View source for South African Navy

{{short description|Branch of the South African National Defence Force}}
{{Use South African English|date=May 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = South African Navy
| native_name = {{langx|af|Suid-Afrikaanse Vloot}}
| image = Emblem of the South African Navy.svg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = 
| start_date = 1st April {{start date and age|1922}}
| country = {{flag|South Africa}}
| allegiance = 
| branch = 
| type = [[Navy]]
| role = [[Naval warfare]]
| size = {{plainlist|
* 6,816 active personnel
* 1,071 reserve personnel
}}
| command_structure = {{Armed forces|South Africa|name=South African NDF}}
| garrison = [[SAS Saldanha|Saldanha Bay]], [[Simon's Town]], [[Western Cape]], South Africa
| garrison_label = 
| nickname = 
| patron = 
| motto = 
| colors = Green and white
| colors_label = 
| march = 
| mascot = 
| equipment = [[List of active South African Navy ships|See list]]
| equipment_label = Fleet
| battles = 
| anniversaries = 
| decorations = 
| battle_honours = <!-- Commanders -->
| website = http://www.navy.mil.za
| commander1 = [[President of South Africa|President]] [[Cyril Ramaphosa]]
| commander1_label = [[Commander-in-chief]]
| commander2 = [[General officer|General]] [[Rudzani Maphwanya]]
| commander2_label = [[Chief of the South African National Defence Force|Chief of the SANDF]]
| commander3 = [[Vice Admiral]] [[Monde Lobese]]
| commander3_label = Chief of the Navy
| commander4 = Senior Chief Warrant Officer [[Matee Molefe]]<ref name="NewMaster2018">{{cite web | url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50575:new-master-at-arms-for-the-navy&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242 | title=New Master-At-Arms for the Navy | publisher=Defenceweb | date=2 February 2018 | access-date=5 February 2018 | author=Wingrin, Dean | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204111623/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50575:new-master-at-arms-for-the-navy&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242 | archive-date=4 February 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| commander4_label = [[Master at Arms of the Navy]]
| notable_commanders = [[Admiral]] [[Hugo Biermann]],
[[Vice Admiral]] [[Refiloe Johannes Mudimu]]
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol = [[File:Naval Ensign of South Africa.svg|150px|border]]
| identification_symbol_label = [[South African Naval Ensign|Ensign]]
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Flag of South Africa.svg|150px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Jack
}}

The '''South African Navy (SA Navy)''' is the [[naval warfare]] branch of the [[South African National Defence Force]].

The Navy is primarily engaged in maintaining a conventional military deterrent, participating in counter-piracy operations, fishery protection, search and rescue, and upholding maritime law enforcement for the benefit of South Africa and its international partners.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Role of the SA Navy |page =3|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/role/page3.htm#02|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.navy.mil.za|archive-date=23 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523231438/http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/role/page3.htm#02|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-11-04|title=Fact file: The SA Navy's mandate|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/fact-file-the-sa-navys-mandate/|access-date=2020-10-01|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Today the South African Navy is one of the most capable naval forces in the African region, operating a mixed force of sophisticated warships, submarines, patrol craft, and auxiliary vessels, with over 7,000 personnel; including a marine force.

With formerly deep historical and political connections to the [[United Kingdom]], the first emergence of a naval organisation was the creation of the South African Division of the British [[Royal Naval Reserve|Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve]] in 1913, before becoming an nominally independent naval service for the [[Union of South Africa]] in 1922.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Potgieter|first=T. D.|date=2000|title=Maritime defence and the South African Navy to the cancellation of the Simon's Town agreement|url=https://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/173|journal=Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies|language=en|volume=30|issue=2|doi=10.5787/30-2-173|issn=2224-0020|doi-access=free}}</ref>

In its history, South African naval vessels and personnel have participated in the [[World War I|First]] and [[World War II|Second World Wars]], as well as the [[South African Border War]]. In the [[apartheid]] post-war era, the South African Navy was extensively aligned with [[NATO]] and other Western nations against the [[Eastern Bloc|Soviet Bloc]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Heitman, Helmoed-Römer.|title=South African war machine|date=1985|publisher=Galago|isbn=0-946995-80-X|location=Bromley|oclc=122701325}}</ref>

==History==

=== Beginnings ===
Officially, the South African Navy can trace its origins back to the creation of the South African Naval Service on 1 April 1922. Unofficially, however, the Navy has an unbroken association with the Natal Naval Volunteers, formed in [[Durban]] on 30 April 1885, and the Cape Naval Volunteers, formed in [[Cape Town]] in 1905.<ref name=":0" /> On 1 July 1913, following the [[South Africa Act 1909|creation of the Union of South Africa]] in 1910,<ref>{{Cite web|title=South Africa Act {{!}} South Africa [1909]|url=https://www.britannica.com/event/South-Africa-Act|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> the South African Division of the [[Royal Naval Reserve|Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve]] (RNVR[SA]) was established, although with complete organisational and operational control being directed by the [[Royal Navy]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=History of the SA Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/history/index.htm|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.navy.mil.za}}</ref>

=== First World War ===
[[File:HMSAS Immortelle.jpg|thumb|right|SAS ''Immortelle,'' circa 1935]] [[Dominion|As part of the British Empire]], South Africa went to war against the [[Central Powers]] on 4 August 1914,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Stevenson |first=D. |title=1914-1918 : the history of the First World War|date=2005|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-0-14-190434-4|location=London|oclc=688607944}}</ref> despite significant [[Maritz rebellion|Afrikaner opposition]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|last=Steyn, Richard|title=Jan Smuts: unafraid of greatness|year=2015|isbn=978-1-86842-694-2|location=Johannesburg|publisher=Jonathan Ball Publishers|oclc=930862265}}</ref> A total of 412 South Africans served in the RNVR[SA] during the war, with 164 members volunteering for the Royal Navy directly.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Wessels|first=Andre|date=30 July 2009|title=The South African Navy and its Predecessors, 1910–2010: A Century of Interaction with Commonwealth Navies|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Wessels_-_South_African_Navy_25_May_2009.pdf}}</ref> One officer and eight ratings died during the course of the war.<ref name=":4" />  South Africans would see service on warships in European waters and the Mediterranean, as well as participate in the land campaigns in [[South West Africa campaign|German South West Africa]] and [[East African campaign (World War I)|German East Africa]]. Under Royal Navy jurisdiction, the RNVR (SA) patrolled South African waters in converted fishing vessels, helping in mine clearance in response to the operations of the German raider {{SMS|Wolf|1916|6}} in 1917,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-09-14|title=SMS Wolf – German Raider|url=https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-themes/world-war-one/hilfskreuzer-wolf/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Schmalenbach |first=Paul|title=German raiders : a history of auxiliary cruisers of the German Navy, 1895-1945|date=1979|publisher=Naval Institute Press|isbn=0-87021-824-7|location=Annapolis, Md.|oclc=6530715}}</ref> as well as protecting the strategically important Royal Navy naval base at [[Naval Base Simon's Town|Simon's Town.]]

