South African Air Force

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South African Air Force

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air force

Air force

An air force, also known in some countries as an air army or historically an army air corps , is in the broadest sense, the national armed force or armed service that primarily conducts aerial warfare....
of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria

Pretoria

Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three Capital , serving as the Executive and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislature capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital....
. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra (Through Adversity to the Stars). An official slogan, Through Diversity To Airpower Excellence, is also used.

origin of the South African Air Force can be traced back to 1912, when the Union Defence Force (UDF) was formed.

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History

The origin of the South African Air Force can be traced back to 1912, when the Union Defence Force (UDF) was formed. The first flying school in South Africa was started that year in Kimberley

Kimberley, Northern Cape

Kimberley is a city in South Africa, and the capital of the Northern Cape Province. It is located near the confluences of the Vaal River and Orange Rivers....
using a Compton-Paterson biplane

Biplane

A biplane is a fixed-wing aircraft with two main wings. The Wright brothers Wright Flyer used a biplane design, as did most aircraft in the early years of aviation....
. This formation included the South African Aviation Corps (SAAC), which was formed as part of the Active Citizen Force (ACF).

World War I

In April 1914 six pupils (with the probationary ranks of lieutenant in the ACF) were sent to England to undergo further training. Five of them eventually qualified.

When World War I

World War I

World War I, or the First World War , was a global military conflict which involved the Great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies of World War I and the Central Powers....
broke out in August 1914, these pilots were granted permission to join the newly formed Royal Flying Corps

Royal Flying Corps

The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery cooperation and photographic reconnaissance....
(RFC). The number of South Africans in the RFC eventually reached approximately 3,000, with 260 active-duty fatalities. They took part in aerial reconnaissance and artillery spotting missions over France during the war. No fewer than 46 of them became fighter aces shooting down five or more enemy aircraft, with the most successful, Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor

Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor

Captain Andrew Frederick Weatherby Beauchamp-Proctor, Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross was a South African recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to United Kingdom and Commonwealth of Nations fo...
being the British Empire's fourth most successful ace with 54 victories.

Inter-war period

On February 1, 1920 the South African Air Force was established with Col. Pierre van Ryneveld

Pierre van Ryneveld

General Sir Hesperus Andrias van Ryneveld, Order of the British Empire, Order of the Bath, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross was a List of South African military chiefs....
as the Director Air Services. Its first operation was in 1922, when it helped to crush the Rand Revolt, an armed uprising by white mineworkers. The SAAF bombed targets around Johannesburg

Johannesburg

Johannesburg also known as Joburg, is the largest city in South Africa. Johannesburg is the province Capital of Gauteng the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa....
, and lost some aircraft to ground fire. Col. Sir Pierre van Ryneveld himself was shot down, but survived.

In 1934 a significant increase in the defence budget was approved and in 1935 the Minister of Defence announced that the UDF was to be expanded.

World War II

Despite the expansions, the start of World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global military conflict which involved a Participants in World War II, including all of the great powers, organised into two opposing military alliances: the Allies of World War II and the Axis powers....
in 1939 caught the SAAF unprepared. This caused the establishment of the Joint Air Training Scheme

British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, also known as the Empire Air Training Scheme, Empire Air Training Plan, Commonwealth Air Training Plan or simply "The Plan" or "The Scheme", was a massive air-training program involving the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Southern Rhodesia during the World War...
(JATS) in order to train Royal Air Force, SAAF and other allied air and ground crews at 38 South African-based air schools. This expanded the number of military aircraft in the SAAF to 1,709 by September 1941, with a personnel strength of 31,204 (956 pilots).

Home defence (1939-45): Patrols of South African waters, where German U-boat
U-boat

U-boat is the anglicized#Loanwords version of the German language word , itself an abbreviation of Unterseeboot , and refers to military submarines operated by Germany, particularly in World War I and World War II....
s and Japanese
Empire of Japan

The Empire of Japan was a Japanese political entity that existed during the period from the Meiji Restoration in 1868 until its defeat in World War II in 1945....
submarines were active.
East Africa
East Africa

East Africa or Eastern Africa is the easterly region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. In the UN subregion, 19 territories constitute Eastern Africa:...
(1940-41): 2 Wing fought in British-led operations against Italian Somaliland and Italian-occupied Ethiopia.
North Africa
North Africa

North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Africa.Geopolitically, the United Nations subregion of Northern Africa includes the following seven countries or territories:...
(1941-43): 3 and 7 Wings fought as part of the Desert Air Force
Desert Air Force

The Desert Air Force , also known as Air HQ Western Desert, the Western Desert Air Force and the First Tactical Air Force , was an Allies of World War II tactical air force formed during World War II....
, in operations in Egypt, Libya and Tunis.
Madagascar
Madagascar

