View source for South African Air Force

{{Short description|Branch of the South African National Defence Force}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use South African English|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = South African Air Force
| native_name = {{langx|af|Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag}}
| image = South African Air Force emblem.svg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Emblem of the South African Air Force
| start_date = {{start date and age|1920|02|01|df=yes}}
| country = {{flag|South Africa}}
| allegiance = 
| branch = 
| type = [[Air force]]
| role = [[Aerial warfare]]
| size = 12,815 active personnel <br /> 1000 reserve personnel <br /> 275 aircraft <small>(see [[List of aircraft of the South African Air Force]])</small>
| command_structure = [[South African National Defence Force]]
| garrison = [[Pretoria]]
| garrison_label = 
| nickname = 
| patron = 
| motto = {{langx|la|[[Per aspera ad astra]]}} <br /> "Through adversity to the stars"<ref>{{cite web|title=South African Air Force|url=http://www.af.mil.za/corporate/corporate.html|work=Corporate Identity|access-date=7 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607212745/http://www.af.mil.za/corporate/corporate.html|archive-date=7 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| colours = 
| colours_label = 
| march = 
| mascot = 
| anniversaries = 
| equipment = 
| equipment_label = 
| battles = {{Tree list}}
* [[World War I]]
* [[World War II]]
**[[East African campaign (World War II)|East African Campaign]]
**[[North African campaign|North African Campaign]]
**[[Battle of Madagascar]]
**[[Italian campaign (World War II)|Italian Campaign]]
**[[Balkans campaign (World War II)|Balkan Campaign]]
* [[Greek Civil War]]
* [[Korean War]]
* [[South African Border War]]
* [[Angolan Civil War|Angolan Bush War]]
{{Tree list/end}}
| decorations = 
| battle_honours = 
| battle_honours_label = 
| flying_hours = 
| website = {{URL|http://www.af.mil.za/|af.mil.za}}
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1 = [[President of South Africa|President]] [[Cyril Ramaphosa]]
| commander1_label = [[Commander-in-chief#South Africa|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2 = Lieutenant general [[Wiseman Mbambo|Wiseman S Mbambo]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/government-affairs/curriculum-vitae-of-lieutenant-general-wiseman-s-mbambo-chief-of-the-south-african-air-force/|title=Curriculum Vitae of Lieutenant General Wiseman S Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force|date=4 June 2021}}</ref>
| commander2_label = [[List of South African military chiefs#Chief of the Air Force|Chief of the Air Force]]
| commander3 = Colin Stanton-Jones
| commander3_label = [[Sergeant Major of the Air Force]]
| notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = [[File:Roundel of South Africa.svg|80px]] [[File:Roundel of South Africa – Low Visibility.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_label = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Flag of South Africa.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Fin flash]]
| identification_symbol_3 = [[File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa.svg|165px]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = [[Royal Air Force Ensign#Related ensigns|Ensign]]
<!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack = [[BAE Hawk]], [[Milkor 380]]
| aircraft_bomber = 
| aircraft_electronic = [[Atlas Oryx|Oryx EW]], [[C-47 Skytrain|C-47TP ELINT]], [[Cessna Caravan]]
| aircraft_fighter = [[JAS 39 Gripen]]
| aircraft_helicopter = 
| aircraft_helicopter_attack = [[Denel Rooivalk|Rooivalk]]
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = [[Atlas Oryx]], [[Westland Lynx|Lynx 300]]
| aircraft_helicopter_observation = 
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer = [[Agusta A109]]
| aircraft_helicopter_utility = [[Agusta A109]], [[MBB/Kawasaki BK 117|BK 117]]
| aircraft_interceptor = 
| aircraft_patrol = [[C-47 Skytrain|C-47TP]]
| aircraft_recon = [[Cessna Caravan]], [[Milkor 380]]
| aircraft_trainer = [[Pilatus PC-7]], [[BAE Hawk]]
| aircraft_transport = [[C-130]], [[CASA C.212]], [[Cessna Caravan]]
| aircraft_tanker = 
| aircraft_general = 
}}

The '''South African Air Force''' ('''SAAF''') is the [[air warfare]] branch of [[South African National Defence Force]], with its headquarters in [[Pretoria]]. The South African Air Force was established on 1 February 1920. The Air Force saw service in [[World War II]] and the [[Korean War]]. From 1966, the SAAF was involved in providing infantry support in the low-intensity [[South African Border War|Border War]] in [[Angola]], [[South-West Africa]] and [[Rhodesia]]. As the war progressed, the intensity of air operations increased, until in the late 1980s when the SAAF were compelled to fly fighter missions against Angolan aircraft in order to maintain tactical air superiority. On conclusion of the Border War in 1990, aircraft numbers were severely reduced due to economic pressures as well as the cessation of hostilities with neighbouring states.

==History==
{{Main|History of the South African Air Force}}

=== First World War ===
After a visit to observe the 1912 military manoeuvres in Europe, Brig. Gen. [[Christian Frederick Beyers|C.F. Beyers]] (who was then Commandant-General of the Defence Force) gave an extremely positive report on the future use of aircraft for military purposes to [[Jan Smuts|General Smuts]]. Smuts initiated an arrangement with private fliers in the Cape and established a flying school<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://saafmuseum.org.za/about/the-history-of-the-sa-air-force/ |title=The History of the South African Air Force &#124; South African Aviation Foundation Museum |access-date=28 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128144355/http://saafmuseum.org.za/about/the-history-of-the-sa-air-force/ |archive-date=28 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> at Alexandersfontein{{efn|Alexandersfontein is at {{coord|-28.8101|24.802|display=inline|name=Alexandersdfontein|type:landmark_region:ZA}}}} near Kimberley, known as the Paterson Aviation Syndicate School, to train pilots for the proposed South African Aviation Corps.<ref name="Becker9">{{cite book | last = Becker | first = Dave | title = On Wings of Eagles: South Africa's Military Aviation History | place = Durban | publisher = Walker-Ramus Trading Co.| year = 1991 |edition= 1st| isbn = 0-947478-47-7| page = 9}}</ref> Flying training commenced in 1913 with students who excelled on the course being sent to the [[Central Flying School]] at [[RAF Upavon|Upavon]] in [[Great Britain]] for further training. The first South African military pilot qualified on 2 June 1914.<ref name="SAMHS1">{{cite web | url=http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol123jm.html | title=Military History Journal Vol 12 No 3 – June 2002 | work=The South African Aviation Corps (SAAC) | publisher=South African Military History Society | access-date=25 February 2012 | author=Mahncke, J.E. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219001759/http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol123jm.html | archive-date=19 December 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref>

On the outbreak of the [[First World War]], the Union Defence Force had realised the urgent need for air support which brought about the establishment of the South African Aviation Corps (SAAC) on 29 January 1915.<ref name="SAMHS1" /> Aircraft were purchased from France ([[Farman HF.20|Henri Farman F-27]]) while the building of an airfield at [[Walvis Bay]] commenced in earnest in order to support operations against German forces in [[German South West Africa]].<ref name="Lange269">{{cite book | title=Urgent Imperial Service: South African Forces in German South West Africa: 1914–1919 | publisher=Ashanti | author=L'Ange, Gerald | year=1991 | location=Rivonai | page=269 | isbn=1-874800-22-7}}</ref> By June 1915 the SAAC was deployed to its first operational airfield at Karibib in German South West Africa in support of Gen. Botha's South African ground forces. The SAAC flew reconnaissance and leaflet dropping missions from [[Karibib]] and later from [[Omaruru, Namibia|Omaruru]], where improvised bombing missions were added when pilots started dropping hand grenades and rudimentary bombs by hand.<ref name="L'Ange273">L'Ange (1991), p. 273.</ref> On 9 July 1915, the German forces capitulated and most of the pilots and aircraft of the SAAC were sent to Britain in support of the Imperial war effort.

Although the SAAC remained active, its activities were limited to ground training at the Cape Town Drill Hall, while the pilots who had been detached to the [[Royal Flying Corps]] (RFC) were grouped to form [[No. 26 Squadron RAF|No. 26 Squadron RFC]] and later becoming an independent squadron on 8 October 1915. No. 26 Squadron was equipped with Henri Farman F-27's and [[Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2|B.E.2c]]'s and was shipped to Kenya in support of the war effort in [[German East Africa]], landing in Mombasa on 31 January 1916.<ref name="Becker15">Becker (1991), p. 15.</ref> The squadron flew reconnaissance and observer missions throughout the campaign until February 1918<ref name="Becker17">Becker (1991), p. 17.</ref> when the squadron returned to the UK via Cape Town and arrived at Blandford Camp on 8 July 1918 and was disbanded the same day.<ref name="RAFWeb">{{cite web | url=http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn026-30.htm | title=Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation | work=No 26 Squadron History | access-date=25 February 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318040734/http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn026-30.htm | archive-date=18 March 2012}}</ref> While the SAAC were engaged in German South West Africa and 26 Sqdn RFC in East Africa, many South Africans traveled to the United Kingdom to enlist with the Royal Flying Corps.<ref name=autogenerated1>Becker (1991), p. 19.</ref> The number of South Africans in the RFC eventually reached approximately 3,000 men and suffered 260 active-duty fatalities over the [[Western Front (World War I)|Somme]] during the war. Forty-six pilots became [[Flying ace|fighter ace]]s.<ref name="ShoresAbove">{{cite book | title=Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920 | publisher=Grub Street | author=Shores, Christopher F. | year=1990 | isbn=0-948817-19-4|page=174}}</ref><ref name="AboveWarFronts">{{cite book | title=Above the War Fronts: The British Two-seater Bomber Pilot and Observer Aces, the British Two-seater Fighter Observer Aces, and the Belgian, Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Fighter Aces, 1914–1918 | publisher=Grub Street | author=Franks, Norman L R | author-link=Norman Franks | year=1997 | isbn=9781898697565|page=85}}</ref>

===Founding and the inter-war period===
[[File:Airco D.H.9.jpg|right|thumb|[[Airco DH.9|de Havilland/Airco DH.9]]: 49 of these aircraft were donated to South Africa as part of the Imperial Gift]]
On conclusion of the First World War, the British Government donated surplus aircraft plus spares and sufficient equipment to provide the nucleus of a fledgling air force to each of its [[Dominion#Dominions|Dominions]]. As part of this donation, which was to become known as the [[Imperial Gift]],<ref name="Becker25">Becker (1991), p. 25.</ref> South Africa received a total of 113 aircraft from both the British Government (100 aircraft) as well as from other sources (13 aircraft).<ref name="Becker25" />{{efn|30x [[Avro 504]]K's; 22x [[Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5]]a's; 49x [[Airco DH.9|De Havilland DH.9]]'s (one of which was donated by the City of Birmingham); 10x [[Airco DH.9|De Havilland DH.4]]'s (donated by the [[Royal Over-Seas League|Overseas Club of London]]); 2x [[Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2]]e's (donated by Maj. Miller Tour)<ref name="Becker25"/>}}

On 1 February 1920 Colonel [[Pierre van Ryneveld]] was appointed as the Director Air Service with the task of forming an air force, the date is used to mark the founding of the South African Air Force. In December 1920 the South African National insignia was added to aircraft for the first time. An Orange, Green, Red and Blue [[roundel]] was added to an [[Avro 504|Avro 504K]] for trial purposes but the colours were found to be unsuitable and were replaced with a Green, Red, Lemon, Yellow and Blue roundel in December 1921. These colours remained until 1927 when they were replaced with the Orange, White and Blue roundels.<ref name="Becker29">Becker (1991), p. 29.</ref>

The first operational deployment of the newly formed Air Force was to quell internal dissent, when in 1922 a [[Rand Rebellion|miner's strike]] on the Johannesburg gold mines turned violent and led to the declaration of martial law. 1 Squadron was called to fly reconnaissance missions and to bombard the strikers' positions. Sorties in support of the police amounted to 127 flight hours between 10 and 15 March and this inauspicious start for the SAAF led to two pilot losses, two wounded and two aircraft lost to ground fire.<ref name=SAAF>{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil.za/about_us/history.html|title=History of the South African Air Force|access-date=2 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505065106/http://www.af.mil.za/about_us/history.html|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The SAAF was again deployed to suppress the [[Bondelswarts affair|Bondelzwart Rebellion]] at [[Kalkfontein]] between 29 May and 3 July 1922.<ref name="Becker33">Becker (1991), p. 33.</ref>

===Second World War===
[[File:Camm hart 500.jpg|thumb|A [[Hawker Hart]], one of the earliest bombers for South Africa]] At the outbreak of the [[Second World War]], South Africa had no naval vessels and the UDF's first priority was to ensure the safety of the South African coastal waters as well as the strategically important Cape sea-route. For maritime patrol operations, the SAAF took over all 29 passenger aircraft of [[South African Airways]]: 18 [[Junkers Ju 86|Junkers Ju 86Z-l]]s for maritime patrols and eleven [[Junkers Ju 52]]s for transport purposes.<ref name="SAMHSWWIIEarly_Years">{{cite web | url=http://www.samilitaryhistory.org/vol115aw.html | title=South African Military History Journal: Vol. 11 No. 5 | work=The first two years of war: The development of the Union Defence Forces (UDF) September 1939 to September 1941 | publisher=The South African Military History Society | date=June 2000 | access-date=7 March 2012 | author=Wessels, Andre | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217011947/http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol115aw.html | archive-date=17 February 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref> SAAF maritime patrols commenced on 21 September 1939 with [[16 Squadron SAAF|16 Squadron]] flying three JU-86Z's from Walvis Bay.<ref name="SAAFcoZa16Sqn">{{cite web | url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/99/16-squadron | title=The South African Air Force (Unofficial) | work=16 Squadron | publisher=SAAF.co.za | access-date=7 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501092158/http://saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/99/16-squadron | archive-date=1 May 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref> had been established, eventually consisting of [[6 Squadron SAAF|6]], [[10 Squadron SAAF|10]], [[22 Squadron SAAF|22]], [[23 Squadron SAAF|23]], [[25 Squadron SAAF|25]], [[27 Squadron SAAF|27]] and [[29 Squadron SAAF|29 Squadron]]s.<ref>Martin, H.J. (Lt-Gen); Orpen, N.D. (1979). ''South Africa at War: Military and Industrial Organisation and Operations in connection with the conduct of War: 1939–1945'' (South African Forces World War II: Volume VII). Cape Town: Purnell. p. 275. {{ISBN|0-86843-025-0}}.</ref>

By the end of the Second World War in August 1945, SAAF aircraft (in conjunction with British and Dutch aircraft stationed in South Africa) had intercepted 17 enemy ships, assisted in the rescue of 437 survivors of sunken ships, attacked 26 of the 36 enemy submarines that operated around the South African coast, and flown 15,000 coastal patrol sorties.<ref name="SAMHSWWIIEarly_Years"/>

====East Africa====
In December 1939, [[Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta|The Duke of Aosta]] had sent a report to [[Mussolini]] recording the state of chronic unpreparedness of the Allied Forces in [[East Africa]]. The collapse of [[France]] in 1940 had prompted Mussolini to join the war on the side of the Axis and as a result, air force elements were moved to forward positions in occupied Ethiopia to mount air attacks on Allied forces before they could be re-inforced.<ref name="Becker67">Becker (1991), p. 67.</ref> These deployments prompted Allied action and on 13 May 1940, [[1 Squadron SAAF|1 Squadron]] pilots were sent to [[Cairo]] to take delivery of 18 [[Gloster Gladiator]]s and to fly them south to Kenya, for operations in [[East African Campaign (World War II)|East Africa]]. [[11 Squadron SAAF|11 Squadron]], equipped with [[Hawker Hart]]ebeests, followed to [[Nairobi]] on 19 May 1940 and were joined by the [[Junkers Ju 86]]s of [[12 Squadron SAAF|12 Squadron]] on 22 May 1940.<ref name="Becker67"/>

The [[Kingdom of Italy]] declared war on 10 June 1940 and on the following day, the Ju 86s of 12 Squadron led the first air attack by the SAAF in the Second World War.<ref name="Becker67"/> During the campaign, numerous SAAF aircraft were involved in air combat with the Italian ''[[Regia Aeronautica]]'' and provided air support to South African and Allied forces in the ground war. By December 1940, ten SAAF squadrons plus 34 Flight, with a total of 94 aircraft, were operational in East Africa (1 Squadron, [[2 Squadron SAAF|2 Squadron]], [[3 Squadron SAAF|3 Squadron]], 11 Squadron, [[12 Squadron SAAF|12 Squadron]], [[14 Squadron SAAF|14 Squadron]], [[40 Squadron SAAF|40 Squadron]], [[41 Squadron SAAF|41 Squadron]], [[50 Squadron SAAF|50 Squadron]] and [[60 Squadron SAAF|60 Squadron]]).<ref name="Becker71">Becker (1991), p. 71.</ref> During this campaign, the SAAF formed a Close Support Flight of four Gladiators and four Hartebeests, with an autonomous air force commander operating with the land forces. This was the precursor of the [[Desert Air Force]]/Tactical Air Force "cab-rank" technique which were used extensively for close air support during 1943–1945.<ref>{{cite book|last=Terraine|first=John|title=A Time for Courage: The Royal Air Force in the European War, 1939–1945|year=1985|publisher=Macmillan|location=New York|isbn=0-02-616970-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/timeforcourage00terr/page/325 325]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/timeforcourage00terr/page/325}}</ref> The last air combat took place on 29 October and the Italian forces surrendered on 27 November 1941. A reduced SAAF presence was maintained in East Africa for coastal patrols until May 1943.<ref>Becker (1991), p. 75.</ref>