=== Interwar ===
On 1 April 1922, the South African Naval Service (SANS) was formed and, alongside the RNVR (SA), tasked with the protection of territorial waters, minesweeping and hydrography.<ref name=":4" /> In the same year, the SANS commissioned the small [[Hydrographic survey|hydrographic]] [[survey ship]] HMSAS (His/Her Majesty's South African Ship) ''[[HMSAS Protea (1922)|Protea]]'', two minesweeping converted trawlers HMSAS ''Immortelle'' and HMSAS ''Sonneblom'', and the training ship ''General Botha'' (the former 19th century cruiser [[HMS Thames (1885)|HMS ''Thames'')]] – all formerly in Royal Navy service. As a result of the [[Great Depression in South Africa|Great Depression]] in 1929, coupled with lack of government investment, the SANS by 1939 had been forced to return all vessels to the Royal Navy.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last=Colledge, J. J.|title=Ships of the Royal Navy|date=1987–1989|publisher=Naval Institute Press|isbn=0-87021-652-X|location=Annapolis, Md.|oclc=17457850}}</ref> At the outbreak of the [[World War II|Second World War]], the service had only three officers and three ratings in its ranks.<ref name=":0" />

=== Second World War ===
The British declaration of war against Germany on 3 September 1939 threw South Africa into a constitutional dilemma due to her status as an autonomous [[Dominion]] within the Commonwealth. [[J. B. M. Hertzog|Prime Minister J.B.M. Hertzog]] and other anti-British factions of the coalition [[United Party (South Africa)|United Party]] called for strict neutrality, whilst the more anglophile Deputy Prime Minister [[Jan Smuts]] advocated that South Africa was constitutionality, and morally, obliged to support Britain and fight fascism.<ref name=":3" /> Two days later, after a close parliamentary vote of 80 to 67 in favour of Smuts, South Africa followed Britain and declared war on Germany.<ref name=":3" />

During October 1939, [[Guy Hallifax|Rear-Admiral Guy Halifax]], a retired Royal Navy officer living in South Africa, was appointed Director of the South African Naval Service, later renamed [[Seaward Defence Force]] (SDF) in January 1940.<ref name="frd-4">{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/southafricacount00byrn|title=South Africa: a country study|publisher=Federal Research Division, [[Library of Congress]]|year=1997|isbn=0-8444-0796-8|chapter=5 – National Security|access-date=28 February 2012|url-access=registration}}</ref> Overseeing a large industrial program of converting civilian [[Whaling ship|whalers]] and [[fishing trawler]]s into military vessels, despite being highly primitive, over 80 such craft would go on to be the backbone of the South African naval forces.

In South African waters, the SDF, in partnership with the Royal Navy, ensured maritime control around the strategic [[Cape Route|Cape Sea route]] and was primarily involved in coastal patrol, mine clearance, and significant anti-submarine operations between 1942 and 1945 due to a sustained [[U-boat]] offensive, with over 100 merchant ships being sunk off the South African coast.[[File:The Royal Navy during the Second World War A4606.jpg|thumb|Members of the South African Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve serving on board {{HMS|Nelson|28|6}} during the Second World War]]South African naval vessels similarly contributed to the [[Mediterranean and Middle East theatre of World War II|Mediterranean theatre]],<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Wessels|first=Andre|date=December 1994|title=The first two years of war: the development of the Union Defence Forces|journal=Journal for Contemporary History}}</ref> and later the [[South-East Asian theatre of World War II|Far East]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal|last=Wessels|first=Andre|date=June 1996|title=South Africa and the war against Japan 1941–1945|journal=Journal for Contemporary History}}</ref> From 1941, South Africa assisted in escorting convoys along the North African coast, including the resupply and eventual evacuation of [[Tobruk]], embarked on mine clearance operations, successfully engaged enemy submarines and undertook harbour salvage tasks. In 1942, a unified national naval service emerged following the successful amalgamation of the SDF and RNVR(SA), creating the South African Naval Forces (SANF).<ref name=":2" /> As the war came to its end, South Africa received its first purpose-built warships, three {{sclass2|Loch|frigate|0}} frigates from the Royal Navy.<ref name=":5" /> Deployed to the Far East under British command, South Africa later contributed to operations to liberate Japanese held territory.<ref name=":6" />

In total, over 10,000 service personnel volunteered for service in the SANF, and its predecessors, with 324 losing their lives and 26 battle honours gained.<ref name=":4" />

=== Post war ===

A year after the end of hostilities, on 1 May 1946 South African Naval Forces were reconstituted as part of the [[Union Defence Force (South Africa)|Union Defence Force]] before undertaking its final name change in July 1951, when the SANF officially became known as the South African Navy.<ref name=":1" /> The year 1948 was a turning point, not only for South Africa as a country following the [[1948 South African general election|National Party's electoral victory]], but also the direction of the Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Book 4: Industrialisation, Rural Change and Nationalism – Chapter 3 – Afrikaner Nationalism in the 1930s and 1940s by Albert Grundlingh {{!}} South African History Online|url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/archive/book-4-industrialisation-rural-change-and-nationalism-chapter-3-afrikaner-nationalism-1930s|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.sahistory.org.za}}</ref> British influence became increasingly diminished and curtailed across the service. In 1952, the previously used [[ship prefix]] of HMSAS (His/Her Majesty's South African Ship) changed to just SAS (South African Ship),<ref>{{citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xs8qAQAAIAAJ&dq=%22HMSAS%22+%22South+African+Ship%22&pg=RA10-PA12 |title=Militaria: periodical for military history |volume=10–11 |publisher=Director General Personnel |date=1980 |page=12}}</ref> in 1957, the Royal Navy [[Simonstown Agreement|transferred control]] of Simon's Town naval base to the SA Navy after 70 years of occupancy and later, in 1959, the [[St Edward's Crown]], which had featured in the Navy cap badge and other insignia, was replaced by the Lion of Nassau from South Africa's coat of arms.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=South African Navy – Unlikely Ambassadors|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/history/ambassadors.htm|access-date=2020-09-30|website=navy.mil.za|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108194004/http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/history/ambassadors.htm|archive-date=8 November 2007}}</ref>