Madagascar, or Republic of Madagascar , is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. The main island, also called Madagascar, is the List of islands by area, and is home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, of which more than 80% are Endemism to Madagascar....
(1942): A detachment took part in the British-led occupation of this French-ruled island.
Atlantic (1943-45): Two squadrons patrolled convoy routes off West Africa and Gibraltar.
Sicily
Sicily

Sicily is an Autonomous regions with special statute of Italy. Of all the regions of Italy, Sicily covers the largest land area at 25,708 km? and currently has just over five million inhabitants....
(1943): 3 Wing provided air support during the Allied seizure of the island.
Italy (1943-45): 2, 3 and 7 Wings fought in operations to liberate Italy from German occupation.
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia

File:LocationYugoslavia2.pngYugoslavia is a term that describes three political entities that existed successively on the Balkan Peninsula in Europe, during most of the 20th century....
(1943-44): 7 Wing supported partisan operations against German occupation forces.
France (1944): A detachment took part in the Franco-American invasion of southern France.
Balkans
Balkans

The Balkans is the historical name of a geographic subregion of southeastern Europe. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains, which run through the centre of Bulgaria into eastern Serbia....
(1944-45): Some squadrons served with the Balkan Air Force
Balkan Air Force

The Balkan Air Force was a late-World War II Allies of World War II air formation. It was activated in Italy on 7 June 1944 from AHQ 'G' Force to simplify command arrangements for the air support of Special Operations Executive-operations in the Balkans....
in operations over Hungary, Romania
Romania

Romania is a country located in Southeastern Europe Central Europe, North of the Balkan Peninsula, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian Mountains, bordering on the Black Sea....
and Albania
Albania

Albania , officially the Republic of Albania , is a country in Balkans. It is bordered by Greece to the south-east, Montenegro to the north, Kosovo to the northeast, and the Republic of Macedonia to the east....
.
Warsaw
Warsaw

Warsaw is the Capital and World's largest cities of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River roughly from both the Baltic Sea coast and the Carpathian Mountains....
(1944): 2 Wing air-supplied Warsaw during Warsaw Uprising.
Greece (1944): 2 Wing supported British operations to liberate Greece and suppress the communist coup
Greek Civil War

The Greek Civil War , fought from 1946 to 1949 by the Governmental forces, receiving logistical support by the United Kingdom at first and later by the United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Communist Party of Greece , was the result of a highly polarized struggle between leftists and rightists which sta...
.

In particular, the SAAF played a major role in North Africa

North Africa

North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Africa.Geopolitically, the United Nations subregion of Northern Africa includes the following seven countries or territories:...
, where its fighter, bomber and reconnaissance squadrons enabled the Allied Desert Air Force

Desert Air Force

The Desert Air Force , also known as Air HQ Western Desert, the Western Desert Air Force and the First Tactical Air Force , was an Allies of World War II tactical air force formed during World War II....
to attain air superiority over the Axis

Axis Powers

The Axis powers were those countries that were opposed to the Allies of World War II during World War II. The three major Axis powers - Nazi Germany, Kingdom of Italy , and Empire of Japan - were part of a military alliance on the signing of the Tripartite Pact in September 1940, which officially founded the Axis powers....
air forces by the beginning of 1942. Between April 1941 and May 1943 the eleven squadrons of the SAAF flew 33,991 sorties and destroyed 342 enemy aircraft, producing a number of SAAF WWII air aces

List of World War II aces from South Africa

This is a list of fighter aces in World War II from South Africa. For other countries see List of World War II aces by countryB C ...
in the process, including John Frost

John Frost (pilot)

John Everitt "Jack" Frost Distinguished Flying Cross medal bar was a South African flying ace during the World War II. He was the highest-scoring member of a South African Air Force squadron during the war....
, Sailor Malan

Adolph Malan

Adolph Gysbert Malan Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross , better known as Sailor Malan, was a famed South African World War II Royal Air Force fighter pilot who led No....
, Gerald Stapleton

Gerald Stapleton

Squadron Leader Basil Gerald 'Stapme' Stapleton Distinguished Flying Cross DFC Royal Air Force was a Supermarine Spitfire fighter ace and Hawker Typhoon pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II....
and Marmaduke Pattle

Marmaduke Pattle

Squadron Leader Marmaduke Thomas St. John "Pat" Pattle Distinguished Flying Cross & Medal bar was a South African-born World War II Flying ace for the Royal Air Force....
.

Berlin airlift

Post-war, the SAAF also took part in the Berlin airlift of 1948 with 20 aircrews flying Royal Air Force

Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force is the United Kingdom's air force, the oldest independent air force in the world. Formed on 1 April 1918, the RAF has taken a significant role in British military history ever since, playing a large part in World War II and in more recent conflicts....
Dakotas.