====Western Desert and North Africa====
[[File:Royal Air Force Operations in the Middle East and North Africa, 1939-1943 CM2505.jpg|thumb| Lt. Robin Pare (left), squadron commander Major [[John Frost (pilot)|John "Jack" Frost]] (centre), who was the highest scoring [[flying ace|ace]] in the SAAF during the [[Second World War]], and Capt. Andrew Duncan (right) of [[5 Squadron SAAF]] March/April 1942]]
SAAF fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance squadrons played a key role in the Western Desert and North African campaigns from 1941 to 1943.<ref name="SAAF" /> One memorable feat was the [[Douglas A-20 Havoc|Boston]] bombers of 12 and 24 Squadrons dropping hundreds of tons of bombs on [[Axis Powers|Axis]] forces pushing the [[Eighth Army (United Kingdom)|Eighth Army]] back towards Egypt during the [[Battle of Gazala|"Gazala Gallop"]] in mid-1942.<ref name="SAAF" /> SAAF bombers continually harassed retreating forces towards the Tunisian border after the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]]; the South African fighters of No. 223 Wing RAF helped the [[Desert Air Force]] gain air superiority over Axis air forces.<ref name="SAAF" /> Between April 1941 and May 1943, the eleven SAAF squadrons{{efn|SAAF elements in the Western Desert Air Force as at 26 May 1942: (A.) Assigned to air HQ: (A.1.) [[15 Squadron SAAF|15 Sqn]]: Fighter/Recon (Amiriya with one detachment at Kufra), Blenheim IVF. (A.2.) [[40 Squadron SAAF|40 Sqn]]: Recon (El Adem), Hurricane I / Tomahawk. (A.3.) [[60 Squadron SAAF|60 Sqn]]: Recon (Sidi Barrani) Marylands. (B.) [[No. 3 Wing SAAF]] (Baheira): (B.1.) [[12 Squadron SAAF|12 Sqn]]: Light Bomber (Baheira), Boston III's; (B.2.) [[24 Squadron SAAF|24 Sqn]]: Light Bomber (Baheira), Baltimore I; (B.3.) [[No. 223 Squadron RAF|No. 223 RAF]] Light Bomber (Baheira) Baltimore I. (C.) No. 223 Wing RAF (Gambut). (C.1.) [[4 Squadron SAAF|4 Sqn]]: Fighter (Gambut), Tomahawks. (C.2.) [[5 Squadron SAAF|5 Sqn]]: Fighter (Gambut), Tomahawks. (C.3.) [[2 Squadron SAAF|2 Sqn]]: Fighter (Gambut), Kittyhawk I.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/CGSC/CARL/nafziger/942BEMA.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=10 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055957/http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/CGSC/CARL/nafziger/942BEMA.pdf |archive-date=21 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>}} flew 33,991 sorties and destroyed 342 enemy aircraft.<ref name="SAAF" />

[[File:Supermarine Spitfire pilots of No. 40 Squadron, South African Air Force, at Gabes in Tunisia, April 1943. TR1033.jpg|thumb|left|Supermarine Spitfire pilots of 40 Squadron, South African Air Force, at Gabes in Tunisia, April 1943]]
Conditions were however not ideal and pilots and crew were required to operate under critical conditions at times. Pilots were frequently sent home to the Union after gaining experience and did not return for many months, after which conditions in the desert had changed significantly and they were required to regain experience on different aircraft, different tactics and operations from different bases. There were cases where experienced fighter pilots were sent back to the Western Desert as bomber pilots for their second tour – compounding the lack of continuity and experience.<ref name=Shores240>{{cite book|last=Shores|first=Christopher|title=Fighters over the Desert: The Air Battles in the Western Desert: June 1940 to December 1942|publisher=Arco|location=New York|year=1969|id=sbm: 668-02070-9|author2=Ring, Hans|page=219}}</ref> The South Africans did however command the respect of their German adversaries.<ref>Shores (1969), p. 233.</ref>

The South Africans had the distinction of dropping the first and last bombs in the African conflict – the first being on 11 June 1940 on Moyale in Ethiopia and the last being on the Italian 1st Army in Tunisia.<ref>{{cite book | title=Eagles Strike: The Campaigns of the South African Air Force in Egypt, Cyrenaica, Libya, Tunisia, Tripolitania and Madagascar: 1941 – 1943 | publisher=Purnell | author=Brown, James Ambrose | year=1974 | location=Cape Town | page=382}}</ref> The SAAF also produced a number of [[List of World War II aces from South Africa|SAAF Second World War air aces]] in the process, including [[John Frost (pilot)|John Frost]] and [[Marmaduke Pattle]].<ref name="SAMHS_Aces">{{cite web | url=http://www.samilitaryhistory.org/vol012dt.html | title=South African Military History Journal Vol. 1 No. 2 | work=South African Air Aces of World War II | publisher=South African Military History Society | date=June 1968 | access-date=10 March 2012 | author=Tidy, D. P. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511112452/http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol012dt.html | archive-date=11 May 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref>

====Madagascar====
In fear of Japanese occupation and subsequent operations in the Indian Ocean in close proximity to South African sea lanes, [[Field Marshal (United Kingdom)|Field Marshal]] Smuts encouraged the preemptive Allied occupation of the island of [[Madagascar]].<ref name="Turner132">{{cite book|last=Turner|first=Leonard Charles Frederick|title=War in the Southern Oceans: 1939–1945|year=1961|publisher=Oxford University Press, Cape Town|author2=Gordon-Cummings, H.R. |author3=Betzler, J.E. |editor=Turner L.C.F.| page=132| oclc=42990496}}</ref> After much debate and further encouragement by [[General de Gaulle]] (who was urging for a [[Free French]] operation against Madagascar), Churchill and the Chiefs of Staff agreed to an invasion by means of a strong fleet and adequate air support.<ref>{{cite book|last=Churchill|first=Winston |title=The Hinge of Fate|url=https://archive.org/details/hingeoffate00chur|url-access=registration|year=1950|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston |page=[https://archive.org/details/hingeoffate00chur/page/223 223] |oclc=396148}}</ref> In March and April 1942, the SAAF had been conducting reconnaissance flights over Diego-Suarez and 32, 36 and 37 Coastal Flights{{efn|These three Maritime Reconnaissance Flights were later combined to form [[16 Squadron SAAF|16 Squadron]]: 32 Flight consisting of 5 Glenn Martin Maryland Bombers (Maj D Meaker, Officer Commanding); 36 Flight with 6 Bristol Beaufort Bombers (Maj J Clayton, Officer Commanding); 37 Flight with 1 Maryland and 5 Beauforts (Maj K Jones, Officer Commanding)<ref name="SAMHS_Madagascar">{{cite web | url=http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol092jc.html | title=South African Military History Journal Vol. 9 No. 2 | work=The South African Air Force in the Madagascar Campaign, 1942 | publisher=South African Military History Society | date=December 1992 | access-date=11 March 2012 | author=Clayton, J.A. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124125529/http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol092jc.html | archive-date=24 January 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref>}} were withdrawn from South African maritime patrol operations and sent to [[Lindi]] on the Indian Ocean coast of [[Tanzania]], with an additional eleven [[Bristol Beaufort]]s and six [[Martin Maryland]]s to provide ongoing reconnaissance and close air support for the planned operation – to be known as ''[[Operation Ironclad]]''.<ref>Turner (1961), p. 133.</ref>

During the amphibious / air assault carried out by the [[Royal Navy]] and Air Force on 5 May, the Vichy French Air Force consisting mainly of Morane fighters and Potez bombers had attacked the Allied fleet but had been neutralised by the [[Fleet Air Arm]] aircraft from the two aircraft carriers. Those remaining aircraft not destroyed were withdrawn by the French and flown south to other airfields on the island.<ref name="SAMHS_Madagascar"/> Once the main airfield at Arrachart aerodrome in [[Diego-Suarez]] had been secured (13 May 1942), the SAAF Air Component flew from Lindi to Arrachart. The air component consisted of thirty-four aircraft (6 Marylands, 11 Beaufort Bombers, 12 [[Lockheed Lodestar]]s and 6 [[Junkers Ju 52|Ju 52]]'s transports).<ref name="SAMHS_Madagascar"/> By September 1942, the South African ground forces committed to ''Ironclad'' had been party to the capturing the southern half of Madagascar as well as the small island of Nossi Be with the SAAF air component supporting these operations. During the campaign which ended with an armistice on 4 November 1942, SAAF aircraft flew a total of 401 sorties with one pilot killed in action, one killed in an accident and one succumbing to disease. Seven aircraft were lost, only one as a result of enemy action.<ref name="SAMILHist_Madagascar2">{{cite web | url=http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol103aw.html | title=South African Military History Journal Vol. 10 No. 3 | work=South Africa and the War against Japan 1941–1945 | publisher=South African Military History Society | date=June 1996 | access-date=13 March 2012 | author=Wessels, Andre | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218235523/http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol103aw.html | archive-date=18 February 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Aircrew of No. 16 Squadron SAAF and No. 227 Squadron RAF sitting in front of a Bristol Beaufighter at Biferno, Italy, prior to taking off to attack a German headquarters building in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia, 14 August 1944. C5894.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Bristol Beaufighter]], in [[Italy]] August 1944.]]

====Sicilian and Italian campaigns====
By the end of May 1943, the SAAF had two Wings and sixteen squadrons in the Middle East and North Africa with 8,000 men. With the end of the North African campaign, the SAAF role underwent change – becoming more active in fighter bomber, bomber and PR operations as opposed to the fighter role performed in the desert.<ref name=Becker125>Becker (1991), p. 125.</ref>

Five SAAF squadrons were designated to support the July 1943 invasion of Sicily – [[1 Squadron SAAF|1 Squadron]] operated combat air patrols over the beaches for the ''[[Operation Husky]]'' landings<ref name="Becker125"/> while [[2 Squadron SAAF|2]],<ref name="gs-s2">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/sqn-2.htm|title=Squadron 2|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|access-date=2009-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830132012/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/sqn-2.htm|archive-date=30 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> [[4 Squadron SAAF|4]]<ref name="HoW4Sqn" >{{cite web| url=http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/SAAF/4_wwII.html| title=History of War| work=No. 4 Squadron (SAAF): Second World War| author=Rickard, J| access-date=14 September 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116034713/http://historyofwar.org/air/units/SAAF/4_wwII.html| archive-date=16 November 2012| url-status=live}}</ref> and [[5 Squadron SAAF|5]]<ref name=ipmsssa_5Sqn>{{cite web|last=Dyason|first=Anton|title=IMG (IPMS SA Media Group)|url=http://newsite.ipmssa.za.org/content/view/134/28/|work=5 Squadron|access-date=13 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402083404/http://newsite.ipmssa.za.org/content/view/134/28/|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Squadrons provided fighter bomber support during the Sicilian campaign. [[30 Squadron SAAF|30 Squadron]] (flying as [[No. 223 Squadron RAF]] during the campaign) provided light bomber support from Malta<ref name="RAF223Sqn">{{cite web | url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/223squadron.cfm | title=Historic Squadrons | work=223 Squadron | publisher=Royal Air Force | access-date=2 February 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818134132/https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/223squadron.cfm | archive-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> and [[60 Squadron SAAF|60 Squadron]] was responsible for photo reconnaissance flights in support of all Allied forces on the island.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/12/60-squadron | title=The Airforce Squadrons | work=60 Squadron | publisher=South African Air Force (Unofficial) | access-date=13 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315054815/http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/12/60-squadron | archive-date=15 March 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref> After successfully invading the island, a further three squadrons were moved to Sicily and the eight squadrons on the island were tasked with supporting the invasion of Italy: 12 and 24 Squadrons were responsible for medium bomber missions to "soften up" the enemy prior to the invasion while 40 Sqn was responsible for tactical photo-reconnaissance. 1 Squadron provided fighter cover for the 3 September 1943 landings while 2 and 4 Squadrons were responsible for bomber escort.<ref name=Becker125 />

[[File:Royal Air Force- Italy, the Balkans and South-east Europe, 1942-1945. CNA2103.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Supermarine Spitfire Mark VCs of [[2 Squadron SAAF]] based at [[Palata, Italy|Palata]], [[Italy]]]]

The South African Air Force participated in the Allied campaigns in the following theaters:

*Italy (1943–45): [[No. 2 Wing SAAF|2]], [[No. 3 Wing SAAF|3]] [[No. 7 Wing SAAF|7]] and [[8 Wing saaf|8]] Wings fought in operations to liberate Italy from German occupation.
*[[Yugoslavia]] (1943–44): [[No. 7 Wing SAAF|7 Wing]] and [[8 Wing saaf|8 Wing]] supported partisan operations against German occupation forces.
*[[Balkans]] (1944–45): Some squadrons served with the [[Balkan Air Force]] in operations over Hungary, [[Romania]] and [[Albania]].
*[[Warsaw airlift|Warsaw]] (1944): [[No. 2 Wing SAAF|2 Wing]] air-supplied Warsaw during [[Warsaw Uprising]].
*Greece (1944): 2 Wing supported British operations to liberate Greece and suppress the [[Greek Civil War|communist coup]].

====Other theatres====
[[File:Зеница - 1944-09-06 - бомбардовање Жељезничког моста Пехаре од стране италијанског СААФ-а.jpg|thumb|left|232px|On 6 September 1944 16th SAAF Squadron bombed, among other places, [[Zenica]] bridge "Pehare", during Balkans campaign led from Italy]]
{{Flowlist|
*[[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)
*France (1944): A detachment took part in the Franco-American invasion of southern France.
*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, etc. (1944–45): [[16 Squadron SAAF|16th South African Air Force Squadron]], stationed in Italy, made dozens of air strikes against German forces and collaborators in then Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc. during 1944 and 1945. On 6 September 1944, the 16th Squadron bombed [[Zenica]], focusing on bridges.}}
{{Further|List of British Commonwealth Air Training Plan facilities in South Africa}}

====Mobile Air Force Depot====

The Mobile Air Force Depot (MAFD) was based in [[Pretoria]]. Its role during the [[Second World War]] was as a location where Air Crew could be stationed, on stand-by, prior to being posted to a more active squadron.

===Berlin airlift===
Post-war, the SAAF also took part in the [[Berlin airlift]] of 1948 with 20 aircrews flying [[Royal Air Force]] [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakotas]]. 4,133 tons of supplies were carried in 1,240 missions flown.<ref name=frd-4>{{cite book|title=South Africa: a country study|year=1997|publisher=Federal Research Division, [[Library of Congress]]|isbn=0-8444-0796-8|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/southafricacount00byrn/page/338|chapter=5 – National Security|page=[https://archive.org/details/southafricacount00byrn/page/338 338]|access-date=28 February 2012}}</ref>

===Korean War===
[[File:F-51Ds 2 Sqn SAAF Korea May 1951.jpeg|thumb|2 Squadron F51 Mustangs in Korea]]
At the outbreak of the [[Korean War]], the [[United Nations Security Council]] passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of North Korean forces in [[First Republic of Korea|South Korea]]. A request was also made to all UN members for assistance. After a special Cabinet meeting on 20 July 1950 the Union Government announced that due to the long distance between South Africa and Korea, direct ground-based military participation in the conflict was impractical and unrealistic but that a SAAF fighter squadron would be made available to the UN effort. The 50 officers and 157 other ranks of 2 Sqn<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cieldegloire.com/sq_saaf_002.php|title=SQUADRON 2 - SAAF - Flying Cheetahs|last=Laurent|first=PARRA|website=cieldegloire.com|access-date=2017-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702071901/http://www.cieldegloire.com/sq_saaf_002.php|archive-date=2 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> SAAF sailed from Durban on 26 September 1950 – they had been selected from 1,426 members of the Permanent Force who had initially volunteered for service. This initial contingent was commanded by Cmdt [[Servaas Theron|S. van Breda Theron]] <small>DSO, DFC, AFC</small> and included many World War II SAAF veterans.<ref name=SAMILH_Korea /> The squadron was moved to [[Johnson Air Base]] near Tokyo on 25 September 1950 for conversion training on the [[North American P-51 Mustang|F-51D Mustangs]] supplied by the US Air Force.<ref name=SAAFCOZA />

On completion of conversion training, the squadron was deployed as one of the four USAF [[18th Wing|18th Fighter-Bomber Wing]] squadrons<ref name=SAAFCOZA /> and on 16 November 1950 an advance detachment consisting of 13 officers and 21 other ranks (including the Squadron Commander and his four Flight Commanders who made the crossing in their own F-51D Mustangs) left Japan for [[Pusan East (K-9) Air Base]] within the [[Battle of Pusan Perimeter|Pusan Perimeter]] in Korea to fly with the USAF pilots in order to familiarise themselves with the local operational conditions.<ref name=SAMILH_Korea>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=D.M.|title=Military History Journal – Vol 6 No 3 – June 1984|url=http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol063dm.html|work=The South African Air Force in Korea: An Assessment|publisher=The South African Military History Society|access-date=4 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511093345/http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol063dm.html|archive-date=11 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On the morning of 19 November 1950, Cmdt Theron and Capt G.B. Lipawsky took off with two USAF pilots to fly the first SAAF combat sorties of the Korean War from K-9 and [[Mirim Airport|K-24]] airfields at Pyongyang.<ref name=SAMILH_Korea />

