steals the Show at AFB Ysterplaat Outdoor Event
General
The South African Air Force (SAAF) delivered an unexpected treat to Cape Town's aviation enthusiasts with a stealthy air display at AFB Ysterplaat, during the South African 4x4 & Outdoor Show (Western Cape), held on the weekend of 19 and 20 October 2024.
21 October 2024
44 Sqn's Operational Training Camp at Malelane Airport
General
From 5 to 14 October 2024, the skies above Malelane Airport in Mpumalanga transformed into a vibrant training ground for the 44 Squadron, stationed at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
7 October 2024
South African Air Force hosts presentation of Colour Parade
General
Chief of the SAAF, Lt Gen Wiseman Mbambo, presided over a Colour Parade at Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) on Friday 4 October, highlighting the achievements of the SAAF, including the recent establishment of the Space Command Section.
4 October 2024
A-Darter practice missiles to be delivered this month
General
The much-delayed delivery of Denel’s fifth-generation Denel V3E Agile-Darter (A-Darter) short-range air-to-air missile (SRAAM) to the SAAF will begin in October with training missiles, while operational A-Darters are expected in March or April of next yea
19 September 2024
Hard landing for Air Force Museum Alouette II " no injuries
General
An SA Air Force (SAAF) Museum Alouette II, piloted by retired general Piet Burger, made a hard landing at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) on Wednesday.
15 September 2024
SAAF celebrates 76 years of helicopter operations
General
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has celebrated 76 years of helicopter operations with a helicopter competition and awards ceremony at SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing (MDW).
9 September 2024
C47-TP grounding leaves SAAF with no maritime eyes in the sky
General
The SA Air Force (SAAF) is stranded when it comes to maritime patrols and the possibility of replacement airframes appearing is slim to non-existent.
29 August 2024
Minister Motshekga told the SAAF is critical to national security
General
SAAF Chief, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, was the second chief of a SANDF service to host Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga on her current familiarisation tour.
29 August 2024
New bosses for AFB Bloemspruit units
General
Air Force Base (AFB) Bloemspruit, the SA Air Force (SAAF) helicopter centre of excellence, has new commanders for its two flying units.
8 August 2024
22 Squadron to the rescue for Table Mountain cableway
General
Air Force Base (AFB) Ysterplaat-based 22 Squadron, via SA Air Force (SAAF) Chief Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, answered a call for civic duty from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company.
1 August 2024
Deputy Chief of the Air Force Embarks on a Farewell Tour
General
On July 31, 2024, the Deputy Chief of the Air Force, Major General Macdonald Mayenzeke Mathanda visited Air Force Station Port Elizabeth.
27 July 2024
Korean War participants honoured
General
27 July 2024 marks the 71st Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, a war many refer to as “a forgotten war”. The South Korean Embassy hosted a memorial event on Friday 26 July 2024, honouring those who answered the United Nations’ call to aid South Kore
18 June 2024
Ramaphosa inauguration looks to be a day to remember for aircraft spotters
General
When Cyril Ramaphosa is inaugurated as President of SA for his second term of office tomorrow (Wed 19 June) it will happen at the country’s administrative headquarters " the Union Buildings.
11 June 2024
Improved security coming for SAAF Memorial
General
The SA Air Force (SAAF) is “investigating security options” for the Bays Hill memorial it has joint ownership of with the SAAF Association (SAAFA).
4 June 2024
No SAAF Ex Winter Solstice this year
General
The airborne service of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) will not stage its annual force preparation exercise " Winter Solstice " this year with the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition taking preference.
27 May 2024
The Soaring Spirit of Excellence: Wings Parade 2024
General
The Wings Parade held on 23 May 2024, at the Air Force Base Langebaanweg Central Flying School was a momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements of the South African Air Force's finest.
20 May 2024
SAAF Memorial service held despite vandalism
General
The annual South African Air Force Memorial service has been held at the Bays Hill memorial, north of the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing, formerly known as Swartkop Air Force Base, despite extensive vandalism done last year.
15 May 2024
OT&E Course visits SAAF Museum
General
On Friday, May 10, 2024, eight students from Air Force Base Overberg's Operational Test and Evaluation Course visited the South African Air Force Museum at Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
8 May 2024
End of an era as SAAF Dakota retirement looms
General
End of an era: After 81 years of military service in South Africa, the C47-TP Turbo Dakota is finally being taken out of SAAF service.
16 April 2024
SAAF memorial off-limits
General
â€"Acts of vandalism and desecration†mean the SA Air Force (SAAF) memorial on Bays Hill immediately north of what is now the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) is off-limits and will not be used for an annual memorial service.
All SAAF rotary wing maintenance contracts underfunded
General
None of the maintenance contracts in place for the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) five helicopter types are fully funded.
Most SAAF fixed wing maintenance contracts underfunded
General
Most of the maintenance contracts state defence materiel agency Armscor has in place for the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) fixed wing aircraft are only partially funded at present.