Korean War

In the Korean War

Korean War

The Korean War refers to a period of military conflict between North Korea and South Korea regimes, with major hostilities lasting from June 25, 1950 until the armistice signed on July 27, 1953....
, the famous 2 Squadron

2 Squadron SAAF

2 Squadron is a squadron in the South African Air Force which was formed in 1939....
("The Flying Cheetahs") took part as South Africa's contribution. It won many American decorations, including the unusual honour of a United States Presidential Unit Citation

Presidential Unit Citation (US)

The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941 ....
in 1952:

2 Sqn had a long and distinguished record of service in Korea flying P-51D Mustangs and later F-86F Sabres. Their role was mainly flying ground attack and interdiction missions as one of the squadrons making up the USAF's 18th Fighter Bomber Wing.

During the Korean conflict the squadron flew a grand total of 12 067 sorties for a loss of 34 pilots and two other ranks. Aircraft losses amounted to 74 out of 97 Mustangs and four out of 22 Sabres. Pilots and men of the squadron received a total of 797 medals including 2 Silver Stars - the highest award to non-American nationals - 3 Legions of Merit, 55 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 40 Bronze Stars. 8 pilots became POWs. Casualties: 20 KIA 16 WIA.

Independent status for the SAAF

When the Union Defence Forces were reorganised into individual services in 1951, the SAAF became an arm of service in its own right, under an Air Chief of Staff (who was renamed "Chief of the Air Force" in 1966). It adopted a blue uniform, to replace the army khaki it had previously worn.

The SAAF was scaled down in the 1950s, and rebuilt in the 1960s, after South Africa had become a republic, and diplomatic isolation and the United Nations arms embargo had begun to have an effect.

Border War

From 1966 to 1989, the SAAF was committed to the Border War

South African Border War

The South African Border War, also known as the Namibian War of Independence, refers to the conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 in South-West Africa and Angola between South Africa and its allied forces on the one side and the Angolan government, South-West Africa People's Organisation , and their allies mainly the Soviet Unio...
, which was fought in northern South West Africa

South West Africa

South-West Africa was the name of what is today the Republic of Namibia....
and surrounding states. At first, it provided limited air support to police operations against the People's Liberation Army

People's Liberation Army

The People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 ? celebrated annually as "PLA Day" ? as the military arm of the Communist Party of China....
of Namibia

Namibia

Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in southern Africa on the Atlantic Ocean coast. It shares borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east, and South Africa to the south....
(the military wing of SWAPO, which was fighting to end South African rule of South West Africa). Operations intensified after the defence force took charge of the war in 1974.

Angola campaign

The SAAF provided air support to the army during the 1975-76 Angola

Angola

Angola, officially the Republic of Angola , is a country in south-central Africa bordering Namibia to the south, Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, and Zambia to the east, and with a west coast along the Atlantic Ocean....
campaign, and in the many cross-border operations

List of operations of the South African Border War

This List of operations of the South African Border War details the military operations conducted by the South African Defence Force during the South African Border War:...
that were carried out against PLAN bases in Angola and Zambia

Zambia

The Republic of Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The neighbouring countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west....
from 1977 onwards.

It was also heavily involved in the 1987-88 Angola campaign, before the peace settlement

New York Accords

The Tripartite Accord, Three Powers Accord or New York Accords granted independence to Namibia and ended the direct involvement of foreign troops in the Angolan Civil War....
that ended the conflict. Due to the international arms embargo

United Nations Security Council Resolution 418

United Nations Security Council Resolution 418, passed on 4 November 1977, imposed a mandatory arms embargo against apartheid South Africa. This resolution differed from the earlier United Nations Security Council Resolution 282, which was only voluntary....
imposed against the-then Aparthied South Africa, the SAAF was unable to procure modern fighter aircraft

Fighter aircraft

A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets by dropping bombs....
to compete with the MiG-23

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 is a swing-wing fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan bureau in the Soviet Union and is considered to belong to the "Third Generation" aircraft category along with similar-aged Russian-produced fighters like the MiG-25 "Foxbat"....
s fielded by the Cuba

Cuba

The Republic of Cuba is a country in the Caribbean. It consists of the island of Cuba , the island of Isla de la Juventud, and several adjacent small islands....
ns in the latter part of this conflict.

1994 elections

After the first multi-racial elections were held in 1994, the SAAF became an integrated air force as part of the South African National Defence Force

South African National Defence Force

The South African National Defence Force is the name of the armed forces of South Africa. The military as it exists today was created in 1994, following South Africa's first post-apartheid national elections and the adoption of a new constitution....
(SANDF).

21st century

Currently the SAAF is classified as a small air force.

Personnel

As of 2007 the SAAF has about 8000 regular uniformed members augmented by about 1500 civilians and roughly 900 reserves.

Budget

A budget of R9 billion

South African rand

The rand is the currency of South Africa. It takes its name from the Witwatersrand , the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found....
(roughly US$1.1 billion at March 2008 exchange rates) was allocated for FY2008\2009.

(The reason for the apparent large increase over the previous financial year's amount of roughly US$350 million, is the fact that in the 2008/2009 budget documents, the payments for new aircraft acquisitions have been included in the regular air force budget and then again, in the special defence account budget.)

