Jump to content

South African Air Force

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Toddribault (talk | contribs) at 00:21, 24 November 2009. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

South African Air Force
The SAAF Ensign
ActiveAviation Corps founded: 1912
Became independent: 1920
CountrySouth Africa
Part ofSouth African National Defence Force
Motto(s)Per Aspera Ad Astra
Commanders
Chief of the Air ForceLt Gen Carlo Gagiano
Insignia
Roundel
Aircraft flown
AttackRooivalk
Electronic
warfare		Oryx stand off radar jammer, Oryx stand off communications jammer, ELINT C-47 Turbo Dakota
FighterJAS-39C/D Gripen
PatrolC-47 Turbo Dakota, Super Lynx 300
TrainerPC-7 MKII Astra, Hawk Mk 120
TransportC-47TP, C-130BZ Hercules, Oryx, Agusta A109, CASA 212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna Caravan

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. 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.

History

Replica Patterson No. 2 Biplane at the South African Air Force Museum

The origin of the South African Air Force can be traced back to 1912, when the Union Defence Force (UDF) was formed.[1] The first flying school in South Africa was started that year in Kimberley using a Compton-Paterson biplane.[2] 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.[1] Five of them eventually qualified.

When World War I broke out in August 1914, these pilots were granted permission to join the newly formed Royal Flying Corps (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 being the British Empire's fourth most successful ace with 54 victories.[3][4]

Inter-war period

SAAF roundel from 1927 until 1947.

On February 1, 1920 the South African Air Force was established with Col. Pierre van Ryneveld 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, 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 in 1939 caught the SAAF unprepared. This caused the establishment of the Joint Air Training Scheme (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-boats and Japanese submarines were active.
  • East Africa (1940-41): 2 Wing fought in British-led operations against Italian Somaliland and Italian-occupied Ethiopia.
  • North Africa (1941-43): 3 and 7 Wings fought as part of the Desert Air Force, in operations in Egypt, Libya and Tunis.
  • 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. (26 Squadron SAAF, Vickers Wellington XI's, Takoradi, Gold Coast, West Africa)
  • Sicily (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.
March/April 1942, Landing Ground 121, Egypt. Lieutenant Robin Pare (left), Major John "Jack" Frost (centre) and Captain Andrew Duncan (right) of 5 Squadron SAAF, part of the Desert Air Force. All three had been killed in action by the end of June. Frost, the squadron commander, was the highest scoring ace in an SAAF unit during World War II.
  • Yugoslavia (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 (1944-45): Some squadrons served with the Balkan Air Force in operations over Hungary, Romania and Albania.
  • Warsaw (1944): 2 Wing air-supplied Warsaw during Warsaw Uprising.
  • Greece (1944): 2 Wing supported British operations to liberate Greece and suppress the communist coup.

In particular, the SAAF played a major role in North Africa, where its fighter, bomber and reconnaissance squadrons enabled the Allied Desert Air Force to attain air superiority over the Axis 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 in the process, including John Frost, Sailor Malan, Gerald Stapleton and Marmaduke Pattle.

Berlin airlift

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

Korean War

In the Korean War, the famous 2 Squadron ("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 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.[5]

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, which was fought in northern South West Africa and surrounding states. At first, it provided limited air support to police operations against the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (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 campaign, and in the many cross-border operations that were carried out against PLAN bases in Angola and Zambia from 1977 onwards.

At least one maybe two MIG-21s of the Angolan Airforce where shot down by SAAF Mirage F1s.

It was also heavily involved in the 1987-88 Angola campaign, before the peace settlement that ended the conflict. Due to the international arms embargo imposed against the-then apartheid government of South Africa, the SAAF was unable to procure modern fighter aircraft to compete with the MiG-23s fielded by the Cubans in the latter part of this conflict.

1994 elections

SAAF flag incoporating the new 1994 national flag.

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 (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 (roughly US$1.1 billion at March 2008 exchange rates) was allocated for FY2008\2009.[6]

(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 as of 2007, 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.[7]

Current order of battle

Aircraft Inventory

Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service Notes
Fighter Aircraft
JAS 39 Gripen  Sweden multirole fighter C and D (single and twin seat) 9[8] 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 Cheetahs which were taken out of service in early April 2008.
Trainer Aircraft
British Aerospace Hawk  United Kingdom lead in fighter trainer Mk120 24 deliveries complete [when?]
Pilatus PC-7  Switzerland trainer PC-7 MKII 52 limited avionics upgrade under way.[when?]
Helicopters
Atlas Oryx  South Africa medium transport helicopter MKI and MKII 35 received mid-life upgrade to onboard communications and navigation systems.[when?] (the single MKII version is adapted for Antarctic conditions).
Denel Rooivalk  South Africa attack helicopter 11 1 lost to accident.[9]
MBB/Kawasaki BK 117  Germany
 Japan 		utility helicopter BK 117 6[10] being phased out; replaced by Agusta A109 LUH.[when?]
Agusta A109  Italy light utility helicopter A109LUH 29 1 lost to accident[citation needed]
Westland Super Lynx  United Kingdom naval helicopter MK300 4 operated from South African Navy Valour class frigates.
Transports
Lockheed C-130 Hercules  United States transport C-130BZ 9 upgraded with new avionics and glass cockpits.[when?]
Douglas C-47 Turbo Dakota  United States maritime patrol / transport /
electronic warfare 		C-47TP 10 5 maritime patrol, 3 transport, 2 electronic warfare.
Cessna 208  United States light utility / observation Caravan 12 fitted with Denel infrared observation system.[when?][citation needed]
Beechcraft Super King Air  United States transport King Air 200/King Air 300 4
Pilatus PC-12  Switzerland transport PC-12 1 mostly VIP transport.
Cessna Skywagon  United States light utility transport / observation 185A & 185E 10 withdrawal from service imminent.[when?]
CASA C-212 Aviocar  Spain transport 212-200 / 212-300 4
CASA CN-235  Spain transport CN-235 1
Boeing BBJ  United States presidential transport 1
Dassault Falcon 900  France VIP transport 1
Dassault Falcon 50  France VIP transport 2
Cessna 550 Citation  United States VIP transport 2

Air Force Bases [11]

Air Force Stations

Squadrons

Note: Squadron composition as seen below is incomplete.