SAAF Ex Eagle Eye II underway in Limpopo
General
The SAAF is honing and evaluating the various skills that make up the force’s combat readiness by way of Exercise Eagle Eye II, working from a remote location in the Limpopo province.
Lack of SAAF aircraft a huge impediment to SA’s search and rescue capabilities
General
The limited to no availability of SAAF aircraft for search and rescue (SAR) operations “is a huge challenge,” the South African Search and Rescue (SASAR) organisation has said in its latest annual report, adding that funding shortfalls and resource limita
SAAF personnel hear force is asset rich but cash poor
General
Four weeks after AFB Waterkloof hosted a successful Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, SAAF Chief Lt Gen Wiseman Mbambo called on the force’s transport centre of excellence to update base personnel on the state of the SAAF.
Surprise Skies: SAAF Steals the Show at AFB Ysterplaat Outdoor Event
General
The South African Air Force (SAAF) delivered an unexpected treat to Cape Town's aviation enthusiasts with a stealthy air display at AFB Ysterplaat, during the South African 4x4 & Outdoor Show (Western Cape), held on the weekend of 19 and 20 October 2024.
44 Sqn's Operational Training Camp at Malelane Airport
General
From 5 to 14 October 2024, the skies above Malelane Airport in Mpumalanga transformed into a vibrant training ground for the 44 Squadron, stationed at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
South African Air Force hosts presentation of Colour Parade
General
Chief of the SAAF, Lt Gen Wiseman Mbambo, presided over a Colour Parade at Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) on Friday 4 October, highlighting the achievements of the SAAF, including the recent establishment of the Space Command Section.
A-Darter practice missiles to be delivered this month
General
The much-delayed delivery of Denel’s fifth-generation Denel V3E Agile-Darter (A-Darter) short-range air-to-air missile (SRAAM) to the SAAF will begin in October with training missiles, while operational A-Darters are expected in March or April of next yea
Hard landing for Air Force Museum Alouette II " no injuries
General
An SA Air Force (SAAF) Museum Alouette II, piloted by retired general Piet Burger, made a hard landing at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) on Wednesday.
SAAF celebrates 76 years of helicopter operations
General
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has celebrated 76 years of helicopter operations with a helicopter competition and awards ceremony at SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing (MDW).
C47-TP grounding leaves SAAF with no maritime eyes in the sky
General
The SA Air Force (SAAF) is stranded when it comes to maritime patrols and the possibility of replacement airframes appearing is slim to non-existent.
Minister Motshekga told the SAAF is critical to national security
General
SAAF Chief, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, was the second chief of a SANDF service to host Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga on her current familiarisation tour.
New bosses for AFB Bloemspruit units
General
Air Force Base (AFB) Bloemspruit, the SA Air Force (SAAF) helicopter centre of excellence, has new commanders for its two flying units.
22 Squadron to the rescue for Table Mountain cableway
General
Air Force Base (AFB) Ysterplaat-based 22 Squadron, via SA Air Force (SAAF) Chief Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, answered a call for civic duty from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company.
Deputy Chief of the Air Force Embarks on a Farewell Tour
General
On July 31, 2024, the Deputy Chief of the Air Force, Major General Macdonald Mayenzeke Mathanda visited Air Force Station Port Elizabeth.
Korean War participants honoured
General
27 July 2024 marks the 71st Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, a war many refer to as “a forgotten war”. The South Korean Embassy hosted a memorial event on Friday 26 July 2024, honouring those who answered the United Nations’ call to aid South Kore
Ramaphosa inauguration looks to be a day to remember for aircraft spotters
General
When Cyril Ramaphosa is inaugurated as President of SA for his second term of office tomorrow (Wed 19 June) it will happen at the country’s administrative headquarters " the Union Buildings.
Improved security coming for SAAF Memorial
General
The SA Air Force (SAAF) is “investigating security options” for the Bays Hill memorial it has joint ownership of with the SAAF Association (SAAFA).
No SAAF Ex Winter Solstice this year
General
The airborne service of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) will not stage its annual force preparation exercise " Winter Solstice " this year with the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition taking preference.
The Soaring Spirit of Excellence: Wings Parade 2024
General
The Wings Parade held on 23 May 2024, at the Air Force Base Langebaanweg Central Flying School was a momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements of the South African Air Force's finest.
SAAF Memorial service held despite vandalism
General
The annual South African Air Force Memorial service has been held at the Bays Hill memorial, north of the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing, formerly known as Swartkop Air Force Base, despite extensive vandalism done last year.
OT&E Course visits SAAF Museum
General
On Friday, May 10, 2024, eight students from Air Force Base Overberg's Operational Test and Evaluation Course visited the South African Air Force Museum at Air Force Base Ysterplaat.
End of an era as SAAF Dakota retirement looms
General
End of an era: After 81 years of military service in South Africa, the C47-TP Turbo Dakota is finally being taken out of SAAF service.
SAAF memorial off-limits
General
â€"Acts of vandalism and desecration†mean the SA Air Force (SAAF) memorial on Bays Hill immediately north of what is now the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) is off-limits and will not be used for an annual memorial service.