Strength

The South African Air Force consists of about 175 aircraft of all types , including about 27 combat-capable fast jets and 12 attack helicopters. The SAAF does however suffer from a severe shortage of pilots and technical personnel. The impact of this is that the combat force is in effect smaller than it appears on paper. As at August 1, 2008 the SAAF only had 20 combat ready Fighter pilots available.

Current order of battle

Aircraft Inventory

Aircraft	Type	Versions	In service	Notes
Fighter Aircraft Fighter aircraft A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets by dropping bombs....
Saab JAS 39 Gripen	multirole fighter	C and D (single and twin seat)	5	9 JAS-39D twin seat and 17 JAS-39C single seat Gripens are being delivered between 2008 and 2012, the Gripens are replacing the Atlas Cheetah Atlas Cheetah The Atlas Cheetah was a fighter aircraft operated by the South African Air Force between 1986 and 2008. It was first built as a major upgrade of the Dassault Mirage III by the Atlas Aircraft Corporation of South Africa in South Africa.... s which were taken out of service in early April 2008.
Trainer Aircraft
British Aerospace Hawk	lead in fighter trainer	Mk120	23	1 to be delivered.
Pilatus PC-7 Pilatus PC-7 The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer is a low-wing tandem-seat training aircraft, manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. The aircraft is capable of all basic training functions including aerobatics, instrument flight rules, tactical and night flying....	trainer	PC-7 MKII	52	limited avionics upgrade under way.
Helicopters
Atlas Oryx Atlas Oryx The Atlas Oryx is a medium-sized utility helicopter manufactured by the Atlas Aircraft Corporation of South Africa....	medium transport helicopter	MKI and MKII	35	currently receiving basic mid-life update (the single MKII version is adapted for Antarctic conditions).
Denel Rooivalk	attack helicopter		12	to achieve intitial operating capability in 2008.
MBB/Kawasaki BK 117	utility helicopter	BK 117	6	being phased out; replaced by Agusta A109 LUH.
Agusta A109 Agusta A109 The AgustaWestland AW109 is a helicopter manufactured by Agusta of Italy. It is a light-weight, twin engine, eight seat multi-purpose helicopter....	light utility helicopter	A109LUH	29	1 more under delivery.
Westland Super Lynx Westland Lynx The Westland Lynx is a British helicopter designed by and built Westland Helicopters at its factory in Yeovil. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants, which went into operational usage in 1977 and were later adopted by the armed for...	naval helicopter	MK300	4	operated from South African Navy South African Navy The South African Navy is the navy of South Africa.... Valour class frigates Valour class frigate The South African Valour class frigates are the major surface ships of the South African Navy. The Germany manufacturer designates them as the MEKO A-200SAN class, member of its MEKO family of naval ships.... .
Transports Cargo aircraft File:An-225 Mriya.jpg A cargo aircraft plane is a fixed-wing aircraft designed or converted for the carriage of goods, rather than passengers....
Lockheed C-130 Hercules C-130 Hercules The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft built by Lockheed. It is the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide....	transport	C-130BZ	9	upgraded with new avionics Avionics Avionics means "aviation electronics". It comprises Electronics systems for use on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft, comprising communications, navigation and the display and management of multiple systems.... and glass cockpits.
Douglas C-47 Turbo Dakota C-47 Skytrain The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day....	maritime patrol / transport / electronic warfare Electronic warfare Electronic warfare The term EW refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the EMS or to attack the enemy....	C-47TP	10	5 maritime patrol, 3 transport, 2 electronic warfare.
Cessna 208 Cessna 208 The Cessna 208 Caravan, also known as the Cargomaster, is a single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner and utility aircraft built in the United States by Cessna....	light utility / observation	Caravan	12	fitted with Denel infrared Infrared Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength is longer than that of visible light , but shorter than that of terahertz radiation and microwaves .... observation system.
Beechcraft Super King Air Beechcraft Super King Air The Beechcraft Super King Air family is part of a line of twin-turboprop aircraft produced by the Beechcraft . The King Air line comprises a number of model series that fall into two families: the Model 90 series, Model 100 series , Model 200 series and Model 300 series....	transport	King Air 200/King Air 300	4
Pilatus PC-12 Pilatus PC-12 The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop passenger and cargo aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. The main market for the aircraft is corporate transport and regional airliner operators....	transport	PC-12	1	mostly VIP Very Important Person A Very Important Person, or VIP is a person who is accorded special privileges due to his or her status or importance.Examples include celebrities, heads of state/head of government, major employers, high rollers, politicians, high-level corporate officers, wealthy individuals, or any other WP:N person who receives special treatment f... transport.
Cessna Skywagon Cessna 185 The Cessna 185, also known as the Skywagon, is a six-seat, single engined, general aviation light aircraft manufactured by Cessna. It first flew as a prototype in July 1960, with the first production model being completed in March 1961....	light utility transport / observation	185A & 185E	10	withdrawal from service imminent.
CASA C-212 Aviocar	transport	212-200 / 212-300	4
CASA CN-235 CASA CN-235 The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a medium-range twin-turbo-prop aircraft developed jointly between EADS CASA in Spain and IPTN in Indonesia as a regional airliner and military transport....	transport	CN-235	1
Boeing BBJ Boeing Business Jet The Boeing Business Jet series are factory conversions of Boeing Commercial Airplanes airliners for the corporate jet market, initially the Boeing 737 series airliners....	presidential transport		1
Dassault Falcon 900	VIP transport		1
Dassault Falcon 50 Dassault Falcon 50 The Dassault Falcon 50 is a France-built super mid-sized, long-range corporate Jet aircraft, featuring a three jet engine layout with an S-duct central engine....	VIP transport		2
Cessna 550 Citation	VIP transport		2