[[File:C-47TP_Dakota,_a,_Waterkloof_Lugmagbasis.jpg#|thumb|right|SAAF C47 Turbo prop Dakota]]On 30 November the squadron was moved further south to [[Suwon Air Base|K-13]] airfield due to North Korean and Chinese advances. It was again moved even further south after the UN forces lost additional ground to the North Koreans to [[Jinhae Airport|K-10]] airfield situated on the coast close to the town of Chinhae. This was to be the squadron's permanent base for the duration of their first Korean deployment. During this period (while equipped with F-51D Mustangs) the squadron flew 10,373 sorties and lost 74 aircraft out of the total 95 allocated. Twelve pilots were killed in action, 30 missing and four wounded.<ref name=SAAFCOZA>{{cite web|title=SAAF.co.za (Unofficial SAAF Website)|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/history/saaf/korea|work=The Airforce: Korea|access-date=4 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501030338/http://saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/history/saaf/korea|archive-date=1 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 1953 the squadron returned to Japan for conversion to the USAF [[North American F-86 Sabre|F-86F]] Sabre fighter-bombers. The first Sabre mission was flown on 16 March 1953 from the [[Osan Air Base|K-55]] airfield in South Korea, being the first SAAF jet mission flown. 2 squadron was led by ace pilot, Major Jean de Wet from AFB Langebaanweg. The squadron was tasked with fighter sweeps along the Yalu and Chong-Chong rivers as well as close air support attack missions. The squadron flew 2,032 sorties in the Sabres losing four out of the 22 aircraft supplied.<ref name=SAAFCOZA />

[[File:SAAF - Harvard Aircraft-001.jpg|thumb|SAAF Harvard trainer]] The war ended on 27 July 1953, when the [[s:Korean Armistice Agreement|Korean Armistice Agreement]] was signed. During the first phase of the war, the main task of the squadron Mustangs was the interdiction of enemy supply routes which not only accounted for approximately 61.45% of SAAF combat sorties, but which reached an early peak from January to May 1951 (78% and 82%). A typical interdiction mission was an armed reconnaissance patrol usually undertaken by flights of two or four aircraft armed with two napalm bombs, 127&nbsp;mm rockets and 12.7&nbsp;mm machine guns.<ref name=SAMILH_Korea /> Later, after the introduction of the Sabres, the squadron was also called on to provide counter-air missions flying as fighter sweeps and interceptions against MiG-15's, but interdiction and close air support remained the primary mission.<ref name=SAMILH_Korea /> Losses were 34 SAAF pilots killed, eight taken prisoner (including the future Chief of the Air Force, General D Earp) with 74 Mustangs and 4 Sabres lost.<ref name=SAAFCOZA /> Pilots and men of the squadron received a total of 797 medals including 2 [[Silver Star]]s, the highest US military award given to foreigners, 3 [[Legion of Merit|Legions of Merit]], 55 [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]es and 40 [[Bronze Star Medal|Bronze Star]]s.<ref name=SAKorea>{{cite web|url=http://www.korean-war.com/soafrica.html|title=South Africa in the Korean War|publisher=Department of Defense|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101080222/http://www.korean-war.com/soafrica.html|archive-date=1 November 2006}}</ref> In recognition of their association with 2 Squadron, the OC of 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing issued a policy directive "that all retreat ceremonies shall be preceded by the introductory bars of the South African national anthem. All personnel will render the honour to this anthem as our own."<ref name=SAAFCOZA />

On conclusion of hostilities, the Sabres were returned to the USAF and the squadron returned to South Africa in October 1953. During this period, the Union Defence Forces were reorganised into individual services and 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.

===Rhodesian Bush War===
The SAAF loaned aircraft and flew occasional covert reconnaissance, transport and combat sorties in support of the [[Royal Rhodesian Air Force]] (RRAF; renamed in 1970 as the Rhodesian Air Force (RhAF)) and the rest of the [[Rhodesian Security Forces]] from 1966 onwards. Notable operations included [[Operation Uric]] and [[Operation Vanity]] in 1979.

===Border War===
[[File:SAAF Mirage F1CZ 1979 (6122300843).jpg|thumb|Mirage F1CZ, on tarmac in 1979]]
From 1966 to 1989, the SAAF was committed to the [[South African Border War|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. 
In July 1964, South Africa placed a development contract with [[Thomson-CSF]] for a mobile, all-weather, low-altitude SAM system after a South African order for the [[Bristol Bloodhound|Bloodhound]] SAM system was refused by the UK government.<ref name=Janes_Cactus>{{cite web|title=Jane's Information Group|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Strategic-Weapon-Systems/Crotale-Shahine-R440-R460-VT-1-France.html|work=Crotale/Shahine/R440, R460, VT-1 (France), Defensive weapons|access-date=16 August 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127121654/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Strategic-Weapon-Systems/Crotale-Shahine-R440-R460-VT-1-France.html|archive-date=27 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> This became the [[Crotale (missile)|Crotale]], or 'Cactus' in South African service. The South African government paid 85 per cent of the development costs of the system with the balance being paid for by France. The system was in service with [[120 Squadron SAAF]] from 1970 until the late 1980s without any successful combat shootdowns.<ref>IISS Military Balance 1997/98, p. 259, still lists 20 Crotale in service. May have been inaccurately retained in IISS listings long after the missile was retired.</ref>

The SAAF provided air support to the army during the 1975–76 [[Angola]] campaign, and in the many [[list of operations of the South African Border War|cross-border operations]] that were carried out against PLAN bases in Angola and [[Zambia]] from 1977 onwards.

During the bush war period, South Africa manufactured six air-deliverable tactical nuclear weapons of the "gun-type" design between 1978 and 1993. Each of the devices contained 55 kilograms of [[Enriched uranium|HEU]] with an estimated yield of 10–18 kilotons<ref>{{cite web|title=Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI)|url=http://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/south-africa-nuclear-disarmament/|work=Nuclear Disarmament South Africa|access-date=11 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206095108/http://www.nti.org/analysis/articles/south-africa-nuclear-disarmament/|archive-date=6 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> designed for delivery by [[Blackburn Buccaneer]] or [[English Electric Canberra]] aircraft. See [[History of the South African Air Force#Nuclear and ballistic weapons]].

At least two [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MIG-21s]] of the [[Angolan Air Force]] were shot down by [[3 Squadron SAAF]] [[Mirage F1]]s in 1981 and 1982.<ref>Lord, Dick (2000). Vlamgat: The Story of the Mirage F1 in the South African Air Force. Covos-Day. {{ISBN|0-620-24116-0}}.</ref>

From 1980 to 1984, the command structure was reorganised. Instead of units of the separate Strike Command, [[Transportation Command SAAF]], and [[Maritime Air Command SAAF]] often being based at the same base but responsible to different chains of command, regional commands were established. [[Main Threat Air Command]] (MTAC) was made responsible for the northern half of the country, and [[Southern Air Command SAAF]] and [[Western Air Command SAAF]] for those areas. MTAC was co-located with the Air Force Command Post at [[Pretoria]], with 20 subordinate squadrons (8 reserve). Southern Air Command at [[Silvermine Nature Reserve|Silvermine]] was allocated nine squadrons (three reserve), based at [[AFS Port Elizabeth]], [[Cape Town Airport]], and [[AFB Ysterplaat]], including 16 Squadron SAAF (Alouettes), 25 Squadron flying Dakotas from Ysterplaat, 27 Squadron SAAF (Piaggio 166), 35 Squadron SAAF ([[Avro Shackleton]]), and [[88 Maritime Training School]].<ref>'Life at 50 Feet,' [[Flight International]], 19 January 1985.</ref> Western Air Command at [[Windhoek]] relied on aircraft temporarily detached from MTAC and SAC. [[Airspace Control Command]], Training Command and Air Logistics Command remained largely unchanged.

[[File:Cheetah D fighter.jpg|thumb|SAAF Cheetah D fighter]]
The SAAF was also heavily involved in the 1987–88 Angola campaign, before the [[New York Accords]] that ended the conflict. The international [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 418|arms embargo]] imposed against the then-apartheid government of South Africa, meant that the SAAF was unable to procure modern [[fighter aircraft]] to compete with the sophisticated Soviet-supplied air defence network and [[Cuba]]n [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23]]s fielded in the latter part of this conflict. South Africa was able to secure the transfer of technology from Israel through the [[Israel–South Africa Agreement]], thereby allowing the Cheetah derivative of the [[IAI Kfir]] to be produced.

From 1990 with the perceived reduction in threat, SAAF operational strength began to be reduced.<ref>Drawn from SAAF official website.</ref> The first short term steps entailed the withdrawal of several obsolete aircraft types from service, such as the Canberra B(1)12, the [[Super Frelon]] and [[Westland Wasp]] helicopters, the Kudu light aircraft and the P-166s Albatross coastal patrol aircraft. Other initial measures included the downgrading of Air Force Base Port Elizabeth and the disbanding of [[12 Squadron SAAF|12]], [[16 Squadron SAAF|16]], [[24 Squadron SAAF|24]], [[25 Squadron SAAF|25]], and [[27 Squadron SAAF|27 Squadron]]s. Two Commando squadrons – [[103 Squadron SAAF]] at AFB Bloemspruit and [[114 Squadron SAAF]] at AFB Swartkop – were also disbanded.

====Air Defence Artillery Group====
[[File:Hilda Missile System-001.jpg|thumb|The [[Seacat (missile)|Hilda Missile System]] as it was used by the 250 Air Defence Artillery Group]]The 250 Air Defence Artillery Group, also known as the 250 Air Defence Unit (ADU), was a group of air defence squadrons that operated under the control of the South African Air Force tasked with airbase defence. The group consisted of [[120 Squadron SAAF|120]], 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129 and 130 Squadrons and had its own active Citizen Force component. These squadrons were equipped with the [[Sea Cat#Tigercat|Tigercat]] mobile surface-to-air missile system, The [[Crotale (missile)|Cactus]] surface-to-air missile system, the [[ZU-23-2]] 23mm Anti-Aircraft Gun and the [[Bofors 40 mm gun]].

[[120 Squadron SAAF|120 Squadron]] mainly operated the Cactus missile system operationally in platoons from 1973 until the late 1980s with each platoon consisting of one Acquisition and Co-ordination Unit (ACU) and two or three firing units, with a battery having two platoons.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wingrin|first=Dean|work=SAAF.co.za|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/70/cactus-crotale-sam|title=Cactus (Crotale) SAM|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502105848/http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/70/cactus-crotale-sam|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> 121 Squadron, 123 Squadron and later 129 Squadron mainly operated the Tigercat mobile surface-to-air missile system. In South African service it was given the name "Hilda". 123 Squadron was deployed for Operation Savannah in 1975 to provide air defence for [[Grootfontein Airport|Air Force Base Grootfontein]] in South-West Africa. 129 Squadron was deployed to Air Force Base [[Ondangwa]] for the remainder of the Border War to provide air defence for the logistics base and airfield there, as it was an important staging area for the South African Defence Force for their operations in neighbouring [[Angola]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wingrin|first=Dean|work=SAAF.co.za|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/88/hilda-tigercat-sam|title=Hilda (Tigercat) Sam|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501125623/http://saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/88/hilda-tigercat-sam|archive-date=1 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= Sateenkiittäjät |last= Simojoki |first= Väinö |year=1998 |publisher=The Finnish Missionary Society |location= Helsinki |isbn=951-624-247-2 |pages=46–47 }}</ref>

The Air Defence Artillery Group was disbanded in 1992 after the Cactus missile system was retired, with only remnants of 120 Squadron, operating the upgraded Cactus Container system, becoming a part of Air Command Control Unit at Snake Valley opposite Air Force Base Swartkop on the eastern side of the shared runway. 120 Squadron was finally disbanded in 2002 after these systems were retired.<ref>{{cite news|title=SAAF Museum – Cactus restoration|url=http://www.af.mil.za/news/2007/165.htm|access-date=2 May 2014|newspaper=af.mil.za|date=2007-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502104119/http://www.af.mil.za/news/2007/165.htm|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Major operations====
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%;"
|-
! colspan="5" style="background:#bed5ec;"| Click on show to view major SAAF operations of the Border War
|-
! colspan="5" style="background:#bed5ec;"| Major South African Air Force operations during the Border War: 1978–1988
|-
!style="background:#bed5ec;"| Date|| style="background:#bed5ec;"|Operation|| style="background:#bed5ec;"|Location / Country|| style="background:#bed5ec;"|Aircraft and Role || style="background:#bed5ec;"|Notes
|-
|May 1978||[[Operation Reindeer|Reindeer]]|| [[Cassinga]], Angola||Para-drop: 4x C-130, 5x C-160<br />Para extraction and support: 14x Puma, 6x Super Frelon<br />Strike: 6x Canberra, 4x Buccaneer<br />CAP: 4x IIICZ<br /> C³: 1x Cessna-185, 1x DC-4 (EW/ELINT)||Capt. A. Marais (Buccaneer pilot) awarded [[Honoris Crux Silver|HCS]] for action in support of ground forces.<ref name=Bagshaw>{{cite book|last=Bagshaw|first=Peter|title=Warriors of the Sky|year=1990|publisher=Ashanti|location=Johannesburg|isbn=978-1-874800-11-8|page=127}}</ref>
|-
|Jul 1979||''Rekstok II''|| Area ???||Aircraft??||Mirage III R2Z (#856) lost due to AAA, pilot ejected and was recovered to AFB Ondangwa.<ref>Lord (2008), p. 493.</ref>
|-
|1979||Vanity, Placid and Motel||Eastern Angola and Zambia||Light Bomber: Canberras from SAAF 12 Sqn with Rhodesian 5 Sqn Canberras||Operation Vanity: 25–26 Feb 1979 – bombing of ZIPRA camps in eastern Angola.<br />Operations Placid I and II: 21 – 24 Aug 1979: Bombing of ZIPRA camps in Zambia. <br />Operations Motel I and II: Aug 1979: Strikes on camps SW of Solwezi, Zambia.
|-
|Jun 1980||[[Operation Smokeshell|Smokeshell]]||Area???||Aircraft??||Impala Mk II (#1037) lost due to 23mm AAA fire. Pilot ejected and was recovered to HAA in Evale, Angola. Aircraft was recovered by Super Frelon and returned to service with same side number. Alouette III (#24) lost due to small arms fire. Pilot escaped, flight engineer killed.<ref>Lord (2008), p. 495.</ref>
|-
|Jun 1980||[[Operation Sceptic|Sceptic and Sceptic II]]|| Area??? ||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Dec 1980||Wishbone|| Area??? ||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Aug – Sep 1981||[[Operation Protea|Protea]]||[[Cunene province]], [[Angola]]||Strike and CAS: 12x F1AZ, 8x F1CZ, 7x IIICZ, 6x IIID2Z, 16x Impala, 5x Buccaneer, 5x Canberra<br />PR: 1x Canberra, 3x IIIRZ, 2x Impala<br />Fire Support / Tactical Transport: 19x Alouette III, 17x Puma, 2x Super Frelon, 8 x Kudu <br />Para-drop and Logistics: 7x Dakota, 3x C130/160<br />AFC and C³: 11x Bosbok<ref>{{cite book|title=From Fledgling to Eagle: The South African Air Force during the Border War|author=Lord, Dick|publisher=30° South|isbn=978-1-920143-30-5|location=Johannesburg|year=2008|pages=167–168}}</ref> ||Capt. R.C.M. Lewer <small>DFC, HCS</small> awarded [[Honoris Crux Silver|HCS]] for Impala night attack on enemy positions threatening SADF stopper group on evening preceding commencement of Operation Protea.<ref name="Bagshaw 1990, pp. 258">Bagshaw (1990), pp. 258.</ref> Alouette III (#48) lost to 14.4mm AAA. Crew killed.<ref>Lord (2008), p. 496.</ref>
|-
|Nov 1981||[[Operation Daisy|Daisy]]||Chitequeta, southern Angola||CAP and Strike: 20x F1<br />PR: 2x IIIRZ<br /> CAS: 15x Impala<br />Army Support: 9x Puma, 2x Frelon, 10x Alouette<br />Air Transport: 4x DC3, 6x C130/160, 1x DC4<br />AFC and C³: 9x Bosbok<ref>Lord (2008), p. 188.</ref> ||Results??
|-
|Mar 1982||[[Operation Super|Super]]||Kaokoveld, South West Africa and Angolan province of Namibe||Aircraft??||Air support to ground force operation to prevent SWAPO infiltration into South West Africa through the Kaokoveld from a location near the abandoned Portuguese town of Iona. Capt N. Ellis and F/Sgt S. Coetzee awarded [[Honoris Crux (1975)|HC]] for close air support to army forces.<ref name="Bagshaw 1990, pp. 258"/>
|-
|Mar 1982||''Rekstok III'' || Area ???||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Aug 1982||''Meebos''|| Area ???||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Oct 1982||Bravo|| Area ???||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|1983||''Maanskyn''|| Area ???||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Apr – Jun 1983||''Dolfyn''|| Area ???||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|May 1983||''Skerve'' ||Mozambique||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Aug 1983||''Karton''|| Area ???||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Nov 1983 – Jan 1984||''[[Operation Askari|Askari]]''||Cuvelai, Cunene province, Angola<ref>Lord (2003), p. 250.</ref>||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|1985||Second Congress|| Area ???||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Sep – Oct 1985||[[Operation Wallpaper|Wallpaper]] and Weldmesh|| Area ???||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
|Jun – Nov 1987||[[Operation Modular|Moduler]]||[[Cuito Cuanavale]], [[Angola]] ||Army Support: Alouette IIIs, Pumas<br />CAP and PR escort: F1CZs<br />CAS and Strike missions: F1AZ, Buccaneer<br />PR: IIR2Z<br />AFC: Bosbok, RPV<ref name=Lord396_401>Lord (2008), pp. 396–403.</ref> ||Operation to halt Angolan / Cuban advance on Mavinga. Pumas used for special forces insertion and extraction. 1x F1CZ damaged by MiG-23 AAM-8 missile; crash landed Rundu 27 Sep 87.<ref>Lord (2008), p. 405.</ref> SA-8 SAM system captured and flown back to S Afr by C160.<ref>Lord (2008), p. 416.</ref> 3x RPV<ref>{{cite book|last=Lord|first=Dick|title=From Tailhooker to Mudmover|year=2003|publisher=Corporal|location=Irene|isbn=0-620-30762-5|page=261}}</ref> and 1x Bosbok (#934) lost to SA-8 SAM Sep 87, pilot killed.<ref name="Lord 2008 p. 498">Lord (2008), p. 498.</ref>
|-
|Nov 1987 – Mar 1988||[[Operation Hooper|Hooper]]||[[Cuito Cuanavale]], [[Angola]]||Aircraft??||Mirage F1AZ (#245) lost to SA-13 SAM. Pilot killed.<ref name="Lord 2008 p. 498"/>
|-
|Mar – May 1988||[[Operation Packer|Packer]]||[[Cuito Cuanavale]], [[Angola]]||Aircraft??||Results??
|-
| colspan="5" style="background:#bed5ec; text-align:center;"| <small> '''Abbreviations''' • CAP: Combat air patrol • PR: Photo reconnaissance • CAS: Close air support • C³: Command, control and communications • AFC: Airborne artillery fire control • HAA: Helicopter administration area • AAA: Anti-aircraft artillery</small>
|}

