NEWS & EVENTS - GENERAL
22 May 2026
No fuel, no flights, pilots sent home: Shortages and budget cuts push SANDF to breaking point
General
South Africa’s military air capability has suffered another major blow after the SANDF’s ageing fleet of Oryx helicopters was effectively grounded due to fuel shortages and worsening budget constraints, with insiders claiming that only one aircraft remain
21 May 2026
Dean Wingrin's view of the SANDF's budget and ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate
General
Dean Wingrin was interviewed on eNCA. The discussion focused on SA’s defence funding shortfall and the strain this places on the SANDF’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate. Dean Wingrin argued that the current budget of R57.6 billion for 2026/2
18 May 2026
South African Air Force honours bravery, courage and sacrifice
General
Members of the South African Air Force (SAAF) and veterans have remembered the thousands of brave men and women who have given their lives in service to South Africa.
15 May 2026
How the SAAF’s new Chief plans to do more with less
General
Having conquered four Comrades Marathons, Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe is no stranger to discipline and overcoming formidable challenges.
4 May 2026
SANDF air charter spend totalled R2.3 billion over five years
General
Publicly elected representatives not part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) use the Parliamentary questions mechanism to let Cabinet Ministers know they " and their actions " are under scrutiny.
17 April 2026
Vandalism and theft leave historic SAAF base dependent on generator power
General
The oldest base in the SAAF, now one of three components in the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW), is dependent on generators for its power needs.
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.
No fuel, no flights, pilots sent home: Shortages and budget cuts push SANDF to breaking point
General
South Africa’s military air capability has suffered another major blow after the SANDF’s ageing fleet of Oryx helicopters was effectively grounded due to fuel shortages and worsening budget constraints, with insiders claiming that only one aircraft remain
Dean Wingrin's view of the SANDF's budget and ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate
General
Dean Wingrin was interviewed on eNCA. The discussion focused on SA’s defence funding shortfall and the strain this places on the SANDF’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate. Dean Wingrin argued that the current budget of R57.6 billion for 2026/2
South African Air Force honours bravery, courage and sacrifice
General
Members of the South African Air Force (SAAF) and veterans have remembered the thousands of brave men and women who have given their lives in service to South Africa.
How the SAAF’s new Chief plans to do more with less
General
Having conquered four Comrades Marathons, Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe is no stranger to discipline and overcoming formidable challenges.
SANDF air charter spend totalled R2.3 billion over five years
General
Publicly elected representatives not part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) use the Parliamentary questions mechanism to let Cabinet Ministers know they " and their actions " are under scrutiny.
Vandalism and theft leave historic SAAF base dependent on generator power
General
The oldest base in the SAAF, now one of three components in the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW), is dependent on generators for its power needs.
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.