Air Force Bases

AFB Bloemspruit
AFB Bloemspruit

AFB Bloemspruit is an military airbase of the South African Air Force. It is co-located with Bloemfontein Airport, and shares its runways.The base motto is Ex Unite Pax, ....
(Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein The city is situated on dry grassland at , at an altitude of 1,395 metres above sea level. The city is home to 369,568 residents, while the Mangaung Local Municipality has a population of 645,455....
)
AFB Durban (Durban
Durban

Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality . It is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and is famous as the busiest port in Africa....
;to be scaled down to an Air Force Station)
AFB Hoedspruit
AFB Hoedspruit

Air Force Base Hoedspruit is an military airbase of the South African Air Force. It is located adjacent to the Kruger National Park. In the late 1990s an unused portion of the base was converted into a civilian airport known as Eastgate Airport....
(Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit is a town situated at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg , in the Limpopo province of South Africa on the old Selati railway line from Phalaborwa to Kaapmuiden....
)
AFB Langebaanweg
AFB Langebaanweg

AFB Langebaanweg is an airbase of the South African Air Force.The base motto is Tenax Propisiti Vinco ? Through Tenacity Comes Success....
(Langebaan
Langebaan

Langebaan is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is situated on the Langebaan lagoon, part of the West Coast National Park....
)
AFB Makhado
AFB Makhado

Air Force Base Makhado is an military airbase of the South African Air Force. It is the SAAF's northernmost base, situated at Louis Trichardt near the border with Zimbabwe, as well as being its most modern, and is known unofficially as Fighter Town, RSA....
(Louis Trichardt
Louis Trichardt

Louis Trichardt is a town situated at the foot of the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo province of South Africa. It is in a fertile region where litchis, bananas, mangoes and nut s are produced....
)
AFB Overberg (Bredasdorp
Bredasdorp

Bredasdorp is a small Overberg town located in the Western Cape Province in South Africa....
)
AFB Swartkop (Pretoria
Pretoria

Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three Capital , serving as the Executive and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislature capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital....
; an extension of AFB Waterkloof)
AFB Waterkloof
AFB Waterkloof

Air Force Base Waterkloof is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria, and is the SAAF's busiest airbase....
(Pretoria
Pretoria

Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three Capital , serving as the Executive and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislature capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital....
)
AFB Ysterplaat
AFB Ysterplaat

Air Force Base Ysterplaat is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is located near Cape Town, on the southwestern coast of South Africa....
(Cape Town
Cape Town

Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of the City of Cape Town. It is the provincial Capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislature capital of South Africa, where the Parliament of South Africa and many government offices are located....
)

Air Force Stations

AFS Port Elizabeth

Squadrons

Note: Squadron composition as seen below is incomplete.

! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Squadron Number ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Base ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type of Aircraft ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Versions ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Objective ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Composition |----- |2 Squadron SAAF

2 Squadron SAAF

2 Squadron is a squadron in the South African Air Force which was formed in 1939....
|AFB Makhado

AFB Makhado

Air Force Base Makhado is an military airbase of the South African Air Force. It is the SAAF's northernmost base, situated at Louis Trichardt near the border with Zimbabwe, as well as being its most modern, and is known unofficially as Fighter Town, RSA....
|JAS 39 Gripen

JAS 39 Gripen

15 Squadron SAAF

15 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron.* Motto: Aquila Petit Ardua ...
|AFB Durban |Atlas Oryx

Atlas Oryx

Agusta A109

The AgustaWestland AW109 is a helicopter manufactured by Agusta of Italy. It is a light-weight, twin engine, eight seat multi-purpose helicopter....
LUH. | |Transport | |----- |16 Squadron SAAF

16 Squadron SAAF

16 Squadron SAAF is an attack helicopter squadron of the South African Air Force ....
|AFB Bloemspruit

AFB Bloemspruit

17 Squadron SAAF

17 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron.* Motto: Pro Re Nata * First formed: 1 September 1939...
|AFB Waterkloof

AFB Waterkloof

19 Squadron SAAF

19 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron. During World War Two it was known as No....
|AFB Hoedspruit