During the bush war, the SAAF lost a total of 22 aircraft{{Efn|1x Mirage F1AZ, 1x Mirage III R2Z, 1x Canberra, 5x Impala Mk. II, 1x Bosbok, 1x Cessna-185, 4x Puma, 5x Alouette, 3x RPV.<ref name="Lord2008_499">Lord (2008), pp. 499–500.</ref>}} (1974–1989) to enemy action. A further 11 aircraft{{Efn|3x Impala, 1x Mirage F1AZ, 2x Puma, 1x Kudu, 3x Alouette, 1x Cessna-185.<ref name=Lord2008_499 />}} were lost in the operational area due to pilot error or malfunction.<ref name="Lord2008_499"/>

===Since 1994===
[[File:SilverFalcons5.jpg|thumb|[[Silver Falcons]] aerobatic team use Pilatus trainers]]After the [[South African general election, 1994|first South African multi-racial elections in 1994]], the SAAF became part of the [[South African National Defence Force]] (SANDF). The South African Air Force is currently considered to be the most effective air force in sub-Sahara Africa despite the loss of capability as a consequence of defence cuts after the end of the Border War.<ref name=Janes_SAAF>{{cite web|title=Sentinel Security Assessment – Southern Africa|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Sentinel-Security-Assessment-Southern-Africa/Air-force-South-Africa.html|work=Air Force: South Africa|publisher=Jane's Defence Review|access-date=9 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127061146/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Sentinel-Security-Assessment-Southern-Africa/Air-force-South-Africa.html|archive-date=27 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

These financial cuts have brought about a number of severe operational limitations, compounded by the loss of experienced air-crews. This has placed strain on the bringing new types of aircraft into service, specifically the Gripen, Hawk, Rooivalk, A 109 and Lynx. The cancellation of the SAAF participation and procurement of the A400M in November 2009 has denied the SAAF the strategic airlift capability needed for domestic, regional and continent-wide transport operations. There is no clear indication as yet regarding how the heavy/long-range airlift gap will be addressed.<ref name="Janes_SAAF"/>

Current air combat capabilities are limited to the Gripen multi-role fighter and the Rooivalk combat support helicopter although in insufficient number to allow regional deployments while maintaining national air security and current training commitments. To overcome this shortfall, the SAAF has designated the Hawk Mk 120 trainers for additional tactical reconnaissance and weapon delivery platforms for targets designated by the Gripens.<ref name="Janes_SAAF"/> Financial constraints have further limited flying hours on the newly acquired aircraft; it was planned to keep Gripen pilots current flying the lower cost Hawk aircraft with "Gripenised" cockpits.<ref name=News24_01>{{cite web|title=News 24|url=http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Gripen-wont-fly-required-hours-20110413|work=Gripen won't fly required hours|publisher=News24|access-date=9 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318211654/http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Gripen-wont-fly-required-hours-20110413|archive-date=18 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported in 2013 that the Gripen fleet wasn't fully manned with some pilots redesignated as reserve pilots and others being assigned instructor roles at [[Air Force Base Makhado]]. The SAAF stated that the Gripen fleet is being rotated between short-term storage and active use by the regular active pilots to spread the limited flying hours among the whole fleet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31821:saaf-says-gripens-being-rotated-not-stored&catid=55:SANDF&Itemid=108 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015140052/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31821:saaf-says-gripens-being-rotated-not-stored&catid=55:SANDF&Itemid=108 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-10-15 |title=SAAF says Gripens being rotated, not stored |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=2013-09-09 |access-date=2013-10-15 }}</ref> 
During this same period it was reported that 18 of the SAAF's [[AgustaWestland AW109]] helicopters have been grounded due to an accident involving one of the helicopters several months prior and a lack of funds for regular maintenance, however in November 2013 after five months of not flying, the grounding of the helicopters was lifted after more funds became available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32552:a109-luh-conversion-course-resumes&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107|title=A109 LUH conversion course resumes – defenceWeb|first=Dean|last=Wingrin|work=defenceweb.co.za|date=6 November 2013 |access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107092624/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32552:a109-luh-conversion-course-resumes&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
Despite all its setbacks and financial woes, the South African Air Force continues to undertake and complete the tasks and obligations assigned to it. The SAAF still plays a vital role in national security operations, [[United Nations]] peacekeeping missions, and other foreign deployments. {{As of|2014}} the Air force has several aircraft, aircrew and ground crew on foreign deployments. Three [[Rooivalk]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/denel-ah2-rooivalk/denel-ah2-rooivalk6.html|title=The South African Air Force has already allocated $137m for Rooivalk Attack Helicopter production. - Image - Airforce Technology|website=airforce-technology.com|access-date=2017-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128135443/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/denel-ah2-rooivalk/denel-ah2-rooivalk6.html|archive-date=28 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> attack helicopters from [[16 Squadron SAAF]] and five or six [[15 Squadron SAAF|15]], [[17 Squadron SAAF|17]], [[19 Squadron SAAF|19]] and/or [[22 Squadron SAAF]]'s [[Atlas Oryx|Oryx]] transport helicopters were stationed in [[Goma]] in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] as part of the [[United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (MONUSCO). The Rooivalk and Oryx Helicopters are part of the South African contribution to the 3000-strong [[United Nations Force Intervention Brigade]] (FIB) and they have flown several sorties against rebel factions who are operating in [[North Kivu]] province, particularly the notorious [[M23 (militia)|M23 militia]] group who were routed from their strongholds after an offensive by the UN Force Intervention Brigade and the [[Military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mg.co.za/article/2013-11-07-sa-revels-in-m23s-defeat-following-its-car-debacle|title=SA revels in M23's defeat following its CAR debacle|first=Mmanaledi|last=Mataboge|work=Mail & Guardian|date=7 November 2013 |access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107155434/http://mg.co.za/article/2013-11-07-sa-revels-in-m23s-defeat-following-its-car-debacle|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/specialreports/stinvestigations/2013/11/13/rooivalk-plays-key-role-in-routing-rebels|title=Rooivalk plays key role in routing rebels|first=Stephan|last=Hofstatter|work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg)|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107094318/http://www.timeslive.co.za/specialreports/stinvestigations/2013/11/13/rooivalk-plays-key-role-in-routing-rebels|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33948:south-african-expertise-and-equipment-again-adds-value-to-un-drc-operations&catid=56:diplomacy-a-peace|title=South African expertise and equipment again adds value to UN DRC operations – defenceWeb|first=Kim|last=Helfrich|work=defenceweb.co.za|date=12 March 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107092736/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33948:south-african-expertise-and-equipment-again-adds-value-to-un-drc-operations&catid=56:diplomacy-a-peace|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Security simulation at Swartkops Air Force Base.jpg|thumb|right|A pair of Hawk 120s conduct a security simulation over [[Air Force Base Swartkop|Swartkop]] in preparation for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]]]]
Several [[28 Squadron SAAF]] [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130BZ Hercules]] aircraft also regularly flew to [[Sudan]], DR Congo and [[Uganda]], including Lubumbashi, [[Kinshasa]], [[Goma]], Beni, Bunia and [[Entebbe]], as Entebbe is the logistic hub for MONUSCO in the eastern DR Congo. They mainly fly missions ranging from logistic support for SA National Defence Force continental peacekeeping and peace support operations, humanitarian operations, support to the [[South African Army]], and general airlift.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30177:five-of-nine-saaf-hercules-serviceable&catid=111:sa-defence|title=Five of nine SAAF Hercules serviceable – defenceWeb|first=Guy|last=Martin|work=defenceweb.co.za|date=17 April 2013 |access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107092620/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30177:five-of-nine-saaf-hercules-serviceable&catid=111:sa-defence|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil.za/bases/afb_waterkloof/28%20Squadron.htm|title=28 Squadron|work=af.mil.za|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922031716/http://www.af.mil.za/bases/afb_waterkloof/28%20squadron.htm|archive-date=22 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> A [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|C-47TP Turbo Dakota]] from [[35 Squadron SAAF]] permanently based in the [[Mozambique|Mozambican]] city of [[Pemba, Mozambique|Pemba]] to provide maritime patrol capability for the [[Southern African Development Community]] (SADC) counter-piracy mission in the [[Mozambique Channel]], Operation Copper. There is also a [[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx]] from [[22 Squadron SAAF]] operating from the [[South African Navy]] frigates whenever they are stationed in the Mozambican channel. The air force also assists Operation Corona from "time to time" by deploying either [[AgustaWestland AW109]] or [[Atlas Oryx]] helicopters to its borders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34425:air-force-doing-its-bit-for-border-protection-and-counter-piracy&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242|title=Air Force doing its bit for border protection and counter-piracy – defenceWeb|first=Kim|last=Helfrich|work=defenceweb.co.za|date=17 April 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107092703/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34425:air-force-doing-its-bit-for-border-protection-and-counter-piracy&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]] the [[South African National Defence Force]] was deployed in order to provide security for the event. The air force deployed armed [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|Gripen]] Fighter aircraft and [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk]] advanced trainer aircraft to conduct air patrols to monitor air traffic. [[Rooivalk]], [[Atlas Oryx]] and [[AgustaWestland AW109]] helicopters were also deployed during the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/863/the-saaf-the-world-cup-and-gripen|title=The South African Air Force|first=Dean|last=Wingrin|work=saairforce.co.za|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107155544/http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/863/the-saaf-the-world-cup-and-gripen|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

It was also reported by the Afrikaans daily newspaper, ''[[Beeld]]'', that on 23 March 2013 when the [[Séléka]] rebel group attempted to take power in the [[Central African Republic]] by invading the capital of [[Bangui]], four armed [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|Gripen]] Fighter aircraft from [[2 Squadron SAAF]] were sent along with a C-130BZ transport aircraft (reportedly carrying a stock of bombs) in order to provide close air support to the 200-strong South African garrison who were still fighting in the city. The aircraft were, however, recalled shortly after, as the South Africans and the rebels agreed to a ceasefire and rather opted to withdraw peacefully from the country. Several flights made by C-130BZ aircraft evacuated the bodies of the 13 South African soldiers who were killed and the 27 who were wounded during the Séléka offensive and also the remainder of the deployed soldiers and their equipment after the ceasefire was declared. The deployment of the Gripen fighter aircraft indicated that if the situation called for it, the country will deploy its fighter aircraft in order to ensure the protection of its assets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30633:rooivalks-gripens-and-troops-were-sent-to-the-car&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242|title=Rooivalks, Gripens and additional troops were sent to the CAR – defenceWeb|first=Guy|last=Martin|work=defenceweb.co.za|date=27 May 2013 |access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107092659/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30633:rooivalks-gripens-and-troops-were-sent-to-the-car&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The air force was also tasked with maintaining national security before and during the funeral procession of former president [[Nelson Mandela]] in December 2013. Several SAAF helicopters conducted patrols over [[Pretoria]] while the former president's body was lying in state in the days leading up to the funeral. Gripen fighter aircraft, armed with [[IRIS-T]] missiles and [[Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod]]s, conducted combat air patrols to enforce a no-fly zone for several days over certain areas in [[Gauteng]] province and later during the funeral itself over [[Qunu]], in the Eastern Cape. Two Gripens were also tasked with escorting a C-130BZ aircraft, which was carrying President Mandela's body from [[Air Force Base Waterkloof]] to the [[Mthatha Airport]]. Five Gripens, three Oryx helicopters and the 6 [[Pilatus PC-7]]'s of the [[Silver Falcons]] performed a flypast in a final salute to the late former president.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/eastern-cape/gripen-fighters-to-fly-over-qunu-1.1621979#.U2MC4_mSyyo|title=Gripen fighters to fly over Qunu|work=Independent Online|location=South Africa|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125013/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/eastern-cape/gripen-fighters-to-fly-over-qunu-1.1621979#.U2MC4_mSyyo|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:SAAF C130 BZ Hercules of 28 Squadron.jpg|thumb|280px|SAAF C130 BZ Hercules of 28 Squadron]]
On 12 September 2014, a church hostel collapsed within the compound of the [[Synagogue, Church of All Nations]] in [[Lagos]], [[Nigeria]]. More than 100 persons died in the collapse, among them 85 South Africans.<ref name="enca.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.enca.com/south-africa/nigeria-church-collapse-last-remains-arrive-home|title=Nigeria church collapse: Last remains arrive home|work=enca.com|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107092651/http://www.enca.com/south-africa/nigeria-church-collapse-last-remains-arrive-home|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> President [[Jacob Zuma]] ordered the South African Air Force to assist with the repatriation of survivors and victims, and the first 25 survivors were flown to South Africa in a specially adapted SAAF [[Hercules C-130]] on 22 September 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enca.com/gallery-church-collapse-survivors-land-sa|title=Gallery: Church collapse survivors land in SA|first=Erin|last=Bates|work=enca.com|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107155408/http://www.enca.com/gallery-church-collapse-survivors-land-sa|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to a lack of airlift capacity, an [[Antonov]] aircraft from [[Maximus Aero]] was chartered in order to repatriate the bodies of 74 victims, which arrived on 15 November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enca.com/africa/west-africa/nigeria-church-collapse-74-bodies-coming-home|title=Nigeria church collapse: 74 bodies coming home|work=enca.com|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514011917/http://www.enca.com/africa/west-africa/nigeria-church-collapse-74-bodies-coming-home|archive-date=14 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The last 11 bodies were finally repatriated using an SAAF C-130 on 6 February 2015. The delay in repatriating the last bodies was due to authorities having to wait for DNA test results in order to positively identify the remaining victims.<ref name="enca.com"/>