[[File:HMS Wessex.jpg|thumb|HMS ''Wessex'', seen in 1944, became {{SAS|Jan van Riebeeck}} in 1950]]

In the immediate post-war years the South African Navy underwent significant levels of qualitative, and quantitative, expansion as the Royal Navy disposed of its surplus war materiel.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal|last=Baker|first=Deane-Peter|date=2012|title=The South African Navy and African Maritime Security|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26397290|journal=Naval War College Review|volume=65|issue=2|pages=145–166|jstor=26397290}}</ref> In 1947, two surplus {{sclass|Algerine|minesweeper|1}}s, were acquired from the United Kingdom, {{HMSAS|Bloemfontein}} (ex ''Rosamund'') and {{HMSAS|Pietermaritzburg}} (ex HMS ''Pelorus''), as well as the {{sclass2|Flower|corvette|1}} HMS ''Rockrose'' which was converted into the hydrographic survey ship {{HMSAS|Protea|1947|6}}. In 1950, South Africa further expanded her naval capability and purchased the first of two former British [[W and Z-class destroyer|W-class]] destroyers, {{SAS|Jan van Riebeeck}}, in 1952 {{SAS|Simon van der Stel}},<ref name=":9">{{Cite book|last=Du Toit |first=Allan|title=South Africaʼs fighting ships: past and present|date=1992|publisher=Ashanti Pub|isbn=1-874800-50-2|location=Rivonia|oclc=28233391}}</ref> and later, the [[Type 15 frigate|Type 15]] anti-submarine frigate {{SAS|Vrystaat}} (formerly HMS ''Wrangler'').<ref>{{Cite book|last=English |first=John I.|title=Obdurate to Daring : British fleet destroyers 1941–1945|date=2008|publisher=World Ship Society|isbn=978-0-9560769-0-8|location=Windsor|oclc=836982554}}</ref>

By the early 1960s, the South African Navy was fast reaching its highpoint of international inclusion and is generally considered to be the golden age of a well balanced, modern, and effective service optimised for conventional naval engagement alongside friendly Western international partners.<ref name=":8" />

From 1962 to 1964, the South African Navy received three British-built [[Rothesay-class frigate|Type 12M frigates]] which formed the President-class : {{SAS|President Kruger}}, {{SAS|President Steyn}} and {{SAS|President Pretorius}} respectively.<ref name=":9"/> These were first rate, ocean going fast fleet anti-submarine escorts that propelled the South African Navy into the age of a modern warship operator on equal footing with the West.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bennett |first=Chris|title=Three frigates: President Class frigates bring the SA Navy to maturity|date=2006|publisher=Just Done Productions Pub|isbn=978-1-920169-02-2|location=Durban|oclc=85497021}}</ref>{{page needed|date=December 2023}} The order of three {{sclass|Daphné|submarine|1}} from France in 1968<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|date=2008-12-15|title=SAS Assegaai to be preserved as museum|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/sas-assegaai-to-be-preserved-as-museum/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>—to operate submarines for the first time—again catapulted the service further. The early 1970s would see the South African Navy operating at the height of its [[Blue-water navy|blue-water power]] projection ability with the first of the Daphné-class submarines, {{SAS|Maria van Riebeeck}}, being commissioned in 1970, with {{SAS|Emily Hobhouse}} and {{SAS|Johanna van der Merwe}} entering service the following year.<ref name=":10" />

The second half of the 1970s however saw South Africa facing severe amounts of [[Anti-Apartheid Movement|international isolation and criticism]]. In 1973 the UN labelled the policy of apartheid a "Crime against Humanity",<ref>{{Cite web|title=1973 UN Convention on Apartheid as a Crime Against Humanity|url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/1973-un-convention-on-apartheid-as-a-crime-against|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.politicsweb.co.za}}</ref> magnified further by the brutal state repression and subsequent mass incarcerations and deaths following the [[Soweto uprising]] in 1976<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|title=The Soweto Uprising|url=https://www.britannica.com/story/the-soweto-uprising|access-date=2020-09-30|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref> and the death of prominent anti-apartheid activist [[Steve Biko]] in 1977.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mangcu |first=Xolela|title=Biko: a life.|date= 2013 |isbn=978-0-85772-277-5|location=London|publisher=I.B. Tauris|oclc=867081392}}</ref> The following year a [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 418|UN arms embargo]], loosely in place since 1962, became mandatory.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Security Council Resolution 418|url=http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/418|access-date=2020-09-30|website=unscr.com}}</ref> The ensuing international economic [[disinvestment]] from South Africa was stepped up, placing huge strains on the economy. Coupled with these severe problems, the cornerstones of the country's regional foreign policy faced collapse and complete transformation with the end of [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese rule]] in Angola and Mozambique in 1975,<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Abbott |first1=Peter|title=Modern African wars |last2=Botham |first2=Philip |last3=Rodrigues |first3=Manuel Ribeiro |last4=Heitman |first4=H.-R. |last5=Chappell |first5=Mike |last6=Volstad |first6=Ron |date=15 June 1986 |isbn=0-85045-728-9|location=London|oclc=15260394}}</ref> and the [[Internal Settlement|negotiated settlement]] in [[Ian Smith]]'s [[Rhodesia]] to the end of white minority rule in 1979.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=January 1980|title=Report Of The Special Committee On The Situation With Regard To The Implementation Of The Declaration On The Granting Of Independence To Colonial Countries And Peoples.|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/al.sff.document.puun1980001vol2|journal=United Nations General Assembly|volume=2}}</ref> As South Africa became increasingly involved in the [[South African Border War|Border War]] in [[South West Africa]] (modern day [[Namibia]]) and Angola, the Navy began to readjust its previous international outlook and organisation. The then Minister of Defence, [[P. W. Botha]] successfully sought military connections with [[Israel]] and nine "Reshef"—{{sclass2|Warrior|strike craft|0}} in South African service—missile strike craft were ordered in 1974.<ref name=":9" /> Following the [[Soweto uprising]] and subsequent [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 418|mandatory arms embargo]], South Africa had been forced to accept the cancellation of another significant naval procurement of two new [[Drummond-class corvette|Type-69A light frigates]] and two {{sclass|Agosta|submarine|1}}s from France.<ref name=":11">{{Cite journal|last=Wessels|first=Andre|date=December 2006|title=The South African Navy during the years of conflict in southern Africa, 1966-1989|url=https://journals.co.za/content/contemp/31/3/EJC28400|journal=Journal for Contemporary History|volume=32|issue=3|pages=283–303}}</ref>