AFB Hoedspruit

Air Force Base Hoedspruit is an military airbase of the South African Air Force. It is located adjacent to the Kruger National Park. In the late 1990s an unused portion of the base was converted into a civilian airport known as Eastgate Airport....
|Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 LUH | |Transport |5 A109 LUH |----- |21 Squadron SAAF

21 Squadron SAAF

21 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a Very Important Person transport squadron.* Motto: Onoorwinklik ...
|AFB Waterkloof

AFB Waterkloof

Air Force Base Waterkloof is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria, and is the SAAF's busiest airbase....
|Boeing BBJ, Cessna Citation I

Cessna Citation I

The Cessna Citation I is a turbofan-powered small-sized business jet built by the Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas. The Cessna Citation brand of business jets encompasses several distinct "families" of aircraft, and the Citation I was the basis for the first of these families....
, Dassault Falcon 50

Dassault Falcon 50

The Dassault Falcon 50 is a France-built super mid-sized, long-range corporate Jet aircraft, featuring a three jet engine layout with an S-duct central engine....
, Dassault Falcon 900 | |VIP Transport | |----- |22 Squadron SAAF

22 Squadron SAAF

22 Squadron is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron....
|AFB Ysterplaat

AFB Ysterplaat

Air Force Base Ysterplaat is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is located near Cape Town, on the southwestern coast of South Africa....
|Atlas Oryx, Westland Super Lynx 300 | |Transport | |----- |28 Squadron SAAF

28 Squadron SAAF

28 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a medium transport squadron.* Motto: Portamus * First formed: 1 June 1943 ...
|AFB Waterkloof

AFB Waterkloof

Air Force Base Waterkloof is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria, and is the SAAF's busiest airbase....
|Lockheed C-130 Hercules

C-130 Hercules

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft built by Lockheed. It is the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide....
|C-130B/BZ/F models |Medium Transport | |----- |35 Squadron

35 Squadron

35 Squadron may refer to:*Number 35 Squadron in several air forces:**No. XXXV Squadron RAF**No.35 Squadron, Indian Air Force...
|AFB Ysterplaat

AFB Ysterplaat

Air Force Base Ysterplaat is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is located near Cape Town, on the southwestern coast of South Africa....
|C-47 Skytrain

C-47 Skytrain

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day....
|C-47TP version |Maritime patrol/Transport | |----- |41 Squadron SAAF

41 Squadron SAAF

41 Squadron is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a light transport squadron.* Motto: Detegimus Hostes * First formed: 16 October 1940...
|AFB Waterkloof

AFB Waterkloof

Air Force Base Waterkloof is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria, and is the SAAF's busiest airbase....
|Cessna 208

Cessna 208

The Cessna 208 Caravan, also known as the Cargomaster, is a single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner and utility aircraft built in the United States by Cessna....
, Pilatus PC-12

Pilatus PC-12

The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop passenger and cargo aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. The main market for the aircraft is corporate transport and regional airliner operators....
, Beechcraft 200C King Air

Beechcraft Super King Air

The Beechcraft Super King Air family is part of a line of twin-turboprop aircraft produced by the Beechcraft . The King Air line comprises a number of model series that fall into two families: the Model 90 series, Model 100 series , Model 200 series and Model 300 series....
| |Light Transport | |----- |44 Squadron SAAF

44 Squadron SAAF

44 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a light transport squadron.* Motto: Prosumus * First formed: 12 March 1944 ...
|AFB Waterkloof

AFB Waterkloof

Air Force Base Waterkloof is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria, and is the SAAF's busiest airbase....
|CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235

CASA CN-235

The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a medium-range twin-turbo-prop aircraft developed jointly between EADS CASA in Spain and IPTN in Indonesia as a regional airliner and military transport....
, Cessna 185

Cessna 185

The Cessna 185, also known as the Skywagon, is a six-seat, single engined, general aviation light aircraft manufactured by Cessna. It first flew as a prototype in July 1960, with the first production model being completed in March 1961....
| |Light Transport | |----- |60 Squadron SAAF

60 Squadron SAAF

60 Squadron SAAF is a squadron of the South African Air Force. It is currently a transport, aerial refuelling and EW/ELINT squadron.* Motto: Accipimus Et Damus ...
|AFB Waterkloof

AFB Waterkloof

Air Force Base Waterkloof is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is situated on the outskirts of Pretoria, and is the SAAF's busiest airbase....
|no operational aircraft at this time. According to current plans, the unit will re-equip with Airbus A400M

Airbus A400M

AFB Makhado

BAE Hawk

AFB Bloemspruit

AFB Bloemspruit is an military airbase of the South African Air Force. It is co-located with Bloemfontein Airport, and shares its runways.The base motto is Ex Unite Pax, ....
|Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 LUH, BK 117 | |Helicopter flight training |9 A109 LUH |----- |Ab initio Helicopter Training, outsourced to Starlite Aviation (a civilian contractor) |Durban