In spite of its budget concerns, the air force still continues to participate in and support annual air and defence shows and capability demonstrations such as the Rand show, the Zwartkops airshow and the [[Africa Aerospace and Defence]] Expo.<ref>
{{cite press release|url=http://pressoffice.mg.co.za/defenceweb/PressRelease.php?StoryID=239593|title=defenceWeb shines at Air Capability Demonstration|work=Mail & Guardian|date=20 May 2013|access-date=2016-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502072519/http://pressoffice.mg.co.za/defenceweb/PressRelease.php?StoryID=239593|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=live}}
</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infozone.tv/?ai1ec_event=swartkops-airshow&instance_id=|title=Swartkops SAAF Museum Airshow (2014-05-09)|work=infozone.tv|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502130929/http://www.infozone.tv/?ai1ec_event=swartkops-airshow&instance_id=|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2002 [[Musa Mbhokota]] became the SAAF's first black jet fighter pilot.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/1475/new-boss-for-afb-overberg |title=New boss for AFB Overberg |date=28 November 2016 |website=saairforce.co.za |publisher=defenceWeb |access-date=10 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165134/http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/1475/new-boss-for-afb-overberg |archive-date=11 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2017 Nandi Zama became for first black woman in SAAF history to command and fly a Hercules C-130 cargo plane.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sapeople.com/2017/03/28/nandi-zama-becomes-1st-black-woman-command-c-130-military-cargo-plane/|title=Major Nandi Zama Becomes 1st Black Woman to Command C-130 Military Cargo Plane - SAPeople - Your Worldwide South African Community|date=2017-03-28|work=SAPeople - Your Worldwide South African Community|access-date=2018-06-04|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508225350/http://www.sapeople.com/2017/03/28/nandi-zama-becomes-1st-black-woman-command-c-130-military-cargo-plane/|archive-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 2021, Department of Defence officials informed Parliament that a reduced availability of aircraft was negatively affecting hours flown. Helicopter systems were said to have "a critical spares shortage" with similar problems also confronting the transport and combat aircraft and systems. The parliamentary Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) committee was told that "Constrained funding is also affecting the ability to provide enough serviceable aircraft, although serious efforts are being made to ensure availability is increased within the reduced budget". During the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year, the air force flew 3,560.8 hours, including 2,717 Force Preparation hours, 636.7 Force Employment hours; and 207.1 VIP flying hours.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-19|title=Reduced availability of aircraft negatively affecting SAAF flying hours|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/reduced-availability-of-aircraft-negatively-affecting-saaf-flying-hours/|access-date=2022-02-17|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> As of late 2021, all the Air Force's Gripen fighter aircraft were grounded. However, in 2022 the Air Force concluded a deal with Saab to return 13 of the aircraft to service over a three-year period.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/saaf-inks-deal-with-saab-to-get-gripen-fighters-back-in-the-air-2022-09-29 | title=SAAF inks deal with Saab to get Gripen fighters back in the air }}</ref><ref name="Grippen">{{Cite web |last= Martin |first= Guy | title=Gripen back in the air as Saab awarded maintenance contract|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/gripen-back-in-the-air-as-saab-awarded-maintenance-contract/|year=2022| access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Defence Web}}</ref>
As of March 2025, only six aircraft in total are reported to be in working order.
<ref>{{Cite web |last=  Mantshantsha |first= Sikonathi | title=Defenceless: Only six of 330 SA Air Force aircraft in working order |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/investigations/defenceless-only-six-of-330-sa-air-force-aircraft-in-working-order-20250324|year=2025| access-date=2025-03-26 |website=news24.com}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |last=  Qodashe |first= Zoleka | title=SA Airforce's underutilisation of aircraft spells vulnerability, Parly hears
|url=https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/03/25/sa-airforces-underutilisation-of-aircraft-spells-vulnerability-parly-hears|year=2025| access-date=2025-03-26 |website=ewn.co.za}}</ref>

==Symbols==

===Ensign===

{{Gallery
|title= Ensigns of the South African Air Force
|width=115
|height=95
|align=center
|File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|1920–1940
|File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa (1940-1951).svg|1940–1951
|File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa (1951–1958).svg|1951–1958
|File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa (1958–1967, 1970–1981).svg|1958–1967
|File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa (1967–1970).svg|1967–1970
|File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa (1958–1967, 1970–1981).svg|1970–1981
|File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa (1981–1982).svg|1981–1982
|File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa (1982–1994).svg|1982–1994
|File:Air Force Ensign of South Africa (1994–2003).svg|1994–2003
|File:Ensign of the South African Air Force.svg|2003–present
}}

===Roundels===
{{Gallery
|title= Roundels of the South African Air Force
|width=80
|height=80
|noborder=yes
|align=center
|File:Roundel of the South African Air Force (1920).svg|1920 <br /> (experimental)
|File:South African Air Force trial roundel (1920–1921).svg|1920 <br /> (experimental)
|File:RAF type A roundel.svg|1920–1927
|File:Roundel of South Africa (1927-1947).svg|1927–1947
|File:Roundel of South Africa (1947–1958).svg|1947–1958
|File:SAAF Roundel (1958–1981).png|1958–1993 
|File:Roundel of South Africa (1982–2003).svg|1993–2003
|File:Roundel of South Africa.svg|2003–present
|File:Roundel of South Africa - Low Visibility.svg|2003–present <br /> (low visibility)
}}

===Rank insignia===
{{main|South African military ranks}}

In 2002 the Air Force rank insignia were changed from one which was shared with the Army to a new pattern based on stripes. The Air Force stated that this was "in order to bring it more in line with [[Air force officer rank insignia|international forms of rank]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil.za/uniform/rank_ins.html |title=SAAF Rank Insignia |publisher=Af.mil.za |access-date=2012-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321074737/http://www.af.mil.za/uniform/rank_ins.html |archive-date=21 March 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The General ranks initially had a thick stripe (thicker than the Senior Officer rank stripe) with thin stripes above, but this was changed shortly after implementation to the crossed sword and baton insignia typical of Commonwealth Generals. The reason for the change so soon after implementation of the new insignia was presumed to be confusion in differentiating between Generals and Senior Officers.

;Officers
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/South Africa}}
|}

;Warrant officers
Note: The Rank of Master Chief Warrant Officer is only used when the Sergeant Major of the Air Force is also the Sergeant Major of the Defence Force.
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/WO/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/WO/South Africa}}
|}

;Other ranks
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/South Africa}}
|}

===SAAF medals and decorations===
{{Main|South African military decorations}}

A new set of emblems, medals and decorations were introduced on 29 April 2003,<ref name="South African Air Force (Unofficial)">{{cite web | url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/structure/medals-and-decorations | title=The Air force – Medals and Decorations | access-date=4 March 2012 | pages=SAAFCoZAMedals | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302074943/http://saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/structure/medals-and-decorations | archive-date=2 March 2012 | url-status=live}}</ref> although medals issued by the SADF can still be worn.

===Unit emblems===

====Air force bases====

[[File:South Afican Air Force Bases updated with Pietersburg.jpg|center|thumb|750px]]

====Flying squadrons====

[[File:South African Air Force Flying Squadrons update.jpg|South African Air Force Flying Squadrons|center|thumb|750px]]

====Reserve squadrons====

[[File:South African Air Force Reserve Squadrons update.jpg|South African Air Force Reserve Squadrons|center|thumb|750px]]

====Other flying units====

[[File:South African Air Force Other Flying Units update.jpg|South African Air Force Other Flying Units|center|thumb|750px]]

====Security squadrons====

[[File:South African Air Force Security Squadrons version 3.jpg|thumb|center|750px|South African Air Force Security Squadrons]]

====Engineering support units====

[[File:South African Air Force Engineering Units updated.jpg|South African Air Force Engineering Units|center|thumb|750px]]

====Air defence artillery units====

[[File:250 ADAG corrected structure.jpg|250 Air Defence Artillery Group Structure|center|thumb|750px]]

====Command and control units====

[[File:South African Air Force Command and Control ver 3.jpg|center|thumb|750px|South African Air Force Command and Control Units]]
The various Forward Air Command Posts and Air Operations Teams were closed on 31 December 2003 and integrated in the new Joint Regional Task Groups under command of Chief of Joint Operations.

====Training units====

[[File:South African Air Force Training Units update 4.jpg|thumb|centre|750px|South African Air Force Training Units]]

====Support units====

[[File:South African Air Force Support Units ver 3.jpg|thumb|center|750px|South African Air Force Support Units ver 3]]

==Order of battle, bases squadrons and equipment==

===Bases===
{{Location map+ | South Africa
|float=right
|width=400
|relief = 1
|alt=Map of South Africa showing the South African Air Force bases
|caption=Map of South African Air Force bases and stations<small> (Click on base icon for link to details)</small><ref name="SAAFB">{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil.za/bases/bases.html |title=Air Force Bases and Unit |access-date=2008-08-04 |publisher=South African Air Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628060213/http://www.af.mil.za/bases/bases.html |archive-date=28 June 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|places =
  {{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Durban (FADN)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = bottom
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Durban
    | lat_deg = 29
    | lat_min = 58
    | lat_sec = 07
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 030
    | lon_min = 56
    | lon_sec = 52
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Bloemspruit (FABL)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = left
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Bloemspruit
    | lat_deg = 29
    | lat_min = 05
    | lat_sec = 38
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 026
    | lon_min = 14
    | lon_sec = 14
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Hoedspruit (FAHS)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = bottom
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Hoedspruit
    | lat_deg = 24
    | lat_min = 21
    | lat_sec = 17
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 031
    | lon_min = 03
    | lon_sec = 01
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Langebaanweg (FALW)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = right
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Langebaanweg
    | lat_deg = 32
    | lat_min = 58
    | lat_sec = 08
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 018
    | lon_min = 09
    | lon_sec = 55
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Makhado (FALM)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = left
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Makhado
    | lat_deg = 23
    | lat_min = 09
    | lat_sec = 36
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 029
    | lon_min = 41
    | lon_sec = 48
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Overberg (FAOB)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = right
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Overberg
    | lat_deg = 34
    | lat_min = 33
    | lat_sec = 17
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 020
    | lon_min = 15
    | lon_sec = 02
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Swartkop (FASK)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = left
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Swartkop
    | lat_deg = 25
    | lat_min = 48
    | lat_sec = 25
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 028
    | lon_min = 09
    | lon_sec = 52
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Waterkloof (FAWK)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = right
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Waterkloof
    | lat_deg = 25
    | lat_min = 49
    | lat_sec = 48
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 028
    | lon_min = 13
    | lon_sec = 21
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Ysterplaat (FAYP)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = left
    | mark = NPS map symbol airport.png
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFB Ysterplaat
    | lat_deg = 33
    | lat_min = 54
    | lat_sec = 23
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 018
    | lon_min = 29
    | lon_sec = 42
    | lon_dir = E}}

{{Location map~ | South Africa
    | label = Port Elizabeth (FAPE)
    | label_size = 80
    | position = right
    | mark = Legenda lotnisko.svg
    | marksize = 9
    | link = AFS Port Elizabeth
    | lat_deg = 33
    | lat_min = 57
    | lat_sec = 29
    | lat_dir = S
    | lon_deg = 025
    | lon_min = 36
    | lon_sec = 00
    | lon_dir = E}}
 }}

===Squadrons===
{{Main|List of squadrons of the South African Air Force}}

{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%;"
|-
! colspan=5 style="background:#bed5ec;"| Click on show to view order of battle and equipment fit of current SAAF Squadrons and Units
|-
| colspan=5 style="border:solid 0 silver; padding:8px;"| Note: Squadron composition as seen below is incomplete.
|-
! style="background:#bed5ec;"|Squadron Number
! style="background:#bed5ec;"|Base
! style="background:#bed5ec;"|Type of Aircraft
! style="background:#bed5ec;"|Role
! style="background:#bed5ec; text-align:center;"|Composition
|-
|[[2 Squadron SAAF]]
|[[AFB Makhado]]
|[[JAS 39 Gripen|Gripen]]
|Air-Defence
|9 Gripen D,<br />17 Gripen C
|-
|[[15 Squadron SAAF]]
|[[AFB Durban]]
|Atlas Oryx, [[MBB/Kawasaki BK 117]]
|Transport
|
|-
|[[15 Squadron - C Flight]]
|[[AFS Port Elizabeth]]
|BK 117 – converting to [[Agusta A109]]
|Transport
|
|-
|[[16 Squadron SAAF]]
|[[AFB Bloemspruit]]
|[[Denel Rooivalk]]
|Attack
|11 Rooivalk Mk I
|-
|[[17 Squadron SAAF]]
|[[AFB Swartkop]]<ref name="saairforce">https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/current</ref><ref name="af.mil.za-bases">http://www.af.mil.za/Pages/About/Bases.aspx</ref>
|Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109
|Transport
|4 A109
|-
|[[19 Squadron SAAF]]
|[[AFB Hoedspruit]]
|Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109
|Transport
|5 A109
|-
|[[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-130BZ Hercules]]
|Medium Transport
|
|-
|[[35 Squadron SAAF]]
|AFB Ysterplaat
|[[C-47 Skytrain|C-47TP Dakota]]
|Maritime patrol/Transport
|
|-
|[[41 Squadron SAAF]]
|AFB Waterkloof
|[[Cessna 208]], [[Pilatus PC-12]], [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft 200C King Air]]
|Light Transport
|
|-
|[[44 Squadron SAAF]]
|AFB Waterkloof
|[[CASA C-212 Aviocar]], [[CASA CN-235]]
|Light Transport
|
|-
|[[60 Squadron SAAF]]
|AFB Waterkloof
|No operational aircraft. Planned acquisition of [[Airbus A400M]]s cancelled in November 2009.
|Transport/Aerial refueling/EW/ELINT
|
|-
|[[80 Air Navigation School]]
|AFB Ysterplaat
|
|Navigation training
|
|-
|[[85 Combat Flying School]]
|AFB Makhado
|[[BAe Hawk|BAE Systems Hawk Mk.120]]
|Jet-flight training/Combat Operation
| 24 Hawk Mk.120
|-
|[[87 Helicopter Flying School]]
|AFB Bloemspruit
|Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109, BK 117
|Helicopter flight training
|9 A109
|-
|[[Central Flying School]]
|[[AFB Langebaanweg]]
|[[Pilatus PC-7 Astra|Pilatus PC-7 MkII]]
|Flight training.{{efn|Ab initio training is outsourced to a civilian school, Babcock Central Flying Academy of [[Grand Central Airport]] using [[Cessna 172]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/849/acquisition-of-new-ab-initio-trainer-cancelled |title=The South African Air Force |publisher=Saairforce.co.za |access-date=2012-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317184845/http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/849/acquisition-of-new-ab-initio-trainer-cancelled |archive-date=17 March 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The training is done at AFB Swartkop<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.af.mil.za/publications/2010/AdAstra%20Ed2_4.pdf |title=– Ad Astra Volume 30 number 2 2010 Page 3 |access-date=20 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626051012/http://www.af.mil.za/publications/2010/AdAstra%20Ed2_4.pdf |archive-date=26 June 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
|
|-
|[[Test Flight and Development Centre]]
|[[AFB Overberg]]
|1x Agusta 109, 1x SAAB Gripen D, 1x BAe Hawk Mk.120, 1x Atlas Oryx{{efn|As well as others on temporary detachment from squadrons and manufacturers.}}
|Test flight and evaluation
|
|-
|[[South African Air Force College|SA Air Force College]]
|Other locations
|
|
|
|-
|SAAF Museum Historic Flight
|[[AFB Swartkop]]
|
|
|
|-
|Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre
|AFB Waterkloof
|
|Air Intelligence
|
|-
|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
|[[AFS 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]]
|
|Support and maintenance
|
|-
|2 Air Servicing Unit
|AFB Ysterplaat
|
|Support and maintenance
|
|-
|3 Air Servicing Unit
|AFB Makhado
|
|Support and maintenance
|
|-
|4 Air Servicing Unit
|Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing
|
|Support and maintenance
|
|-
|5 Air Servicing Unit
|AFB Waterkloof
|
|Support and maintenance
|
|-
|7 Air Servicing Unit
|AFB Hoedspruit
|
|Support and maintenance
|
|-
|10 Air Depot
|AFS Thaba Tshwane
|
|Logistic support services
|
|-
|68 Air School
|TEK Base
|
|Technical aviation training
|
|-
|18 Deployment Support Unit
|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
|
|Logistic support services
|
|-
|140 Squadron
|Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing
|
|Long Range 3D Mobile Radar
|
|-
|142 Squadron
|Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing
|
|Tactical Mobile Radar
|
|-
|500 Squadron
|Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing
|
|Special Operations Task Force
|
|-
|501 Squadron
|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
|AFB Hoedspruit
|
|Basic training of new airforce members
|
|-
|Bushveld Airspace Control Sector
|Air Command, Air Force Headquarters (Pretoria)
|
|Training (Air defence)/Air Traffic Control Services
|
|-
|Lowveld Airspace Control Sector
|AFB Hoedspruit
|
|Training (Air defence)/Air Traffic Control Services
|
|-|
|Mobile Communications Unit
|Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing
|
|Mobile communications
|
|-
|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
|
|Maintains documentation, aviation regulations and acts
|
|-
|SA Air Force Band
|Valhalla
|
|Ceremonial
|
|-
|Command and Control School
|AFB Waterkloof
|
|Training
|
|-
|School of Cookery
|Valhalla
|
|Training of chefs and waiters
|
|-
|Fire Training School
|Valhalla
|
|Fire fighting and rescue training
|
|-
|Air Force Command and Control School
|AFB Hoedspruit
|
|Command and Control, Airspace Control and Telecommunications training
|
|-
|Airspace Control Unit
|AFB Swartkop
|
|Logistics support services (Air defence)
|
|-
|Central Photographic Institute
|AFB Waterkloof
|
|Photographic services
|
|-
|Combined Auction Centre
|Other
|
|Logistic support services
|
|-
|Ellisras Reporting Post
|Other
|
|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
|
|}