In 1987, South Africa commissioned the locally designed and built [[Fleet replenishment oiler|Fleet Replenishment]] ship {{SAS|Drakensberg}}. Constructed in [[Durban]], it remains the largest and most sophisticated warship to ever have built in South Africa. Three years earlier, the Navy's other support ship, {{SAS|Tafelberg}}, had undergone a refit that greatly increased her [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious]] capabilities. A real boost for the Navy's influence, ''Tafelberg'' could deploy a company strength landing force, six landing craft, two medium helicopters and be equipped with a small hospital.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":8" /> Throughout the decade, the South African Navy continued to participate in the [[South African Border War|Border War]] and coastal protection. For 23 years (1976–1989) the South African Navy maintained determined [[sea control]] around Southern Africa and provided valuable support to land operations.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Steenkamp |first=Willem|title=Borderstrike! : South Africa into Angola 1975-1980|date=2006|publisher=Just Done Productions|isbn=1-920169-00-8|edition=3rd|location=Durban, Pretoria|oclc=774843141}}</ref> By the end of the 1980s, as white minority rule was coming to a [[Negotiations to end apartheid in South Africa|negotiated end]], the Navy had lost all of its major surface warships, had a drastically reduced anti-submarine/anti-aircraft capability across the board, and almost complete international isolation.<ref name=":4" /> As South Africa disentangled itself from external and internal security operations, the [[South African Defence Force]] underwent severe budgetary cuts. The Navy endured a reduction of personnel by 23%,<ref name=":8" /> the disbandment of the Marines, the closure of two Naval Commands (Naval Command East and Naval Command West), two Naval Bases at [[Cape Town]] and [[Walvis Bay]], and the termination of the relatively advanced program to domestically build replacement submarines.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bennett |first=Chris |title=South African naval events : day-by-day, 1488 to 2009|date=2011|publisher=Naval Heritage Trust|isbn=978-0-620-43014-2|location=Simon's Town, South Africa|oclc=730229500}}</ref> A positive for the Navy during this period however was the acquisition of the multipurpose sealift/replenishment ship {{SAS|Outeniqua}}, a former Soviet-built Arctic supply vessel, in September 1992 as a replacement for the 35-year-old ''Tafelberg''.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Jane's fighting ships, 2004-2005|date=2004|publisher=Jane's Information Group|editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen|isbn=0-7106-2623-1|edition=107th|location=Coulsdon, Surrey, UK|oclc=56023988}}</ref>

Despite the austere cutbacks, the Navy was leading the way for a South Africa that was slowly being welcomed back into the international community, even before the [[1994 South African general election|landmark elections of 1994]]. In 1990, the survey vessel {{SAS|Protea}} became the first South African naval vessel to visit Europe since 1972, and in the same year {{SAS|Drakensberg}} and two {{sclass2|Warrior|strike craft|1}}, {{SAS|Jan Smuts}} and {{SAS|Hendrik Mentz}}, sailed for [[Taiwan]] in what would be the first time South African vessels had been in the Far East since 1945. Other international visits in the following years included Zaire, Kenya, Bangladesh, Turkey, France, Portugal, and Uruguay.<ref name=":4" /> As the "[[Rainbow nation]]" was lauded following the ANC victory in the first free democratic elections in 1994, one of the starkest symbols of this new era was the explosion of foreign warships and dignitaries visiting South African ports, often from countries that did not have a previous connection, such as Russia, Poland and Japan.<ref name=":7" /> In 1994, 21 foreign vessels from eight countries called at South African ports, with 26 visits from 12 countries in 1995, and 27 from ten countries in 1996. In 1997 the navy celebrated 75 years, with 15 countries sending ships for the festivities.

The acute need to re-equip the navy, including the wider Armed Forces after the lifting of apartheid-era sanctions, was addressed by the Strategic Defence Package of 1999.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Williams|first=Rocky|date=2004|title=National defence reform and the African Union|url=https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/SIPRIYB0407.pdf|journal=SIPRI Yearbook: Armaments, Disarmament and International Security. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|pages=237}}</ref> Better known as the infamous "[[South African Arms Deal|Arms Deal]]", the acquisitions in the package, and those persons involved, have been repeatedly subject to substantive allegations of corruption, fraud and bribery.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Feinstein|first=Andrew|date=2007-01-10|title=Bright hopes betrayed|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/jan/10/somethingisrotten|access-date=2020-09-30|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> A total of R30 billion (US$4.8 billion in 1999) was pledged to the purchase of modern military equipment. For the navy, its share led to a total transformation from a "brown-water" force of ageing missile patrol craft and short-range submarines, to a force with significant [[Green-water navy|"green-water"]] combat capability once again.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hill|first=Liezel|title=SA navy to have all new corvettes and submarines by 2007|url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/sa-navy-to-have-all-new-corvettes-and-submarines-by-2007-2005-11-23/rep_id:4136|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.engineeringnews.co.za|language=en}}</ref> In 2001, with an initial request of five vessels, later reduced to four, the German [[MEKO 200|Meko A200SAN]] general purpose frigate design was procured, along with four British [[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx]] naval helicopters, and three German [[Type 209 submarine|Type 209/1400]] diesel-powered submarines. Also under construction from 1991 were three locally built [[T Craft-class patrol vessel|T-Craft]] inshore patrol boats.<ref name=":8" /> As South Africa approached the millennium, and beyond, the [[Government of South Africa|ANC government]] gradually returned the Navy to a level of maritime power last seen in the 1960s and 1970s, and successfully reintegrated the service back into maritime operations with regional and international partners.<ref name=":4" />