Durban

Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa, forming part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality . It is the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and is famous as the busiest port in Africa....
|Robinson R-22, Eurocopter EC-120 (civilian aircraft) | | | |----- |Central Flying School

Central Flying School

The Central Flying School is the Royal Air Force's primary institution for the training of military flying instructors. It was established at RAF Upavon, near Upavon, Wiltshire in 1912, and is the longest existing flying training school....
|AFB Langebaanweg

AFB Langebaanweg

AFB Langebaanweg is an airbase of the South African Air Force.The base motto is Tenax Propisiti Vinco ? Through Tenacity Comes Success....
|Pilatus PC-7 Astra |Mk-II |Ab initio flight traing | |----- |Test Flight and Development Centre |AFB Overberg |Various aircraft on test including 1x A109 LUH | |Test flight and evaluation | |----- |SA Air Force College |Other locations | | | | |----- |SAAF Museum Historic Flight |AFB Swartkop | | | | |----- |Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre |AFB Waterkloof | | |Responsible for Air Intelligence and Counter Intelligence training in the SANDF | |----- |101 Squadron |AFB Hoedspruit | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |102 Squadron |AFB Makhado | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |104 Squadron |AFB Waterkloof | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |105 Squadron |AFB Durban | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |106 Squadron |AFB Bloemspruit | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |107 Squadron |AFB Bloemspruit | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |108 Squadron |AFB Port Elizabeth | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |110 Squadron |AFB Ysterplaat | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |111 Squadron |AFB Waterkloof | | |Light Transport (Reserve) | |----- |1 Air Servicing Unit |AFS Thaba Tshwane | | |This unit performs maintenance and support functions | |----- |2 Air Servicing Unit |AFB Ysterplaat | | |This unit performs maintenance and support functions | |----- |3 Air Servicing Unit |AFB Makhado | | |This unit performs maintenance and support functions | |----- |4 Air Servicing Unit |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |This unit performs maintenance and support functions | |----- |5 Air Servicing Unit |AFB Waterkloof | | |This unit performs maintenance and support functions | |----- |7 Air Servicing Unit |AFB Hoedspruit | | |This unit performs maintenance and support functions | |----- |10 Air Depot |AFS Thaba Tshwane | | |Logistic support services | |----- |68 Air School |TEK Base | | |This unit is responsible for technical aviation training in the SAAF | |----- |18 Deployment Support Unit |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Logistic support services) | |----- |92 Tactical Airfield Unit |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Logistic support services) | |----- |140 Squadron |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Mobile Radar) | |----- |141 Squadron |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Mobile Radar) | |----- |500 Squadron |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Special Operations Task Force) | |----- |501 Squadron |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Security services) | |----- |502 Squadron |TEK Base | | |Security services | |----- |503 Squadron |Valhalla | | |Security services | |----- |504 Squadron |AFB Waterkloof | | |Security services | |----- |505 Squadron |AFB Ysterplaat | | |Security services | |----- |506 Squadron |AFB Bloemspruit | | |Security services | |----- |508 Squadron |AFB Durban | | |Security services | |----- |514 Squadron |AFB Hoedspruit | | |Security services | |----- |515 Squadron |AFB Makhado | | |Security services | |----- |525 Squadron |AFB Overberg | | |Security services | |----- |526 Squadron |AFB Langebaanweg | | |Security services | |----- |Air Force Gymnasium |Valhalla | | |The primary task of the Gymnasium is basic training of all new airforce members | |----- |Bushveld Airspace Control Sector |Other | | |Training (Air defense) | |----- |Lowveld Airspace Control Sector |AFB Hoedspruit | | |Training (Air defense) | |-----| |Mobile Communications Unit |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |Provide operationally deployable communications for SAAF | |-----| |Rapid Deployment Air Operations Team 43 |Wonderboom | | |Logistic support services | |-----| |Rapid Deployment Air Operations Team 46 |Johannesburg | | |Logistic support services | |-----| |Air Publications Service Centre |AFS Thaba Tshwane | | |Custodian for the master and key copies of all SAAF documentation and publications in terms of aviation regulations and acts | |-----| |SA Air Force Band |Valhalla | | |The SAAF Band lends a certain quality and sophistication to SAAF and Defence Force parades, performing as marching band | |-----| |Command and Control School |AFB Waterkloof | | |Training | |-----| |School of Cookery |Valhalla | | |The SAAF School of Cookery is the sole training institution for all Chefs and Waiters in the SA Air Force | |-----| |Fire Training School |Valhalla | | |The SANDF Fire Training School is a provider of Fire Fighting and Rescue training in the SANDF | |-----| |Air Force Command and Control School |AFB Hoedspruit | | |Provides courses in Command and Control, Airspace Control and Telecommunications | |-----| |Airspace Control Unit |AFB Swartkop | | |Logistics support services (Air defense) | |-----| |Central Photographic Institute |AFB Waterkloof | | |Provision of photographic services | |-----| |Combined Auction Centre |Other | | |Logistic support services | |-----| |Ellisras Reporting Post |Other | | |The Ellisras Reporting Post is a SAAF Early Warning Radar installation | |-----| |SAAF Police |Other | | |Security services | |-----| |SAAF Telecommunications Centre |AFB Waterkloof | | |Logistics support services | |-----| |Electronic Warfare Centre |AFB Waterkloof | | |Logistics support services | |}

Reserves

Air Force Conventional Reserves

A pool of reserve posts were created to serve the SAAF and augment regular units as and when needed. All trades in the SAAF are represented in the reserves, e.g. pilots, security squadron personnel etc.

