Latest news with #SouthAfricanAirForce
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
‘The Rhino' at Rhino Week
ARMSCOR developed the Rhino Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle in the early 1980s following a private needs assessment, shortly after the conclusion of Project Sireb, which evaluated the feasibility of replacing the Buffel MRAP. Only twenty Rhino vehicles were manufactured for the South African Air Force. Based on the Samil 20 chassis, the Rhino was designed specifically for troop transport and patrol duties around air force bases. It has a crew of seven consisting of a driver, co-driver in the front, and five troops in the rear compartment. The vehicle features a fully enclosed V-shaped hull, offering excellent protection against landmines, while its armoured hull and ballistic glass windows provide effective defence against small arms fire and light artillery fragments. Key features include two roof hatches, firing ports beneath each window in the troop compartment, and provision for mounting a roof-mounted machine gun. The driver's cabin is accessible via side doors on both sides, reached by a short ladder, while the troop compartment is entered through a small door at the rear left of the vehicle. A spare wheel is mounted at the rear. Although originally intended for military use, the Rhino went on to prove its worth in a range of international humanitarian demining operations. It consistently demonstrated its reliability and adaptability as a platform in both conflict zones and peacetime missions. With the adoption of the Mamba MRAP family by the South African military in the early 1990s, the Rhino was gradually withdrawn from service and subsequently sold to the private security sector. The Rhino stands as a testament to South African engineering excellence and tactical innovation. * Dewald Venter is a professor at the Vaal University of Technology. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Rare rhino armoured vehicle turns heads at VUT
VANDERBIJLPARK – Anyone who attended Rhino Week at the Vaal University of Technology's Isak Steyl Stadium over the past two weeks, likely noticed the armoured vehicle on display and wondered about its identity and origins. Coincidentally sharing its name with the event, the vehicle is known as the Rhino. ARMSCOR developed the Rhino Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle in the early 1980s following a private needs assessment, shortly after the conclusion of Project Sireb, which evaluated the feasibility of replacing the Buffel MRAP. Only twenty Rhino vehicles were manufactured for the South African Air Force. Based on the Samil 20 chassis, the Rhino was designed specifically for troop transport and patrol duties around air force bases. It has a crew of seven consisting of a driver, co-driver in the front, and five troops in the rear compartment. The vehicle features a fully enclosed V-shaped hull, offering excellent protection against landmines, while its armoured hull and ballistic glass windows provide effective defence against small arms fire and light artillery fragments. Key features include two roof hatches, firing ports beneath each window in the troop compartment, and provision for mounting a roof-mounted machine gun. The driver's cabin is accessible via side doors on both sides, reached by a short ladder, while the troop compartment is entered through a small door at the rear left of the vehicle. A spare wheel is mounted at the rear. Although originally intended for military use, the Rhino went on to prove its worth in a range of international humanitarian demining operations. It consistently demonstrated its reliability and adaptability as a platform in both conflict zones and peacetime missions. With the adoption of the Mamba MRAP family by the South African military in the early 1990s, the Rhino was gradually withdrawn from service and subsequently sold to the private security sector. The Rhino stands as a testament to South African engineering excellence and tactical innovation. * Dewald Venter is a professor at the Vaal University of Technology. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Training and maintenance: South African Air Force seeks assistance from PAF
ISLAMABAD: The South African Air Force has sought assistance from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in overhauling its training regime and maintaining its C-130 aircraft fleet aiming at strengthening bilateral military cooperation. The proposal was made during a high-level meeting between Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. According to the ISPR, Lt Gen Mbambo was presented with a Guard of Honour on arrival, by a smartly turned-out contingent of the PAF, symbolising the warm diplomatic and defence ties between the two countries. During the meeting, the two Air Chiefs held wide-ranging discussions on enhancing cooperation in aviation training, operational readiness, and technical collaboration. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the shared values and mutual aspirations that form the basis of the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and South Africa. He reaffirmed PAF's commitment to supporting the South African Air Force through tailored training programs and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives. Lt Gen Mbambo praised the PAF's robust operational preparedness, its multi-domain warfare capabilities, and its success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture. Recognising Pakistan's proven expertise in aviation training and defence production, the South African Air Force Chief expressed strong interest in institutionalising the relationship between the two air forces. A key focus of the discussions was the revamping of the South African Air Force's training framework. Lt Gen Mbambo formally requested PAF's support in designing a modern, academy-level training system to better equip future South African airmen. He also conveyed his desire for SAAF officers to participate as observers in PAF's major operational exercises, aiming to benefit from Pakistan's combat training experience. Acknowledging the cost-effective and technically proficient capabilities of PAF's engineering infrastructure, the visiting dignitary also expressed the intent to explore maintenance and inspection of South Africa's C-130 transport aircraft fleet in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘We're bleeding but not finished': Motshekga defends struggling air force