Template:Standard table ! 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 |AFB Makhado |JAS 39 Gripen |C/D |Air-Defense |9 JAS-39 D |----- |15 Squadron SAAF |AFB Durban |Atlas Oryx, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 |Oryx Mk-I and Mk-II |Transport | |----- |15 Squadron - C Flight |AFS Port Elizabeth |BK 117 - converting to Agusta A109 LUH. | |Transport | |----- |16 Squadron SAAF |AFB Bloemspruit |Denel AH-2 Rooivalk | |Attack | |----- |17 Squadron SAAF |AFB Waterkloof |Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 LUH. | |Transport |4 A109 LUH |----- |19 Squadron SAAF |AFB Hoedspruit |Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 LUH | |Transport |5 A109 LUH |----- |21 Squadron SAAF |AFB Waterkloof |Boeing BBJ, Cessna Citation I, Dassault Falcon 50, Dassault Falcon 900 | |VIP Transport | |----- |22 Squadron SAAF |AFB Ysterplaat |Atlas Oryx, Westland Super Lynx 300 | |Transport | |----- |28 Squadron SAAF |AFB Waterkloof |Lockheed C-130 Hercules |C-130B/BZ/F models |Medium Transport | |----- |35 Squadron |AFB Ysterplaat |C-47 Skytrain |C-47TP version |Maritime patrol/Transport | |----- |41 Squadron SAAF |AFB Waterkloof |Cessna 208, Pilatus PC-12, Beechcraft 200C King Air | |Light Transport | |----- |44 Squadron SAAF |AFB Waterkloof |CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna 185 | |Light Transport | |----- |60 Squadron SAAF |AFB Waterkloof |no operational aircraft at this time. According to current plans, the unit will re-equip with Airbus A400Ms in 2011 | |Transport/Aerial refueling/EW/ELINT | |----- |80 Air Navigation School |AFB Ysterplaat | | |Navigation training | |----- |85 Combat Flying School |AFB Makhado |BAe Hawk LIFT |Mk-120 |Jet-flight training/Combat Operation | |----- |87 Helicopter Flying School |AFB Bloemspruit |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 |Robinson R-22, Eurocopter EC-120 (civilian aircraft) | | | |----- |Central Flying School |AFB Langebaanweg |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 | |----- |97 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 (Long Range 3D Mobile Radar) | |----- |141 Squadron |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing | | |Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Tactical 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

SAAB JAS 39 Gripen of the SAAF in Cape Town

The SAAF is planning to transition to a tactical air force, fully deployable internationally. This will have to happen within the constraints of a very limited budget.

  • 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. Cancellation announced on 5 November 2009.[12]
  • 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 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 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. Option for two more.
  • 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).
  • 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: 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: "Pavement management system" (runway upgrades, six sub-projects).
  • Not known: Reported military space satellite programme.

Aircraft fleet

Main article: List of aircraft of the South African Air Force

South African Air Force Memorial

South African Air Force Memorial
South Africa
The SAAF Memorial at Swartkop, Tshwane
For All South African Air Force casualties
Joint Air Training Scheme casualties
South African casualties of the Korean War
Unveiled1963
Location25°47′57.9″S 28°10′9.7″E / 25.799417°S 28.169361°E / -25.799417; 28.169361
near 
Centurion, Gauteng
Statistics source: [13]

The South African Air Force Memorial is located at Swartkop outside Pretoria. It contains an honour roll of SAAF personnel who have been killed on duty.

In addition to the main memorial site, there are also a number of smaller memorials.

  • A memorial to the 389 Royal Air Force pilots who have died in South Africa during the Joint Air Training Scheme between 1939 and 1945
  • An olive tree planted by the South African Korean War veterans in memory of the comrades they lost during that conflict.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "South African Aviation Corps". South African Air Force Association. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
  2. ^ Tidy, Major D.P. "They Mounted up as Eagles (A brief tribute to the South African Air Force)". 5 (6). The South African Military History Society. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help); line feed character in |publisher= at position 18 (help)
  3. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/by_score.php
  4. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/safrica/index.php?pageNum_names=3&totalRows_names=46
  5. ^ "South Africa in the Korean War". Department of Defense.
  6. ^ "National Budget - Vote 19 - Defence" (PDF). South African National Treasury. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
  7. ^ "SAAF has just 20 fighter pilots". News24. 2008-08-02. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  8. ^ [1]
  9. ^ http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/731/saaf-rooivalk-fleet-nearing-operational-status
  10. ^ Die Burger Oos-Kaap
  11. ^ "Air Force Bases and Unit". South African Air Force. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
  12. ^ http://www.fin24.com/articles/default/display_article.aspx?ArticleId=1518-25_2560151
  13. ^ "SAAFA History". South African Air Force Association. Retrieved 2009-06-14.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to South African Air Force.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=South_African_Air_Force&oldid=327570967"