Air Force Territorial Reserves

Currently consists of nine squadrons of privately owned aircraft operated by reserve pilots on behalf of the SAAF.

These squadrons fulfill a very valuable role in light transport and observation, especially due to low direct operating costs.

Future Programmes

The SAAF is planning to transition to a tactical air force

Air force

Project Adobe: Acquisition of a self-protection system for the Oryx. Project complete, June 2007.

Project Assegaai: Development of a short-range air-to-air missile for the SAAF fighter stream. Being developed as a joint venture with Brazil by Denel Dynamics. Each country is said to have allocated R500 million to the missile development phase. It is not clear how much SA has spent additionally on the project between conceptualisation and 2006 when the JV was announced.

Project Bandsman: Upgrade and replacement of airport fire tenders. Phase 1 to upgrade existing fire tenders was completed in 2006. Phase 2 for the acquisition of further fire tenders is in progress with a completion date for 2010.

Project Continent: Acquisition of between 8-14 Airbus A400M Loadmaster future medium transports. Delivery was due from late 2010, but project now substantially delayed as a result of development problems.

Project Deer: Acquisition of a stand-off radar jammer for the Denel Oryx medium helicopter. Project completed, June 2007.

Project Design: Aircrew training simulator. Final acceptance of the system at 80 Air Navigation School. Operational Test and Evaluation scheduled to end late August 2008.

Project Drummer: Midlife upgrade for the remaining Denel Oryx medium helicopters that came into service in 1989. About 38 out of 51 still fly.

Project Ebb: C130 midlife upgrade. Scheduled completed March 2008

Project Impose: Design, development and production of Denel CSH2A Rooivalk combat support helicopter and Mokopa heavy antitank guided missile. Development to be completed by 2009 after starting in 1984; R8.1bn spent on programme to 2007. Mokopa: R70m set aside to acquire missiles. R120m spent on development to FY2007, R4.6m to be spent in FY2007/8 and Denel to spend a further R98.25m.

Project Flange: Acquisition of 30 Agusta A109 light utility helicopters for R2.39 billion (2007 Treasury figure).

Project Koiler: Acquisition of a day/night tactical intelligence (reconnaissance) system for the Cessna C208 light transport inclusive of a datalink. Acquisition of three sets of mission equipment and the modification of 11 aircraft have been contracted. Operational test and evaluation scheduled 2008. Release to service planned for late 2008.

Project Maulstic: Acquisition of four maritime helicopters for Navy Project Sitron (the frigate acquisition). Four Agusta-Westland 300 SuperLynx delivered July 2007.

Project Muggie: Replacement of a radio-switching network.

Project Simunye: "A technology project for defining, testing and evaluating Joint Air Defence Command and Control (C2) systems concepts and related systems architectures".

Project Ukhozi: Acquisition of an advanced lightweight fighter aircraft. Twenty-six Saab JAS39 Gripen C/D to be delivered by 2012 at a cost of R20 billion (2007 Treasury figure).

Project Winchester: Acquisition of a lead-in fighter trainer. Twenty four BAE Systems Mk120 Hawk delivered by 2008 at a cost of R7.2 billion (2007 Treasury figure).

Not registered as a project in 2007: Acquisition of a future medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV. Still under consideration by SAAF not yet registered as a Required Operational Capability.

Not registered as a project in 2007: Acquisition of a future maritime patrol aircraft. Still under consideration by SAAF not yet registered as a Required Operational Capability.

Not known: Leasing of three Saab Erieye multirole airborne surveillance systems housed on Embraer platforms. Said to be a work in progress with system to be in place by June 2010, kick-off for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Not known: Acquisition of the Diehl BGT IRIS-T short-range infrared air-to-air missile for the Gripen advanced lightweight fighter aircraft.

Not known: Avionics upgrade for the Pilatus PC7 MkII (M) ab initio trainer. Thirty-five aircraft to be upgraded at a budgeted cost of R400 million.

Not known: Acquisition of a low-cost, side-by-side, basic trainer. Twelve aircraft @R2-3m each, R24-36m for the fleet.

Not known: "Pavement management system" (runway upgrades, six sub-projects).

Not known: Reported military space satellite programme.

Aircraft fleet

Gallery of SAAF Aircraft