While admitting the South African Air Force is in decline, Motshekga assured Parliament that steps are being taken to repair aircraft and stabilise capacity. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga says South African skies are protected despite the challenges facing the South African Air Force (SAAF). The minister was addressing the National Council of Provinces during the Peace and Security cluster question-and-answer session on Tuesday, where she was grilled about the operational readiness of the SAAF – among other defence-related issues. 'Sleep peacefully' 'You can sleep peacefully; your skies are safe, and we'll be able to do any obligations internally that we need to do for the safety of our country,' Motshekga said. This was in response to FF Plus member Tamarin Breedt's question about the extent to which the current state of affairs in the national air force is affecting South Africa's ability to meet its international and regional obligations. Grounded planes and lack of funding Motshekga had earlier admitted the SAAF is currently experiencing challenges, including grounded planes and lack of adequate funding. She said her department is engaging with Treasury and the Presidency to make sure they can salvage what the force already has. 'We have a number of planes that are off, but we also have a number of planes that have gone for servicing. So, we are struggling with the air force; we're bleeding, but we're not finished,' Motshekga said. She said the air force's ability to fly helicopters to areas affected by the recent floods was indicative of its capabilities and capacity, although not up to the desired level. ALSO READ: Why South Africa can't defend itself anymore The department is doing everything in its power to stop the decline of the SAAF from continuing, Motshekga said. 'We are in the process of procuring other capabilities, repairing capabilities, so there is progress and there is a process to make sure that we can arrest the decline…' VIP fleet spending DA member Nicholas Gotsell asked the minister why the department is prioritising the R415 million that is needed to maintain the presidential aircraft and the Falcon fleet used by VIPs, while key air defence transport remains grounded. In response, Motshekga said it's disingenuous to compare the capabilities of the SAAF to the capacity of the president's travelling means. Because it means we have to ground the president and get him [to fly] commercial,' Motshekga said. She declined to entertain Breedt's suggestion that President Cyril Ramaphosa must fly commercial 'like the rest of us do and like I believe he used to do in 2018 and 2019'. Motshekga said just as she and Breedt don't take buses to meetings, Ramaphosa will not be flying commercial. Measures for maintenance backlog With regard to measures put in place to minimise the maintenance backlog, the minister emphasised that the department has prioritised fixing and servicing the current aircraft before procuring new ones, which are going to be extremely expensive. 'We are looking at different means to get more money to ramp up the performance,' Motshekga said. NOW READ: SANDF troops return home from DRC after delay from logistical snag
IOL News
02-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
National security at threat as alarm bells rung over SANDF Air Force Engineer shortage
Flight Engineer shortage cripples South African Air Force's critical missions Image: SANDF/Dean Wingrin A brewing crisis within the South African Air Force (SAAF) is putting national security at risk, as a shortage of Flight Engineers (FEs) cripples the operational capacity of the SANDF's most vital aircraft. Despite recent government promises of increased military funding, insiders warn that the Air Force's ability to defend the country could be severely compromised without urgent action on personnel issues. At the heart of this issue is the iconic Oryx AS32 helicopter - a medium utility helicopter that has become the backbone of the SANDF's aerial capabilities. Notably, this aircraft is used for critical missions, including troop transport, logistical support, and even presidential flights. The helicopter that ferries South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa during his official duties is none other than the Oryx, a symbol of national sovereignty. However, one military insider revealed, 'This aircraft cannot operate without Flight Engineers. The unsung heroes keep these machines flying safely and efficiently.' Sources say the problem stems from recent industrial action by FEs nationwide. Fewer than five FEs are willing to fly, having downed tools over allowances they say are grossly insufficient and misclassified. 'They're considered technicians now, not flight crew, and their allowances have been cut,' explained a senior officer who requested anonymity. This industrial action has cascading effects: pilots cannot maintain currency without FEs, and aspiring helicopter pilots cannot complete their training due to the lack of experienced FEs. 'We have a backlog of student pilots waiting for years to start their flying hours,' the source added. 'This situation could leave us with a generation of not current or qualified pilots - a ticking time bomb for operational readiness.' Sources added that the fallout isn't just internal; it's costing the state millions. He stated that with only four FEs remaining in the country, the SANDF is forced to fly them across provinces - from Durban to Pretoria and Cape Town to assist with operations - often at great expense, including hotel costs and logistical arrangements. 'Many FEs are resigning, lured by higher salaries overseas, particularly in Middle Eastern countries, further depleting the fragile workforce.' 'Despite the billions invested in recruitment, we are losing personnel for free,' lamented an insider. 'The allowances are less than R5,000 - less than many civilian technicians earn elsewhere.' In response, SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala acknowledged the seriousness of the issue: "Flight Engineers are a critical part of our aircrew. Without them, critical missions cannot be executed fully, and our operational readiness is impacted," he said. "Currently, the SANDF operates at approximately 40% capacity, but once the budgeting process is complete, we will address these operational requirements." Tshabalala also mentioned ongoing efforts to review allowances and implement training initiatives through military academies to bolster FE numbers. He stated that the SANDF is committed to the nation's security and is working with the Portfolio Committee on Defence to increase the defense budget as a percentage of GDP. South African National Defence Union Secretary advocate Pikkie did not respond to IOL. The SANDF is currently grappling with critical issues of underfunding, aging equipment, personnel shortages, and low morale. Among other issues Highlighting the crisis, soldiers deployed in Goma as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), 18 SADC soldiers - including 14 South Africans - were killed in clashes with M23 rebels. The resulting summit in Harare led to the decision to terminate the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), citing worsening security and the need for a phased withdrawal. Earlier this year, IOL reported that soldiers scheduled to return home were reportedly stranded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), unable to leave due to the closure of Goma International Airport-a move the DRC government justified by citing security threats linked to ongoing conflict and rebel activity. This was followed by an outcry from the opposition, which demanded that the Defence Ministry provide clear accountability. A few days later, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga announced the official withdrawal plans, but subsequent reports revealed a stark contradiction: no transport was available to move the soldiers. [email protected] IOL Politics