== Aircraft ==
{{Further info|List of aircraft of the South African Air Force}}

=== Air combat ===

==== Gripen ====
[[File:SAAF-Gripen-001 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|Gripen C]]]]
The [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]] is the South African Air Force's primary [[Multirole combat aircraft|multi-role fighter]] and [[Anti-aircraft warfare#Air force|air-defence]] aircraft, acquired under the 1999 [[South African Arms Deal|Strategic Defence Package]] to replace the ageing fleet of 68 [[Atlas Cheetah|Atlas Cheetahs]] and 48 [[Dassault Mirage F1|Dassault Mirage F1s]] that had served since the [[South African Border War|Border War]] era.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SA`s Arms Scandal: Why SA had to Buy the Gripen |url=https://issafrica.org/iss-today/sas-arms-scandal-why-sa-had-to-buy-the-gripen |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=ISS Africa |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Stupart |first=John |date=2016-04-22 |title=Arms Deal: The military side of the equation |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-04-22-arms-deal-the-military-side-of-the-equation/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=Daily Maverick |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Go |first=Smoke On |date=2022-09-05 |title=South Africa’s forgotten fighter jet - Smoke On Go |url=https://smokeongo.co.za/south-africas-forgotten-fighter-jet/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> Entering service between 2008 and 2012,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wingrin |first=Dean |title=The South African Air Force |url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/1139/final-gripens-arrive-in-south-africa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513223357/http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/1139/final-gripens-arrive-in-south-africa |archive-date=2013-05-13 |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref> the Gripen introduced modern supersonic performance, advanced avionics, [[Network-centric warfare|network-centric]] capability, and sophisticated [[electronic warfare]] systems to the SAAF.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=RSA Gripen Advanced Light Fighter Aircraft (ALFA) |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/gripen.htm |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref> Although the acquisition of 26 aircraft fell far short of the 116 originally required to fully replace the previous fighter inventory, the Gripen has proven technologically advanced enough to meet South Africa's air-defence requirements, particularly given the limited air threat posed by neighbouring states reducing the requirement for a large fighter force.<ref name=":2" /> Its introduction also marked the closure of [[Atlas Carver|Project Carver]], an indigenous South African fighter development programme launched during the [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 418|arms embargo]] to produce a modern [[Twinjet|twin-engine]], [[Fourth-generation fighter|fourth-generation multirole fighter]]. Although Carver had influenced South Africa's aerospace design, it was cancelled in 1991, as the end of the border war, [[apartheid]], and [[International sanctions during apartheid|international sanctions]], along with restored diplomatic relations, had greatly reduced the need for such an ambitious programme. This ultimately paved the way for the acquisition of the Gripen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olivier |first=Darren |date=2016-11-14 |title=Project Carver emerges from the shadows |url=https://www.africandefence.net/project-carver-emerges-from-the-shadows/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=African Defence Review |language=en-US}}</ref>

The SAAF currently operates a total of 26 Gripens (17 single-seat C models, 9 two-seat D models); the aircraft are flown by [[2 Squadron SAAF|2 Squadron]] at [[Air Force Base Makhado|AFB Makhado]], with pilot and systems [[Flight training|training]] conducted by the Gripen D [[Operational conversion unit|Operational Conversion Unit]] (OCU).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Helfrich |first=Kim |date=2024-01-31 |title=Modise sidesteps Lekota question on serviceable SAAF fighters - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/modise-sidesteps-lekota-question-on-serviceable-saaf-fighters/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The Gripen entered service equipped with the [[IRIS-T]] [[Air-to-air missile#Short-range air-to-air missile|short-range air-to-air missile]] (SRAAM),<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2017-10-13 |title=Marlin missile making swift progress - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/marlin-missile-making-swift-progress/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> a German-led multinational [[Dogfight|dogfighting]] weapon chosen as an interim solution until the locally developed [[Denel Dynamics]] [[A-Darter|V3E A-Darter]] enters service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2025-07-02 |title=Denel to deliver first production A-Darter missiles to the SAAF this month - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/denel-to-deliver-first-production-a-darter-missiles-to-the-saaf-this-month/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Although the Cheetah previously carried the [[R-Darter]] [[Beyond-visual-range missile|beyond-visual-range]] (BVR) missile, the R-Darter was never integrated onto the Gripen because it was considered [[Obsolescence|obsolete]] in South African service. As a result, the SAAF has had no operational BVR capability since the R-Darter's retirement.<ref name=":3" /> Its intended replacement is the next generation [[Denel Dynamics Marlin|Marlin]] (now known as the Joint Strike Missile), a multi-role [[Active radar homing|active radar-guided]] BVR air-to-air missile with an approximate range of 100 km.<ref name=":3" /> A demonstrator has already been tested at the [[Denel Overberg Test Range|Overberg Test Range]] in the Western Cape, although delays and financial difficulties at Denel have prevented it from entering service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/486/south-africa-eyes-new-missile-for-gripen-fighter |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2025-08-22 |title=Invigorated Denel pursuing new UAV, missile, and other projects - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/invigorated-denel-pursuing-new-uav-missile-and-other-projects/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The SAAF has also explored an indigenous [[cruise missile]] capability under the [[MUPSOW]] (Multi-Purpose Stand-Off Weapon) programme, although its operational status remains unconfirmed and possibly classified.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/54/mupsow-cruise-missile |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref>

Operationally, the Gripen has been deployed for border safeguarding, regional standby force commitments, and airspace protection during major national events, including the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]]. It was also deployed during the [[Central African Republic conflict (2013–2014)|2013 crisis in the Central African Republic]], where SAAF Gripens equipped with offensive weapons were sent on an emergency mission and successfully reached the region through staged refuelling in [[Zambia]], a necessity following the retirement of the SAAF's five-strong [[Boeing KC-707]] tanker fleet,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olivier |first=Darren |date=2014-07-03 |title=South Africa’s Airlift Crisis |url=https://www.africandefence.net/south-africas-airlift-crisis/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=African Defence Review |language=en-US}}</ref> but ultimately arrived too late to participate in combat operations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Go |first=Smoke On |date=2023-07-17 |title=SAAF Gripens return to the sky - Smoke On Go |url=https://smokeongo.co.za/saaf-gripens-return-to-the-sky/ |access-date=2025-11-20 |language=en-US}}</ref> Due to budget cuts, the majority of the fleet is in storage to conserve flying hours, with only a small number maintained in airworthy condition at any given time. Despite reduced availability, the Gripen maintains the SAAF's minimum required air policing capability and continues to serve as the backbone of South Africa's air defence strategy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Only Two out of 26 Gripen Fighters Airworthy in South African Forces: How Could This Happen {{!}} Defense Express |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/only_two_out_of_26_gripen_fighters_airworthy_in_south_african_forces_how_could_this_happen-13962.html |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=en.defence-ua.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Hawk ====
[[File:SAAF-BAE Hawk-001.jpg|thumb|[[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk Mk 120]]]]
The [[BAE Systems Hawk|BAE Systems Hawk Mk 120]] serves as the South African Air Force's [[lead-in fighter trainer]] (LIFT) with integrated combat capability, ordered under the 1999 Strategic Defence Package to replace the [[Aermacchi MB-326|Impala Mk II]] and to bridge the gap between basic flight training and frontline Gripen operations.<ref name=":1" /> Delivered between 2005 and 2008, a total of 24 Hawk 120s were acquired.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/40/hawk-mk-120 |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref> The aircraft features modern avionics, advanced flight controls, and weapons systems, allowing it to both train pilots and undertake light combat roles as needed. The Hawk remains a key asset in sustaining South Africa's [[fighter pilot]] pipeline, serving as the intermediate step before deployment on the Gripen.

The Hawk fleet is operated by [[85 Combat Flying School SAAF|85 Combat Flying School]] at AFB Makhado, where it provides Phase III/IV advanced jet training for pilots destined for 2 Squadron.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-15 |title=Fact file: BAE Systems Hawk Mk120 - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-bae-systems-hawk-mk120/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> In addition to its training function, the Hawk is capable of performing secondary missions such as [[Light attack aircraft|light attack]], [[close air support]], and [[tactical reconnaissance]], using a 30 mm [[ADEN cannon]], [[Precision-guided munition|precision-guided weapons]], and air-to-air missiles.<ref name=":4" /> The Hawk is also being equipped to deploy the V3E A-Darter SRAAM, further enhancing its combat readiness and aligning its systems with those of the Gripen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2025-07-02 |title=Denel to deliver first production A-Darter missiles to the SAAF this month - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/denel-to-deliver-first-production-a-darter-missiles-to-the-saaf-this-month/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Operationally, the Hawk has been used in joint training exercises, firepower demonstrations, and limited operational support, including internal security operations. While impacted by budget cuts that have reduced flying hours, the Hawk remains essential to the SAAF's ability to train modern fighter pilots domestically and provides a versatile and cost-effective combat-capable platform for both training and operational support roles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Only Two out of 26 Gripen Fighters Airworthy in South African Forces: How Could This Happen {{!}} Defense Express |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/only_two_out_of_26_gripen_fighters_airworthy_in_south_african_forces_how_could_this_happen-13962.html |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=en.defence-ua.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) ===

==== Milkor 380 ====
The [[Milkor 380]] is the South African Air Force's first [[Medium-altitude long-endurance UAV|medium-altitude long-endurance]] (MALE) [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] (UCAV), developed by the privately owned South African defence company [[Milkor]] to provide an independent [[surveillance]] and precision strike capability. Unveiled in 2018 and completing its first flight in September 2023, it is the largest and most advanced UAV ever produced in Africa, placing South Africa among only about ten countries capable of manufacturing an aircraft of this class.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lebuso |first=Sthembiso |title=WATCH {{!}} Milkor’s 380 UAV military drone tech puts South Africa on the G20 radar |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/business/watch-milkors-380-uav-military-drone-tech-puts-south-africa-on-the-g20-radar-20251120-1172 |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> Five systems have been ordered for evaluation under a [[Memorandum of understanding|Memorandum of Understanding]] (MoU) with the [[Department of Defence (South Africa)|Department of Defence]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2022-11-25 |title=First Milkor UAVs destined for South African use - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/first-milkor-uavs-destined-for-south-african-use/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> with several airframes already undergoing testing under SAAF oversight;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wingrin |first=Dean |date=2024-09-18 |title=Milkor 380 UAV ushers in a new era for South African aerospace and defence capabilities - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/milkor-380-uav-ushers-in-a-new-era-for-south-african-aerospace-and-defence-capabilities/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> the first initial fleet of five is expected to enter service by the end of 2025, marking a major step toward operational integration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DefenceWeb |date=2025-11-11 |title=Milkor promotes 380 UAV as it continues development of larger 780 - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/company-zones/milkor-promotes-380-uav-as-it-continues-development-of-larger-780/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Designed for multi-role employment, the Milkor 380 is capable of deploying a range of [[Precision-guided munition|precision-guided munitions]], [[laser-guided]] [[Missile|missiles]], and a new prototype Milkor-developed missile currently undergoing testing. The platform incorporates ARGOS II HDT [[Electro-optical targeting system|electro-optical]]/[[infrared]] sensors with [[Laser designator|laser-designation]] capability, redundant [[Line-of-sight propagation|LOS]] and [[BLOS]] [[Data link|datalink]] systems, autonomous take-off and landing, and modular payload bays that support [[Signals intelligence|SIGINT]] pods, electronic-warfare suites, and other multi-mission ISR equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DefenceWeb |date=2025-11-11 |title=Milkor promotes 380 UAV as it continues development of larger 780 - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/company-zones/milkor-promotes-380-uav-as-it-continues-development-of-larger-780/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> A strategic MoU with [[South Korea]]'s [[Hanwha Group|Hanwha Systems]] enables the integration of an [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) [[Synthetic-aperture radar|synthetic aperture radar]] (SAR), providing all-weather imaging and significantly enhancing its operational versatility.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2025-06-17 |title=Milkor and Hanwha Systems sign agreement for AESA radar integration on Milkor 380 UAV - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/milkor-and-hanwha-systems-sign-agreement-for-aesa-radar-integration-on-milkor-380-uav/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Production is based at Milkor's facility in Cape Town, with planned expansion to manufacture up to 16 systems per year by 2026. The 380 will eventually be complemented by the even larger next generation [[Milkor 780]] [[High-altitude platform station|high-altitude long-endurance]] (HALE) UCAV, which is currently in development and is set to surpass the 380 in size—potentially becoming the largest UAV ever developed in the Southern Hemisphere.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DefenceWeb |date=2025-11-11 |title=Milkor promotes 380 UAV as it continues development of larger 780 - defenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/company-zones/milkor-promotes-380-uav-as-it-continues-development-of-larger-780/ |access-date=2025-11-16 |language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Rebecca |title=SA defence group moving into large UAV sector with new design |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/sa-defence-group-moving-into-large-uav-sector-with-new-design-2025-05-09 |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=Engineering News}}</ref>

==== Cessna 208 ====
The [[Cessna 208 Caravan]] forms the core of the South African Air Force’s [[intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance]] (ISTAR) capability, filling the gap left by the retirement of the [[Denel Dynamics Seeker|Seeker Mk I]] UAVs in 2004. Originally acquired as [[Liaison aircraft|liaison]] and [[utility aircraft]], 11 airframes were upgraded and converted for [[Electronic-warfare aircraft|electronic warfare]] (EW) under Project Koiler in 2007, receiving the Argos 410-Z electro-optical system, which includes a [[thermal imager]], high-zoom TV camera, [[laser rangefinder]], autotracker, datalink, and the MAPS (Mission Awareness Positioning System) suite for precise GPS-based targeting. A removable operator console, combined with real-time downlinking, allows the Caravan to function as a cost-effective [[Surveillance aircraft|airborne surveillance]] and [[reconnaissance]] platform.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2008-11-19 |title=Fact file: Cessna 208 Caravan - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/fact-file-cessna-208-caravan/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Operated by [[41 Squadron SAAF|41 Squadron]], they conduct border safeguarding, internal land surveillance, and limited [[maritime patrol]] missions, while also retaining secondary utility and logistics roles. The Caravan remains one of the SAAF's most versatile and enduring platforms for domestic intelligence gathering and real-time reconnaissance.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2011-03-10 |title=Carl Zeiss keeping SAAF recce capability flying - defenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/carl-zeiss-keeping-saaf-recce-capability-flying/ |access-date=2025-11-16 |language=en-ZA}}</ref><gallery mode="packed">
File:Milkor 380.jpg|[[Milkor 380]]
File:SAAF Cessna Caravan I 3003 (6910827489).jpg|[[Cessna 208 Caravan|Cessna 208]]
</gallery>

=== Air mobility ===

==== C-130BZ Hercules ====
The [[Lockheed Martin]] [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130BZ Hercules]] serves as the South African Air Force's primary [[Airlift|tactical airlift]] platform, flown by [[28 Squadron SAAF|28 Squadron]] at [[Air Force Base Waterkloof|AFB Waterkloof]]. Originally acquired in 1963 as C-130B models (seven aircraft, 401–407), the fleet was expanded in 1997–1998 with five additional Hercules supplied by the [[United States]] under the [[Foreign Assistance Act|Excess Defense Articles]] programme—two ex-[[United States Air Force|USAF]] C-130Bs (408 and 409) and three ex-[[United States Navy|USN]] C-130Fs.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-08 |title=Fact file: Lockheed Martin C130BZ Hercules medium tactical transport - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-lockheed-martin-c130bz-hercules-medium-tactical-transport/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> However, only two B-models and one F-model entered service; the C-130F that briefly flew was quickly withdrawn, while the other two F-models were never commissioned due to extensive airframe corrosion and the prohibitive cost of upgrading them.<ref name=":6" /> All nine B-models were upgraded to C-130BZ standard under Project Ebb (1996–2009), led by [[Marshall Group|Marshall Aerospace]] in the UK and [[Denel|Denel Aviation]] in South Africa, which introduced digital [[Glass cockpit|glass cockpits]], modern avionics, new navigation and communication systems, and self-protection suites—transitioning the fleet from the original C-130B configuration and extending its operational relevance into the 21st century.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=DefenceWeb |date=2025-10-24 |title=SAAF’s C-130BZ Hercules 409 expected back in service mid-2026 - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/saafs-c-130bz-hercules-409-expected-back-in-service-mid-2026/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> In 2025, it was reported that six aircraft (401, 402, 405, 406, 408, and 409) remain capable of being made [[Airworthiness|airworthy]]—the SAAF once operated nine serviceable C-130BZs, but two were written off due to accidents and another Hercules was [[Cannibalization (parts)|cannibalised]] for parts.<ref name=":7" />

Despite the ongoing upgrades, the C-130BZ fleet is now more than 60 years old and was originally intended to be replaced in the 2010s by the [[Airbus A400M Atlas]], of which eight were contracted under South Africa's 2005 risk-sharing agreement with [[Airbus]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-08 |title=Fact file: Airbus Military A400M medium transport - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-airbus-military-a400m-medium-transport/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2011-12-19 |title=SA receives R3.4bn refund from Airbus - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/sa-receives-r34bn-refund-from-airbus/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The cancellation of the A400M programme in 2009 by then Defence Minister [[Lindiwe Sisulu]]—due to cost escalations and delivery delays—was met with strong criticism from defence analysts, leaving the SAAF without a modern strategic airlifter while countries like the [[United Kingdom|UK]], [[Germany]], [[France]], and [[Turkey]] went on to induct the Atlas into service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olivier |first=Darren |date=2014-07-03 |title=South Africa’s Airlift Crisis |url=https://www.africandefence.net/south-africas-airlift-crisis/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=African Defence Review |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2025, the SAAF has shifted its focus toward the [[Embraer C-390 Millennium]] as a potential successor to the C-130BZ.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2025-01-07 |title=South African delegation visits Embraer as interest remains high in its C-390 transport - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/south-african-delegation-visits-embraer-as-interest-remains-high-in-its-c-390-transport/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== C-212 Aviocar ====
The [[CASA C-212 Aviocar]] is operated by [[44 Squadron SAAF|44 Squadron]] of the South African Air Force and serves primarily in light transport, airborne operations, and versatile utility support roles. Four C-212s were inherited in 1994 from the defence forces of former homelands ([[Bophuthatswana Defence Force|Bophuthatswana]], [[Transkei Defence Force|Transkei]], and [[Venda Defence Force|Venda]]) and has been in SAAF service ever since.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2008-12-08 |title=Fact file: Casa C212 Aviocar - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/fact-file-casa-c212-aviocar/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Its [[STOL|short take-off and landing]] (STOL) capability, high-wing design, and rugged fixed landing gear make it well-suited for operation from austere and unprepared fields. 44 Squadron performs a wide variety of missions with the C-212, including cargo drops, [[Paratrooper|paratrooping]], [[Casualty evacuation|casevac]], reconnaissance, and light transport.<ref name=":8" />