==South African Navy==
[[File:SAS Isandlwana F146 V&A Waterfront 2.jpg|thumb|right|{{SAS|Isandlwana|F146|6}} docked at the [[Victoria & Alfred Waterfront|V&A Waterfront]], [[Cape Town]]]]

=== Surface fleet ===
Commissioned into service from 2006, at a total cost of R9.65 billion, the four Meko A200SANs, the {{sclass2|Valour|frigate|4}} in South African service, became "easily the most powerful surface combatants in sub-Saharan Africa, and...restored South African naval pre-eminence."<ref>{{Cite web|title=South Africa Boosts Naval Capabilities: But can it afford an expansion? {{!}} Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses|url=https://idsa.in/idsacomments/south-africa-boosts-naval-capabilities-b-maharaj-050218|access-date=2020-09-30|website=idsa.in}}</ref> Constructed with principles of stealthy design, the class has a 50% smaller radar signature of similar vessel size, 75% less infrared emissions, 20% lower life-cycle cost, 25% lower displacement and 30% fewer crew members.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|date=2010-02-08|title=Fact file: Valour-class small guided-missile frigates|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-valour-class-small-guided-missile-frigates/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> Specifically designed to conduct sustained operations in the sea conditions found off the South African coast, the four frigates are able to undertake a range of tasks from [[maritime law enforcement]], to civil support, and military operations such as area denial, gunfire support and intelligence collection. The embarked [[Westland Lynx|SuperLynx]] helicopters significantly improve and extend surveillance, as well as all-round operational capabilities. With a return to operating general-purpose, multi-mission warships, the Valour class have been hailed as modern, impressive and major regional anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine platforms. {{ship|SAS|Amatola}}, {{ship|SAS|Isandlwana}}, {{ship|SAS|Spioenkop}}, and {{ship|SAS|Mendi}} possess two four-cell launchers for eight [[Exocet|Exocet surface to surface missiles]], 16 to 32-cell domestically built [[Umkhonto (missile)|Umkhonto]] VLS missiles for air defence, a single [[OTO Melara 76 mm|OTO Melara {{convert|76|mm|adj=on}} main gun]], a twin [[Denel 35mm Dual Purpose Gun|Denel {{cvt|35|mm}} Dual Purpose Gun]], two [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|Oerlikon {{cvt|20|mm}} cannon]], and two {{cvt|12.7|mm}} remotely operated guns.<ref name=":12" /> However, as of 2024, budget cuts have resulted in only one of the four frigates being operational.<ref name="Economist">{{cite news |title=Why South Africa's army is floundering in Congo |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2024/08/08/why-south-africas-army-is-floundering-in-congo |access-date=8 August 2024 |newspaper=The Economist |date=10 August 2024}}</ref>

As the SA Navy has a strength of only four primary surface warships, in an effort to improve asset availability in more routine littoral patrol operations and ease the stress on sophisticated, but ill-suited, warships, three previously decommissioned {{sclass2|Warrior|strike craft|1}} were modernised and recommissioned as [[offshore patrol vessel]]s (OPVs) between 2012 and 2014 – {{ship|SAS|Isaac Dyobha}}, {{ship|SAS|Galeshewe}} and {{ship|SAS|Makhanda}}.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-07-17|title=Revamped strike craft ready for counter-piracy duty|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/maritime-security/revamped-strike-craft-ready-for-counter-piracy-duty/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref name="defenceweb.co.za">{{Cite web|date=2013-05-10|title=Navy commences upgrade of fourth strike craft|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/navy-commences-upgrade-of-fourth-strike-craft/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> As of February 2023, only ''Makhanda'' remains in service. From June 2022, the Patrol Flotilla was strengthened by the commissioning [[SAS King Sekhukhune I|SAS ''King Sekhukhune I'']]'','' the first of three Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs) being constructed by Damen Shipyards Cape Town.

Primarily, the Patrol Flotilla undertake the more traditional naval task of patrolling South Africa's [[exclusive economic zone]] and upholding maritime law enforcement. Ordinary tasks include anti-smuggling, monitoring against illegal immigration, search and rescue, fishery inspection, and routine border protection. With the ability to operate far out into the Cape and handle the often rough seas, the Flotilla is also expected to complement the navies combat ability, particularly when undertaking anti-piracy patrols in the [[Mozambique Channel]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Navies versus Coast Guards: Defining the Roles of African Maritime Security Forces|url=https://africacenter.org/publication/navies-versus-coast-guards-defining-the-roles-of-african-maritime-security-forces/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Africa Center for Strategic Studies|language=en-US}}</ref>

Reflecting their new policing role, the Warriors' old [[Gabriel (missile)|Skerpioen missile launchers]] and the rear 76&nbsp;mm gun was removed. In replacement, the craft have gained the capacity to support a small [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]] (RHIB) and a limited contingent of [[Maritime Reaction Squadron|Naval Infantry]] for boarding suspect vessels, as well as maintaining their original 20&nbsp;mm cannon and 12.7&nbsp;mm heavy machine guns.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-10-30|title=Southern African Shipyards refurbishing Navy strike craft|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence/sa-defence-sa-defence/southern-african-shipyards-refurbishing-navy-strike-craft/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

As of 2020, four [[River-class mine hunter|River-class]] coastal mine countermeasures vessels remain in commission with the SA Navy, although two are in reduced operational use. They are believed to have lost their mine-hunting capabilities due to the retirement of the antiquated PAP104 [[autonomous underwater vehicle]]s (AUVs). Whilst still maintaining a decompression chamber for operational diving, the River class are now deployed on general coastal defence duties, and are equipped with a single Oerlikon 20&nbsp;mm cannon, two 12.7&nbsp;mm machine guns, and a RHIB.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-02-09 |title=Fact file: River-class inshore patrol vessel/minehunter - defenceWeb |url=https://defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-river-class-inshore-patrol-vesselminehunter/ |access-date=2025-10-04 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Alongside the Warrior and River classes are the more modern {{sclass2|T Craft|patrol vessel|4}}, with three entering service from 1992. Constructed with twin-hulled [[catamaran]]s of [[glass-reinforced plastic]] sandwich construction, three have also been built for Israel in 1997. The T Craft, with their far lighter construction and smaller size, undertake maritime security patrols considerably closer to the shore and inspect various inlets and bays. SAS ''Tobie'', SAS ''Tern'', and SAS ''Tekwane'' are equipped with a single 12.7&nbsp;mm Browning machine gun and have the capacity to embark a RHIB with a small complement of [[Maritime Reaction Squadron|Naval Infantry]] to inspect vessels.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Patrol Forces|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/patrol.htm|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.navy.mil.za|archive-date=14 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814014624/http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/patrol.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Submarine fleet ===
Between 2004 and 2008, three German built [[Type 209 submarine|Type 209/1400 submarines]] were delivered as a like for like replacement for the obsolescent {{sclass|Daphné|submarine|0}} submarines. The {{sclass2|Heroine|submarine|4}} represents a significant upgrade of the navy's sub-surface force due to considerable advancement in underwater performance and endurance.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-02-09|title=Fact file: Heroine-class diesel-electric submarine|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-heroine-class-diesel-electric-submarine/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>[[File:SAS Queen Modjadji.jpg|thumb|right|South African submarines {{SAS|Charlotte Maxeke|S102}} and {{SAS|Queen Modjadji|S103}}, accompanies the [[United States Navy]] {{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine|1}} {{USS|San Juan|SSN-751|6}} (center), into False Bay in Simon's Town, South Africa on 4 November 2009.]]
As of 2020, South Africa is one of only three states on the African continent, along with [[Algerian National Navy|Algeria]] and [[Egyptian Navy|Egypt]], that currently operate submarine assets, and the only state in the [[Sub-Saharan Africa|sub-Saharan]] region. At the same time, this capability was at risk of eroding. As of 2019, two of the submarines were reported to be in need of "urgent and complete" refits. The recommended approach was to move to a contracting phase in 2020. The [[Armscor (South Africa)|Armscor]] annual report to parliament indicated that should the refits not take place, the submarine capability would not available after FY2022/23.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sa-navy-frigate-and-submarine-midlife-upgrades-on-hold/ |title=SA Navy frigate and submarine midlife upgrades on hold |work=defencewebco.za |date=22 October 2019 |access-date=31 August 2021 }}</ref> As of March 2021, the contracting phase had still not been initiated and no dates had been announced for any upgrades of the submarines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/midlife-upgrades-for-san-platforms-on-hold-pending-funding-armscor/ |title=Midlife upgrades for SAN platforms on hold pending funding – Armscor |work=defencewebco.za |date=1 March 2021 |access-date=31 August 2021 }}</ref>

In August 2021 it was reported that ''Charlotte Maxeke'' was being refitted at the Armscor Dockyard. Funding in the amount of R189 million had reportedly been made available to ensure the completion of the refit during the 2023/24 financial year. Funding for the refit of ''Queen Modjadji'' was not available, though the reported focus of the Navy was to prioritise essential maintenance and repair of SAS ''Manthatisi'' (which had been last refitted during 2013/14) to ensure "expedited operational availability."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/refit-of-sa-navy-frigates-and-submarines-stalled-by-lack-of-funding/ |title=Refit of SA Navy frigates and submarines stalled by lack of funding |website=Defence Web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=20 August 2021 |access-date=29 October 2021 }}</ref>  As of 2024, none of the submarines are seaworthy.<ref name="Economist" />

Highly sophisticated vessels, the Heroine class' utility, aside from traditional anti-ship engagement and area denial, is its intelligence collection via special forces deployment. A series of modifications have been made to the class so as to undertake these clandestine operations.<ref name=":8" />

Currently fitted only with regular [[torpedo tube]]s, the Heroines do have optional [[Harpoon (missile)|UGM-84 Harpoon]] integration capacity for further anti-ship potential, however, as of 2020, this has not been utilised. Similarly, whilst currently not able to deploy any land attack armaments, Germany is developing a medium-range missile, the [[IDAS (missile)|IDAS]], for their own Type 209s which would primarily be targeted against air threats, but also small surface vessels and coastal land targets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=IDAS Missile System – Naval Technology|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/idas-missile-system/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=naval-technology.com}}</ref>

=== Auxiliary fleet ===
With the retirement of {{ship|SAS|Outeniqua}} in 2004, {{ship|SAS|Drakensberg}} is the sole fleet replenishment ship with the primary role of supporting combat vessels at sea.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SANDF gets rid of surplus|url=https://www.news24.com/News24/SANDF-gets-rid-of-surplus-20051004|access-date=2020-09-30|website=News24|language=en}}</ref> ''Drakensberg'' is also modified to carry two RHIBs, as well as two [[landing craft utility]] (LCU) for limited amphibious use. Since the end of minority rule, ''Drakensberg'' has undertaken numerous humanitarian and anti-piracy operations, consistently shown the 'rainbow flag' on global voyages of goodwill, and reintegrated South Africa back into international naval exercises.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gerber|first=Jan|title=Terrorism: Insurgency in Mozambique can spread to neighbours, Military Intelligence warns|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/terrorism-insurgency-in-mozambique-can-spread-to-neighbours-military-intelligence-warns-20200624|access-date=2020-09-30|website=News24|language=en}}</ref>

The SA Navy continues to operate the specialist hydrographic survey vessel {{ship|SAS|Protea}}, which was commissioned in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-02-15|title=Fact file: Hecla (Protea)-class hydrographic vessel|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-hecla-protea-class-hydrographic-vessel/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

=== Marines ===
{{main|South Africa Marine Corps}}

The [[South Africa Marine Corps]] was first established as a sub-branch of the Navy in 1951 until 1955 and then reformed in 1979 until 1990, both times with the primary purpose of protecting the country's harbours.<ref name="frd-4" /> The Marines also acted as regular infantry during the war until 1988, as well as performing [[counter-insurgency]] operations inside South Africa.<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal|last=Manganyi|first=Calvin|date=January 2012|title=South African Journal of Military Studies – Resurrection of the marine capability in the South African Navy: the Maritime Reaction Squadron|url=https://journals.co.za/content/militaria/40/3/EJC131690?fromSearch=true|journal=Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies|volume=40|issue=3|pages=429–471}}</ref> The Marines had an [[amphibious landing]] capability by operating from {{ship|SAS|Tafelberg}} and SAS ''Drakensberg'', with an elite company, named the Marine Amphibious Company (MAC), being formed to ensure beach-head capability for landing large task forces, along with a small elite reconnaissance detachment between 1983 and 1989. The Marines were disbanded on 18 January 1990, following a major restructuring of the Navy at the end of the [[South African Border War]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Pitta, Robert.|title=South African Special Forces|date=1993|publisher=Osprey|others=Fannell, Jeff.|isbn=1-85532-295-1|location=London|oclc=29710035}}</ref>