==== Super King Air ====
The South African Air Force operates four [[Beechcraft Super King Air]] 200 and 300 series aircraft through 41 Squadron (AFB Waterkloof) for primarily light transport, it may also perform liaison and reconnaissance missions when required.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/1386/engine-upgrade-for-saaf-king-air?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref> Over the years, the King Air fleet has undergone upgrades, including a major refurbishment by [[ExecuJet Aviation Group|Execujet]], which installed modern [[Garmin G1000]] avionics systems, overhauled interiors, and conducted structural inspections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2015-07-02 |title=King Air 652 back in SAAF service after extensive refurbishing - defenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/king-air-652-back-in-saaf-service-after-extensive-refurbishing/ |access-date=2025-11-17 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> 41 Squadron's King Airs are tasked with routine air logistics, airborne operations, and battlefield support, serving in day/night and all-weather conditions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/squadrons/10/41-squadron |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref>

==== Pilatus PC-12 ====
The [[Pilatus PC-12]] is used by the South African Air Force, based with 41 Squadron at AFB Waterkloof, primarily for personnel movement, VIP transport, and [[medical evacuation]]. The PC-12 entered SAAF service in 1997, and features a spacious, reconfigurable cabin that can carry passengers, cargo, or a stretcher with medical staff. As of 2025, the SAAF operates a single PC-12, making it a relatively rare but valuable asset within the air force's fixed-wing transport fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2012-05-07 |title=SA Air Force Pilatus PC12 - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence-sa-defence/sa-air-force-pilatus-pc12/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref><gallery mode="packed">
File:SAAF C-130.jpg|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130BZ Hercules]]
File:SAAF C-212-200 8010 (6910679329).jpg|[[CASA C-212 Aviocar|C-212 Aviocar]]
File:King Air ZS-LAY.jpg|[[Beechcraft Super King Air|Super King Air]]
File:SAAF Pilatus PC12 8030 (6923295305).jpg|[[Pilatus PC-12]]
</gallery>

=== VIP Transport ===

==== Boeing 737 (BBJ) ====
The [[Boeing 737]], nicknamed ''[[Inkwazi]]'' and operated by [[21 Squadron SAAF|21 Squadron]] at AFB Waterkloof, serves as the South African Air Force's primary [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport aircraft]], primarily used for presidential travel and high-level government delegations. As the largest aircraft in the VIP fleet, it provides long-range capability and secure onboard communications suited for state-level missions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/15/boeing-737-7ed-bbj |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref>

==== Citation II ====
The [[Cessna Citation II]] fleet, consisting of two aircraft operated by 21 Squadron, provides light VIP transport and ministerial travel for government officials. Its compact size and efficiency make it suitable for short-range missions and regional engagements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/31/5501-citation-ii |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref>

==== Falcon 50 ====
The [[Dassault Falcon 50]], with two aircraft in service under 21 Squadron, is used for VIP and executive transport, serving senior government officials and foreign dignitaries. Its [[Trijet|tri-jet]] configuration and extended range offer flexibility for both domestic and continental travel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/35/falcon-50 |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref>

==== Falcon 900 ====
Also operated by 21 Squadron, the [[Dassault Falcon 900]] is the sole example in the SAAF fleet and complements the Falcon 50 by providing long-range VIP airlift and secure government transport. It features advanced avionics and a spacious cabin tailored for senior leadership mobility.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/36/falcon-900b |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref><gallery mode="packed">
File:ZS-RSA B737-300 SAF (4318930775).jpg|[[Boeing 737]]
File:Cessna 550 Citation II 7Q-YLF (14033689382).jpg|[[Cessna Citation II|Citation II]]
File:SAAF Falcon 50 ZS-CAS (6895894739).jpg|[[Dassault Falcon 50|Falcon 50]]
File:SAAF Falcon 900 ZS-NAN (31918246553).jpg|[[Dassault Falcon 900|Falcon 900]]
</gallery>

=== Maritime patrol ===

==== C-47-TP Turbo Dakota ====
[[File:SAAF C-47ATP 6837 (6910817085).jpg|thumb|[[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|C-47-TP Turbo Dakota]]]]
The [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|C-47-TP Turbo Dakota]], operated by [[35 Squadron SAAF|35 Squadron]] at [[Air Force Base Ysterplaat|AFB Ysterplaat]], was the South African Air Force's primary [[Maritime patrol aircraft|maritime patrol]] and naval surveillance platform for over three decades following its [[turboprop]] conversion under Project Felstone in the early 1990s. Between 1990 and 1995, a total of 29 aircraft were fully converted and 10 partially converted to C47-TP status.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wingrin |first=Dean |date=2025-08-22 |title=Although grounded, the SAAF’s C47-TP Turbo Dakotas may live to fly again - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/although-grounded-the-saafs-c-47tp-turbo-dakotas-may-live-to-fly-again/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> This modernization program replaced the original [[Reciprocating engine|piston engines]] with [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|PT6A-65R]] turboprops, extending airframe life and improving performance for low-altitude maritime operations. Originally built as World War II-era C-47 Dakotas, these aircraft later filled roles ranging from transport and training to fisheries protection and [[Search and rescue|search-and-rescue]] support in South African territorial waters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2015-04-20 |title=Stretched SAAF maritime capability faces increased workload - defenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence-sa-defence/stretched-saaf-maritime-capability-faces-increased-workload/ |access-date=2025-11-18 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

The entire fleet has been grounded since 2022 due to the collapse of OEM support, maintenance backlogs, and the expiration of safety-critical systems like [[Fire suppression system|fire suppression]]. Only five aircraft remain structurally viable—three in maritime configuration and two in transport setup—but all face severe supportability issues, including the absence of certified maintenance facilities. Despite its cost-effectiveness and rugged design, the Dakota's age, limited sensor suite, and safety concerns have undermined efforts to restore capability. Successive replacement programs—Saucepan, Metsi, Kiepie, and most recently Pelican—have stalled due to budgetary constraints, leaving the SAAF without a dedicated maritime patrol aircraft and unable to fulfill long-standing SAR and [[Exclusive economic zone|EEZ]] monitoring obligations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wingrin |first=Dean |date=2025-08-22 |title=Although grounded, the SAAF’s C47-TP Turbo Dakotas may live to fly again - defenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/although-grounded-the-saafs-c-47tp-turbo-dakotas-may-live-to-fly-again/ |access-date=2025-11-18 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

=== Helicopters ===

==== Rooivalk ====
The [[Denel Rooivalk]] is the South African Air Force's home-grown [[attack helicopter]], operated by [[16 Squadron SAAF|16 Squadron]] at [[Air Force Base Bloemspruit|AFB Bloemspruit]]. Developed by the [[Atlas Aircraft Corporation]] (which was later renamed and absorbed into [[Denel Aviation]] in 1992, and subsequently restructured as [[Denel Aeronautics]] in 2017), the programme began in 1984, with the first prototype flying in 1990. The initial requirement called for 36 aircraft, but this was reduced to 12 following changes in defence strategy and subsequent defence-budget cuts in 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/560/what-went-wrong-with-the-rooivalk#:~:text=This%20was%20the%20fundamental%20conceptual,benefits%20of%20economies%20of%20scale. |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref> Although 12 helicopters were originally ordered, one was lost in an accident, leaving 11 airframes, all of which were later upgraded to the Block 1F standard.<ref>{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2013-03-14 |title=Rooivalk ready to deploy after upgrades completed - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/rooivalk-ready-to-deploy-after-upgrades-completed/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Delivered between 2011 and 2013, the Block 1F upgrade introduced improved avionics and targeting systems and enabled the use of precision-guided weapons such as the [[Mokopa]] [[Anti-tank guided missile|anti-tank missile]]. Operationally, three Rooivalks were deployed to the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] in 2013 with the [[United Nations Force Intervention Brigade|UN Force Intervention Brigade]], where they conducted their first combat mission on 4 November 2013 against [[March 23 Movement|M23 rebel]] positions and went on to perform extensive close-support and fires missions for [[MONUSCO]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wingrin |first=Dean |date=2013-11-05 |title=First ever combat for Rooivalk - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/first-ever-combat-for-rooivalk/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Recognising the risk to the fleet's long-term viability, South Africa's Denel Aeronautics and Turkey's [[Aselsan]] signed a collaboration agreement in 2023 to modernise the Rooivalk's avionics suite.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2023-07-27 |title=Denel and Aselsan further collaborate on Rooivalk modernisation - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/denel-and-aselsan-further-collaborate-on-rooivalk-modernisation/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The planned upgrade includes a new glass cockpit with larger [[Multi-function display|multifunction displays]], [[Moving map display|digital moving map]], upgraded [[Flight management system|flight-and mission-management]] systems, enhanced INS/GPS navigation, modern V/UHF and [[HF radio|HF radios]], an IFF Mode 5/S [[transponder]], improved electronic-warfare and self-protection systems, and an advanced long-range day/night electro-optical sight such as Aselsan's MEROPS. Complementing this, Denel is pursuing a broader mid-life upgrade centred on avionics, software, and incremental airframe improvements, with international export in mind. As part of this initiative, Denel has indicated the potential to restart Rooivalk production—manufacturing 50 to 100 new airframes if sufficient foreign orders are secured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2025-08-22 |title=Invigorated Denel pursuing new UAV, missile, and other projects - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/invigorated-denel-pursuing-new-uav-missile-and-other-projects/ |access-date=2025-11-21 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Oryx ====
The [[Atlas Oryx]] (derivative of the [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|SA 330 Puma]]), is a medium [[transport helicopter]] in the South African Air Force's fleet, principally used by [[15 Squadron SAAF|15]], [[17 Squadron SAAF|17]], [[19 Squadron SAAF|19]], and [[22 Squadron SAAF|22]] Squadrons. The 39‑strong fleet was modernised in a mid-life upgrade, under Project Drummer II, to extend service into the 2020s, featuring upgraded avionics, navigation systems, and self-protection systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2016-01-15 |title=Final four Oryx being upgraded as part of Project Drummer - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/final-four-oryx-being-upgraded-as-part-of-project-drummer/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The Oryx has been used for troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and humanitarian missions, both within South Africa, and in external deployments. Despite its age, it remains a core medium-lift utility helicopter for the SAAF, although funding shortfalls, and maintenance backlogs, regularly limit its operational availability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DefenceWeb |date=2025-10-31 |title=SAAF and Mountain Club of SA join forces for search and rescue training - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/saaf-and-mountain-club-of-sa-join-forces-for-search-and-rescue-training/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== AW109 ====
The [[AgustaWestland AW109]] Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) serves in a [[Utility helicopter|light-utility]] role with the South African Air Force, operated by 15, 17, and 19 Squadrons, as well as the [[87 Helicopter Flying School SAAF|87 Helicopter Flying School]]. About 30 aircraft were acquired under Project Flange, with 25 assembled in South Africa by Denel Aviation and the remaining five produced in [[Italy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-15 |title=Fact file: AgustaWestland A109M light utility helicopter - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-agustawestland-a109m-light-utility-helicopter/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The AW109 is employed for reconnaissance, liaison, medical evacuation, and command missions, and can also be configured for light-attack roles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/998/agustas-to-be-weaponised |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref> However, several airframes have been lost in accidents, including some severe incidents that resulted in temporary fleet groundings pending investigation. An option for a further ten aircraft was never exercised, and persistent maintenance and funding constraints have contributed to low serviceability rates and limited operational availability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wingrin |first=Dean |date=2014-12-01 |title=SAAF A109 LUHs grounded again? - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence-sa-defence/saaf-a109-luhs-grounded-again/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Kim Helfrich/Guy |date=2025-03-17 |title=Helicopter remains anyone? - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/helicopter-remains-anyone/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== BK 117 ====
The [[MBB/Kawasaki BK 117]] is part of the South African Air Force's light-utility helicopter fleet, primarily based with 15 Squadron. The eight-strong fleet is valued for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance, and is used in search and rescue, medical evacuation, liaison, and general utility missions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2024-11-18 |title=All SAAF rotary wing maintenance contracts underfunded - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/all-saaf-rotary-wing-maintenance-contracts-underfunded/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Its lightweight design, and straightforward systems, make it popular among pilots, especially in roles where the more complex A109 might be overkill, or less cost-effective. The BK117 can also be fitted with rocket pods to provide a light attack capability if required.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/16/bk-117 |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref>

==== Super Lynx ====
The [[Westland Super Lynx|Westland Super Lynx 300 Mk 64]] operates in a maritime role with 22 Squadron, embarked on the [[South African Navy]]'s [[Valour-class frigate|''Valour''-class frigates]]. The four-strong fleet is configured for [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW), reconnaissance, maritime patrol, and limited utility missions. They are equipped with radar, electro-optical targeting systems, self-protection systems, and can support hoisting, and under-slung load operations, making them a versatile asset for naval helicopter operations, and maritime security.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/46/super-helicopter-300 |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref><gallery mode="packed">
File:Rooivalk in flight (cropped).jpg|[[Denel Rooivalk|AH-2 Rooivalk]]
File:SAAF-Atlas Oryx-001 (cropped).jpg|[[Atlas Oryx]]
File:SAAF Agusta A109 4001 (6929039335).jpg|[[A109LUH|AW109]]
File:SAAF-15 Squadron-BK117-001.jpg|[[MBB/Kawasaki BK 117|BK 117]]
File:SAAF Super Lynx 300 Mk 64 192 (6777196416).jpg|[[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx]]
</gallery>

=== Training aircraft ===
The South African Air Force conducts pilot and aircrew training through a tiered system that progresses from basic flight instruction to advanced fast-jet, multi-engine, and helicopter qualifications. The SAAF operates a streamlined fleet of [[Fixed-wing aircraft|fixed-wing]] and [[Rotorcraft|rotary-wing]] trainers, combining aircraft, [[Flight simulator|simulators]], and squadron-level operational conversion to prepare pilots for frontline service.

==== Basic training ====
[[File:Astra Falcon 4.JPG|thumb|[[Pilatus PC-7|PC-7 Mk II Astra]]]]The [[Pilatus PC-7|Pilatus PC-7 Mk I]], introduced in the 1980s, served as the SAAF's primary [[Trainer aircraft|basic trainer]] for decades and, although still technically in the inventory, now remains in reserve and is seldom flown due to reduced pilot intakes and the transition to the Mk II; these airframes are retained for surge capacity or potential reactivation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/aircraft/12/pc-7-mk-ii-astra |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref> The [[Pilatus PC-7 Mk II Astra|PC-7 Mk II Astra]], introduced in 2010 through the upgrade of 35 Mk I airframes, is the current basic training aircraft operated by the [[Central Flying School SAAF|Central Flying School]] at AFB Langebaanweg, featuring modernised avionics and improved performance and forming the first stage of the pilot training pipeline before progression to the Hawk Mk 120.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=The South African Air Force |url=https://www.saairforce.co.za/recruitment/pilot-or-navigator/pilots |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=www.saairforce.co.za}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wingrin |first=Dean |date=2010-07-14 |title=SAAF receives first upgraded PC-7 MkII - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/saaf-receives-first-upgraded-pc-7-mkii/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Advanced fast-jet training ====
The [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk Mk 120]], operated by [[85 Combat Flying School SAAF|85 Combat Flying School]] at AFB Makhado, provides [[Advanced trainer|advanced jet training]] and [[lead-in fighter training]] (LIFT). It bridges the gap between turboprop training and the Gripen, preparing pilots in tactical flying, air-to-air manoeuvring, weapons employment, and operational procedures.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=defenceWeb |date=2025-11-03 |title=SAAF weapons camp underway - DefenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/saaf-weapons-camp-underway/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Operational conversion training ====
The dual-seat Gripen D serves as the [[Operational conversion unit|operational conversion]] platform for pilots transitioning from the Hawk to frontline Gripen C fighters. Though fully combat-capable, its primary role is to deliver final-stage fighter qualification, systems training, and combat readiness instruction.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" />

==== Rotary training ====
Helicopter pilot training in the SAAF is conducted internally rather than through a dedicated joint school:

* [[AgustaWestland AW109]] – Used for basic and intermediate helicopter training, including navigation, formation flying, and [[Night operations (military)|night operations]].
* [[Atlas Oryx]] – Provides advanced and multi-engine helicopter training, including trooping, hoisting, and [[air assault]] support skills.

This combined system enables the SAAF to prepare pilots for a wide range of operational environments—fighter, transport, and rotary—while maintaining a compact and efficient training fleet.<ref name=":9" />

===Retired===
Alongside its current inventory, the South African Air Force has retired a wide range of notable aircraft that once formed the backbone of its combat, transport, and training capabilities, and these aircraft were central to South Africa's air-combat, strike, reconnaissance, and transport capability throughout much of the Cold War and Border War era, forming the foundation upon which the SAAF's modern fleet was built.