In 2005, the decision was taken to create a Naval Rapid Deployment Force so that South Africa could commit more to peacekeeping operations across the continent, particularly in the [[African Great Lakes|Great Lakes region]]. In 2006, this force became the Maritime Reaction Squadron. The [[Maritime Reaction Squadron]] provides an amphibious, diving and small boat capability to the Navy, deploying infantry-trained South African Navy personnel in various peacekeeping roles within the African continent, as well as assisting in boarding operations at sea, and humanitarian and disaster relief.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Maritime Protection Squadron|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/SANCareers/MRS.htm|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.navy.mil.za}}</ref>

The squadron consists of the following components:<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-11-26|title=Exercise Xena testing Maritime Reaction Squadron|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/exercise-xena-testing-maritime-reaction-squadron/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* Operational Boat Division (OBD) with 10 [[Namacurra-class harbour patrol boat|Namacurra-class]] harbour patrol boats and six Lima-class utility landing craft
* Reaction Force Division (RFD) consisting of one naval infantry company with a command and support element
* [[Operational Diving Division (SA Navy)|Operational Diving Division]] (ODD) consisting of four operational diving teams of 17 divers.

=== Current deployments ===
[[File:US Navy 070903-N-5459S-046 he ships that make up Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1 transit in formation while participating in Exercise Amazolo with the South African navy.jpg|thumb|right|The Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1 in formation with South African navy warships {{SAS|Amatola|F145}}, {{SAS|Isandlwana|F146}} and the submarine {{SAS|Manthatisi|S101}} while participating in Exercise Amazolo]]The SA Navy maintains the traditional role of providing a credible military deterrent, protecting South African interests against possible enemy attack, and participating in [[African Union]] peacekeeping missions. As the likelihood of a naval engagement against a conventional enemy is extremely unlikely, the South African Navy today is primarily engaged in counter-piracy, fishery protection, and anti-smuggling operations.<ref name=":8" />

Deploying at least a single Valour-class frigate or one Heroine-class submarine, along with aircraft from the [[South African Air Force]], the SA Navy often undertakes exercises with others, such as the [[United States Navy]] (Exercise Shared Accord/Southern Accord),<ref>{{Cite web|last=Africa|first=U. S. Army|title=STAND-TO!|url=https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2017/07/17/index.html|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.army.mil|language=en}}</ref> [[NATO]] naval battlegroups (Exercise Amazolo), the [[French Navy]] (the annual Exercise Oxide),<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-18|title=No Exercise Oxide this year|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/no-exercise-oxide-this-year/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> the [[German Navy]] (the biennial Exercise Good Hope),<ref>{{Cite web|title=Exercise Good Hope V concludes|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/news/2012/03/goodhope5.htm|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.dod.mil.za}}</ref> the [[Royal Navy]] (ad hoc exercises when visiting South African waters),<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-04-07|title=Royal Navy in exercise with SA sub|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/royal-navy-in-exercise-with-sa-sub/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> the [[Indian Navy]] (the biennial Exercise IBSAMAR), and the navies of [[National Navy of Uruguay|Uruguay]] and [[Brazilian Navy|Brazil]] (Exercises Atlasur and IBSAMAR).<ref>{{Cite news|title='Exercise IBSAMAR' between India, South Africa, Brazil begins tomorrow|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/exercise-ibsamar-between-india-south-africa-brazil-begins-tomorrow/articleshow/51046402.cms|access-date=2020-09-30}}</ref>

For the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], the navy provided air and sea security by deploying three frigates as guard ships off the cities of [[Durban]], [[Port Elizabeth]] and [[Cape Town]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-03-10|title=Navy ready to defend World Cup|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence/sa-defence-sa-defence/navy-ready-to-defend-world-cup/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Operation Copper ====
Since 2011, one of the SA Navy's major and long-standing focuses has been that of the anti-piracy initiative, Operation Copper. After increased pirate activity in the Mozambique Channel (a crucial import/export sea lane for South Africa),<ref>{{Cite web|last=mozambique|title=Maritime patrol mission in the Mozambique Channel: Operation Copper extension for another year to cost South Africa R154 million|url=https://clubofmozambique.com/news/maritime-patrol-mission-in-the-mozambique-channel-operation-copper-extension-for-another-year-to-cost-south-africa-r154-million-162151/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Mozambique|date=10 May 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> and subsequent requests for help from fellow [[Southern African Development Community]] (SADC) members (Mozambique and Tanzania), the navy has routinely deployed assets in an effort to provide maritime security in the region.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-03-24|title=Operation Copper still up and running|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/maritime-security/operation-copper-still-up-and-running/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Since the operation first began, every Valour-class frigate has been deployed to the region on rotation, with the refurbished Warrior-class OPVs also being utilised. In 2012, the replenishment ship SAS ''Drakensberg'' was likewise deployed to the region, and alongside European warships, successfully captured seven [[Piracy off the coast of Somalia|Somail pirates]]. Elements of the Navy's [[Maritime Reaction Squadron]] (MRS) are routinely embarked on deployed warships so as to give the ability to board suspect vessels.<ref name=":13" />

Gaps in deployment have previously occurred as a result of mechanical issues, as well as the South African Air Force withdrawing [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|C-47TP maritime patrol aircraft]] in 2016 from Mozambique due to maintenance problems and lack of sufficient aircrew.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-03-19|title=SAAF no longer part of Op Copper in Mozambique|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence/sa-defence-sa-defence/saaf-no-longer-part-of-op-copper-in-mozambique/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> In 2018 the SA Navy notably deployed two warships simultaneously for Operation Copper, and were independent of foreign support.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-10|title=SA Navy two platform deployment returns from Op Copper duty|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/maritime-security/sa-navy-two-platform-deployment-returns-from-op-copper-duty/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Piracy, and other maritime crime, has fallen substantially in the Mozambique Channel since the SADC operation began in 2011. Due to the success of the operation, expenditure for the future 2021/22 deployment is estimated to be R38.9 million, down from R154 million the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-19|title=Ramaphosa authorises extension of SA's continental military deployments|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/ramaphosa-authorises-extension-of-sas-continental-military-deployments/|access-date=2021-09-05|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Operation Copper's mandate could be subject to official change as a result of increasing Islamist violence in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-11|title=SA in "conversation" with Mozambique on Op Copper|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sa-in-conversation-with-mozambique-on-op-copper/|access-date=2021-09-05|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> On 9 August 2021, the SADC formally announced the deployment of troops into the troubled province. Alongside regional partners such as Botswana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, the South African government has informed parliament that it intends to deploy 1,495 personnel to Mozambique. [[SAS Makhanda|SAS ''Makhanda'']], a modernised Warrior-class patrol OPV, has reportedly been seen in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SADC mission in Mozambique launched|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/sadc-mission-in-mozambique-launched|access-date=2021-09-05|website=Janes.com|language=en}}</ref>