For a list of all the aircraft the SAAF has retired over the years, see: [[List of aircraft of the South African Air Force#Historic aircraft no longer in service|''List of historic aircraft of the South African Air Force'']].<gallery mode="packed">
File:SAAF Cheetah C.jpg|[[Atlas Cheetah]]
File:SAAF Impala MKI 589 (6902821393).jpg|[[Aermacchi MB-326|Impala MK I]]
File:SAAF Mirage F1CZ 1979 (6122300843).jpg|[[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F1]]
File:1982-10 Shackleton 1717 c.jpg|[[Avro Shackleton]]
File:Boeing 707-328C(KC), South Africa - Air Force AN2081392.jpg|[[Boeing 707|Boeing KC-707]]
File:838 AMD Mirage 3 South African Air Force (7689990432).jpg|[[Dassault Mirage III|Mirage III]]
File:Super Frelons at Hell's Gate.jpg|[[Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon|Super Frelon]]
File:Buccaneer 418.jpg|[[Blackburn Buccaneer]]
File:SAAF Alouette III 626 (6896018479).jpg|[[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Alouette III]]
</gallery>

===Weapon systems===
{{Main|List of weapon systems of the South African Air Force}}

For weapon systems no longer in use, see: ''[[List of obsolete weapon systems of the South African Air Force]]''.

===Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing===
{{Main|South African Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing}}

The Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AFMDW) provides combat ready, integrated and deployable air support capabilities to the [[South African National Defence Force]]. The AFMDW consists of 18 Deployment Support Unit, Mobile Communications Unit, 140 Squadron and 142 Squadron, 500 Squadron and 501 Squadron.

===Reserves===
The Air Force Conventional Reserves are a pool of reserve posts 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.
The Air Force Territorial Reserve currently consists of nine squadrons of privately owned aircraft operated by reserve pilots on behalf of the SAAF who assist in light transport and observation roles.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.af.mil.za/reserves/reserves.htm | title=South African Air Force official website | work=Air Force Reserves | publisher=South African Air Force | access-date=13 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213001115/http://www.af.mil.za/reserves/reserves.htm | archive-date=13 February 2012 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Other establishments and units==
[[File:SAAF-Memorial-001.jpg|thumb|The South African Air Force Memorial]]
[[File:Pomnik ofiar katastrofy Liberatora w Kocinie.jpg|thumb|The South African Air Force Memorial in [[Kocina, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship|Kocina]], Poland]]
[[File:Tablica pamięci ofiar katastrofy Liberatora.jpg|thumb|The South African Air Force Memorial in Kocina, Poland]]
===Air Force Memorial===
{{Main|South African Air Force Memorial}}

The South African Air Force Memorial is a memorial to South African Air Force members who have died whilst in service of the South African Air Corps and the South African Air Force from 1915 to the present. The memorial is located at Swartkop outside [[Pretoria]].

===Air Force Museum===
{{Main|South African Air Force Museum}}

The South African Air Force Museum houses, exhibits and restores material related to the history of the South African Air Force. It is spread across three locations; [[AFB Swartkop]] outside [[Pretoria]], [[AFB Ysterplaat]] in [[Cape Town]] and at the [[Port Elizabeth]] airport. Swartkop is the largest of the three museum locations, occupying at least five hangars and contains a number of [[Atlas Cheetah]]s as well as a Cheetah C flight simulator.

===Silver Falcons===
{{Main|Silver Falcons}}

The Silver Falcons are the [[aerobatic]] display team of the South African Air Force and are based at Air Force Base [[AFB Langebaanweg|Langebaanweg]] near [[Cape Town]]. The Silver Falcons fly the [[Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer|Pilatus PC-7 Mk II Astra]], the basic trainer of the SA Air Force in a 5-ship routine. The main purpose is to enhance the image of the South African Air Force, encourage recruitment and instill national pride through public display.

=== Radar coverage ===
The South African Air Force operates several radar systems within the country's borders and can deploy radar systems internationally to support external South African operations such as during UN peacekeeping operations. The Air Force's radar equipment is also supplemented by radar equipment and data from the other branches of the [[South African National Defence Force]], the [[South African Weather Service]] and several civilian airport radars who cooperate with the Air Force to monitor air traffic.

Each air force base is equipped with air field radar approach systems (AFRAS) that monitors air traffic within the airfield's operational sector 24 hours per day. These systems include primary approach radars, precision approach radars, and secondary surveillance radar and display systems. These systems have a range of more than 120&nbsp;km. The AFRAS are maintained by [[Saab Group|Saab Grintek]] as well as Tellumat.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grintek wins South African Air Force AFRAS maintenance order|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/245/grintek-wins-south-african-air-force-afras-maintenance-order|publisher=saairforce.co.za|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502233905/http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/245/grintek-wins-south-african-air-force-afras-maintenance-order|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Air Force Base Overberg]] in the [[Western Cape]] is also equipped with a Doppler tracking radar and is used primarily by the [[Test Flight and Development Centre SAAF]] and the [[Denel Overberg Test Range]] for aircraft and missile development tests.<ref>{{cite web|title=Test Flight and Development Centre|url=http://www.af.mil.za/bases/afb_overberg/tfdc.htm|publisher=af.mil.za|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215010032/http://www.af.mil.za/bases/afb_overberg/TFDC.htm|archive-date=15 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the [[Western Cape]] there is a radar station at Kapteinskop, jointly used by [[Air Force Base Langebaanweg]] and [[Cape Town International Airport]] to monitor air traffic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/piketberg-fires-flare-up-again-1.260847?ot=inmsa.ArticlePrintPageLayout.ot|title=IOL – News for South Africa and the world|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213130844/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/piketberg-fires-flare-up-again-1.260847?ot=inmsa.ArticlePrintPageLayout.ot|archive-date=13 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Air Force Base Makhado]] has another radar station located in the mountains to the north of the main base complex apart from its AFRAS radar (located in the main base itself).<ref>{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Keith|url=http://www.af.mil.za/news/2009/071_2009.htm|title=Limpopo Air Force Base is also an Aero Technology Hub|publisher=Engineering News|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502234806/http://www.af.mil.za/news/2009/071_2009.htm|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Air Force maintains six Umlindi (Zulu: "Watchman") AR3D long-range early warning radar systems (British AR3D radar systems extensively upgraded by the South African company, Tellumat) which are operated by [[140 Squadron SAAF]] as part of the [[South African Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Engelbrecht|first1=Leon|title=Tellumat looking after Umlindi|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18360:tellumat-looking-after-umlindi-&catid=7:Industry&Itemid=116|website=DefenceWeb.co.za|date=25 August 2011 |publisher=DefenceWeb|access-date=2 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715015117/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18360:tellumat-looking-after-umlindi-&catid=7:Industry&Itemid=116|archive-date=15 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> There are two static radar stations located in [[Lephalale]] (Ellisras) and Mariepskop, near [[Air Force Base Hoedspruit]]. The other systems are mobile and can be deployed to any part of the country to support operations with the use of 20-ton 8x8 MAN trucks. Each of these systems has a range of 500&nbsp;km but can only track aircraft flying above 700 metres. The static radars are usually linked to two Air Force sector control centres (SCC), the Lowveld Airspace Control Sector and the Bushveld Airspace Control Sector, while the mobile radar have their own mobile sector control centres (MSCC).<ref name="Engineering News Radar">{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Keith|title=SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing core to air defence and peacekeeping missions|url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/saaf-mobile-deployment-wing-core-to-air-defence-and-peacekeeping-missions-2012-04-13|publisher=Engineering News|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704074557/http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/saaf-mobile-deployment-wing-core-to-air-defence-and-peacekeeping-missions-2012-04-13|archive-date=4 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

To mitigate this lack of low-level radar coverage, the Air Force also operates four Plessey Tactical Mobile Radar (TMR) systems (in service with [[142 Squadron SAAF]]). These systems can cover altitudes below 700&nbsp;metres, but they have a shorter range than the Umlindi systems, at 150&nbsp;km. The deployment of these systems require the use of a MAN 8×8 truck (one per system), one or two light vehicles for command and control purposes, a water tanker, a diesel bowser and a technical workshop vehicle. These systems can operate 24 hours a day with less than 20 personnel (including personnel from other AFMDW units like the Mobile Communications Unit and 501 Squadron).<ref name="Engineering News Radar" />

The South African Air Force's [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]] fighter aircraft are also equipped with [[PS-05/A]] [[pulse-doppler]] [[X-band]] multi-mode [[radar]], developed by [[Ericsson]] and [[GEC-Marconi]]. This all-weather radar system is capable of locating and identifying air targets 120&nbsp;km away and surface targets 70&nbsp;km away. It is also able to automatically track multiple targets in the upper and lower spheres, on the ground and sea or in the air. It can guide several beyond visual range air-to-air missiles to multiple targets simultaneously (although the Air Force still lacks modern beyond visual range missile capability).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Radar-and-Electronic-Warfare-Systems/PS-05-A-multimode-radar-Sweden.html|title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS|access-date=24 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l-DzknmTgDUC&q=ps-05%2Fa%2C+weight&pg=PA200|title=The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems, 1997–1998|isbn=9781557502681|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320085009/http://books.google.com/books?id=l-DzknmTgDUC&pg=PA200&lpg=PA200&dq=ps-05%2Fa%2C+weight&source=bl&ots=2reSGUpaLi&sig=5cJk3n5Q4xiUvWuZn2o1uJtzUlk&hl=en&ei=xHJ7SrSlLZLwMfq-sOUC&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9#v=onepage&q=ps-05%2Fa%2C%20weight&f=false|archive-date=20 March 2015|url-status=live|last1=Friedman|first1=Norman|year=1997|publisher=Naval Institute Press }}</ref> When deployed operationally on combat missions and air patrols the aircraft can link their systems to the [[South African National Defence Force]]'s digital network protocol, [[Link-ZA]], to share data with other radar systems to help create a wider picture as to the situation in the air and on the ground in order to rapidly adapt to a change in short term situations.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wingrin|first=Dean|title=The SAAF, the World Cup and Gripen|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/863/the-saaf-the-world-cup-and-gripen|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502234020/http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/863/the-saaf-the-world-cup-and-gripen|archive-date=2 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other branches of the South African National Defence Force also operate several radar systems that can assist the South African Air Force. The [[South African Navy]] uses four [[Valour-class frigate]]s, each of which is equipped with the Thales Naval France MRR-3D NG G-band multi-role surveillance/self-defence radar that can detect low and medium-level targets at ranges of up to 140&nbsp;km and in long-range 3D air surveillance mode targets up to 180&nbsp;km. In the self-defence mode, it can detect and track any threat within a radius of 60&nbsp;km. These Frigates can link their data systems to the Link-ZA system to help create a broader picture for the armed forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/valour.htm|title=Valour-class Frigates|work=navy.mil.za|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717004926/http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/valour.htm|archive-date=17 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[South African Army]] also operates several Reutech Radar Systems (RRS) ESR220 Thutlhwa (Kameelperd/Giraffe) Mobile Battery Fire Control Post Systems. These NATO D-Band radars have a range of 120&nbsp;km and can also be linked to Link-ZA to assist air force operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9071:sa-army-a-small-steps-closer-to-gbads-ii&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105|title=SA Army a small steps closer to GBADS II – defenceWeb|first=Leon|last=Engelbrecht|work=defenceweb.co.za|date=26 July 2010 |access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107092540/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9071:sa-army-a-small-steps-closer-to-gbads-ii&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Civilian airport radars in all nine provinces as well as the network of [[South African Weather Service]] radars can also share their radar data with the South African Air Force. According to the South African Weather Service, the South African Air Force has access to raw data from their ten long range fixed system Doppler (S-Band) and two short range mobile (X-Band) meteorological radars, and the interpreted information can be used for aviation and defence purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31756|title=Hi-tech radar network lands in SA|first=Jacob|last=Nthoiwa|work=itweb.co.za|date=31 March 2010 |access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107154936/http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31756|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.weathersa.co.za/web/images/PDF_docs/SAWS-Corporate-Profile-2012-13.pdf |title=Forecast |access-date=2 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503022230/http://www.weathersa.co.za/web/images/PDF_docs/SAWS-Corporate-Profile-2012-13.pdf |archive-date=3 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Training areas==

===Ditholo Training Area===
Situated 66&nbsp;km north of Pretoria, Ditholo Training Area used to house Air Defence Artillery Group until 1992. The 3300 hectare property is used primarily for gravel runway training, radar tracking, and aerial cargo drop exercises such as LAPES. Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) is a tactical military airlift delivery method where a fixed wing cargo aircraft can deposit supplies when landing is not an option in an area that is too small to accurately parachute supplies from a high altitude.

Other training include: Search and rescue exercises, basic training, VIP protection, candidate officer training, task force training and escape and evasion training.

Due to its unique ecology, Ditholo is also a registered nature reserve, being one of the few remaining portions of Kalahari plains thornveld in existence. As of 2013, Ditholo is run jointly with the Gauteng Provincial Government as part of the Dinokeng Biosphere Reserve. As of 24 May 2014 it houses more than 340 species of birds and large mammal species such as giraffe, lion, zebra, tsessebe, blue wildebeest, kudu and waterbuck.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/bases/5/air-force-base-waterkloof|title=The South African Air Force|last=Wingrin|first=Dean|website=saairforce.co.za|access-date=2016-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322152739/http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/bases/5/air-force-base-waterkloof|archive-date=22 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/waterkloofairforceba/%5B%5D|title=Waterkloof Air Force Base|website=Airforce Technology|access-date=2016-10-26}}</ref>

===The Roodewal Weapons Range===
Situated in the [[Limpopo Province]], roughly halfway between Polokwane (previously Pietersburg) and AFB Makhado, near the town of Louis Trichardt. This property is used for air superiority training. Buffering the range is the Corbadraai Nature Reserve.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32385:saaf-struts-it-stuff-in-style-at-air-capability-demonstration&catid=111:sa-defence|title=SAAF struts it stuff in style at Air Capability Demonstration {{!}} defenceWeb|last=Helfrich|first=Kim|website=www.defenceweb.co.za|date=25 October 2013 |access-date=2016-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225220/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32385:saaf-struts-it-stuff-in-style-at-air-capability-demonstration&catid=111:sa-defence|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.af.mil.za/news/2006/071.htm|title=AFB Makhado hosts Air Power Capability Demonstration at Roodewal|website=af.mil.za|access-date=2016-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011550/http://www.af.mil.za/news/2006/071.htm|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Temporary Air Base Upington===
Activated only for large scale exercises in the Northern Cape.

===Dragons Peak Drakensberg===
In 1985 a satellite base at Dragons Peak, in the Drakensberg was established in order to conduct helicopter mountain flying training.

===Vastrap===
Vastrap (Afrikaans: "stand firm") is a small military airfield situated in the Kalahari Desert north east of Upington inside a 700 square kilometre weapons test range of the same name[1] belonging to the South African National Defence Force. It was constructed to allow the SAAF to practice tactical bombing operations, and for aircraft to service the ARMSCOR's defunct underground nuclear weapon test site.

===Environmental management===

[[File:SAAF environmental services emblem.svg|thumb|SAAF environmental services]]
 
The SAAF's training areas and bases are home to many species of fauna and flora as well as, in some instances, buildings and other structures of historical and cultural value. The Environmental Services sub-department in the SANDF Logistics Division has the overall task of ensuring proper environmental practices are in place not only on training grounds but also at bases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.af.mil.za/ecopages/environmental.html|title=SAAF ECO pages|website=af.mil.za|access-date=2016-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011520/http://www.af.mil.za/ecopages/environmental.html|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dfac.mil.za/publications/newsletters/Equus-June%202004.pdf|title=Equus June 2004|publisher=DOD Environmental Services|access-date=2016-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073500/http://www.dfac.mil.za/publications/newsletters/Equus-June%202004.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33161:top-honours-for-the-saaf-at-dod-environmental-awards&catid=111:sa-defence|title=Top honours for the SAAF at DoD environmental awards {{!}} defenceWeb|last=Helfrich|first=Kim|website=www.defenceweb.co.za|date=9 January 2014 |access-date=2016-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225247/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33161:top-honours-for-the-saaf-at-dod-environmental-awards&catid=111:sa-defence|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

The following specific management is practiced:

* Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) aims to enhance long term, effective training by implementing management practices for land and aerial ranges to ensure their continued use and minimised environmental damage.
* Base Environmental Management (BEM) system proper management of buildings, responsible water and energy use, integrated waste management as well as ensuring cultural and historical resources are properly maintained.
* Environment for Operations (ECOps) aims to ensure adverse effects of military activities on the general environment are avoided or mitigated throughout any specific operations.

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. "Annals of the Gauntlet". ''Air Enthusiast Quarterly'', No. 2, n.d., pp.&nbsp;163–176. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
* Spring, Ivan. "Springbok Jet Age: The Gloster Meteor III in SAAF service". ''Air Enthusiast'', No. 55, Autumn 1994, pp.&nbsp;8–12. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|South African Air Force}}
*[http://www.af.mil.za/ Official South African Air Force website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705093318/http://www.af.mil.za/ |date=5 July 2020 }} (website currently inactive)
*[http://www.saairforce.co.za/ Unofficial South African Air Force website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20141006114443/http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Country-By-Country/South_Africa.htm SAAF ejection seat history]

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[[Category:South African Air Force| ]]
[[Category:1920 establishments in South Africa]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1920]]