==== Operation Corona ====
For the continued safeguarding of South Africa's borders, Operation Corona aims to combat [[illegal fishing]], poaching, and smuggling within its [[territorial waters]]. The SA Navy plans to carry out five maritime patrols in line with Operation Corona, with 84 days of surface and 22 days of subsurface patrols allocated for the financial year 2020/21.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-23|title=Five maritime patrols this year under Operation Corona|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/five-maritime-patrols-this-year-under-operation-corona/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> Deploying to known hotspot areas, the SA Navy works alongside other Government departments such as the [[South African Police Service|SA Police Service]] and [[Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries]], in an effort to deter rather than arrest.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/documents/annualreports/DOD%20Annual%20Report%20for%20FY2018-19%20(FINAL%20Web%20Layout).pdf|title=Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2018/19|publisher=South African Department of Defence|pages=80}}</ref>

==== Relationship with Russian and Chinese Navies ====

In February 2023, the South African Navy planned to engage in joint exercises with the [[People's Liberation Army Navy|Chinese]] and [[Russian Navy|Russian]] navies that were to be held in waters off South Africa. The exercises, which were highly controversial given [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion of Ukraine]], followed on a January 2023 visit by the Russian foreign minister [[Sergei Lavrov]] to [[Pretoria]] for meetings with his South African counterpart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/africa/russian-frigate-south-africa-intl/index.html|title=Russian frigate docks in South Africa ahead of joint naval drills with China and Russia |date= 14 February 2023|website=CNN}}</ref> Although the exercises were similar to exercises held in previous years, some suggested that they signalled a significant shift in South African policy toward more overt military engagement with China and Russia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/26/russia-south-africa-and-a-redesigned-global-order.html|title=Russia, South Africa and a 'redesigned global order': The Kremlin's hearts and minds machine is steaming ahead |date= 26 January 2023|website=CNBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-64380572|title=Why is South Africa's navy joining exercises with Russia and China? |date= 17 February 2023|website=BBC}}</ref> The exercise began on 18 February and involved the frigate {{ship|Russian frigate|Admiral Gorshkov||2}} and the tanker ''Kama'' from the Russian Navy<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/02/17/russia-china-and-south-africa-began-naval-maneuvers/|title=Russia, China and South Africa began naval maneuvers |date= 17 February 2023|website=Prensa Latina}}</ref> along with the destroyer {{ship|Chinese destroyer|Huainan||2}}, the frigate {{ship|Chinese frigate|Rizhao|598|2}} and the support ship {{ship|Chinese ship|Kekexilihu||2}} from the Chinese Navy. Several vessels from the South African Navy were expected to participate including the frigate {{SAS|Mendi||2}} as well as the {{sclass2|Warrior|patrol vessel|0}} patrol vessel ''King Sekhukhune I'' and the hydrographic survey vessel {{SAS|Protea||2}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/02/16/south-africas-naval-drills-with-russia-china-tantamount-to-joining-war-against-ukraine/|title=South Africa's naval drills with Russia, China "tantamount to joining war against Ukraine"|date= 16 February 2023 |last=Ryabchiy |first=Kate |website=Euromaidan Press}}</ref>

In April of the same year, the Chinese surveillance ship ''[[Yuan Wang-class tracking ship|Yuan Wang 5]]'' docked at Cape Town, overlapping with the presence of the [[Islamic Republic of Iran Navy|Iranian Navy]] vessels, {{ship|IRIS|Makran||2}} and [[Moudge-class frigate|''Dena'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/controversial-chinese-spy-ship-calls-at-durban|title=Controversial Chinese "Spy Ship" Calls at Durban |date= 5 April 2023 |website=The Maritime Executive}}</ref>

In September 2024 it was reported that the [[Russian training ship Smolnyy]] had docked in Cape Town for a port visit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/docking-of-russian-naval-ship-in-south-africa-sparks-controversy/7772714.html |title=Docking of Russian naval ship in South Africa sparks controversy |date= 5 September 2024 |last=Bartlett |first=Kate |website=VOA News}}</ref>

== Future of the South African Navy ==
As the SA Navy enters the 2020s, the service faces significant challenges if it is to arrest its current decline.<ref name=":8" /> At the opening of the South African Maritime Security Conference on 31 May 2018 in Cape Town, Chief of the Navy [[Samuel Hlongwane|Vice Admiral Hlogwane]] warned that:<blockquote>'the navy sits at the crossroads where its very existence is threatened... Some of the countries in the SADC are injecting financial resources to build their military capacity through acquisition programmes. Conversely, South Africa is on a path of reduced defence expenditure."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-06-05|title=Navy, Defence acknowledges it is in danger of sinking|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence/sa-defence-sa-defence/navy-defence-acknowledges-it-is-in-danger-of-sinking/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref></blockquote>At a speech a year later on 12 July 2019, Hlongwane, recognising the struggling economy, again reminded his audience that:<blockquote>"in the absence of a clear and present military threat, the government will find it difficult to justify spending large sums of money on defence. The platforms acquired under the Strategic Defence Packages (four frigates and three submarines) are beginning to suffer from lack of funds for support and maintenance, [and] urgently require refits in order to keep them operational to the end of their 30-year design lives...while the new hydrographic survey vessel and IPVs are modern robust ships fully suited to perform their missions, they will not significantly improve the combat capability of the SAN which is required to defend our country and national interests in terms of our constitutional mandate...the naval balance of power is shifting on our continent."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-15|title=SA Navy falling behind other African states|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/sa-navy-falling-behind-other-african-states/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref></blockquote>

=== Budget ===
The South African defence budget has been on a downward trajectory since 1994 when expenditure was 4.56% of GDP. In 2010, that level was 1.92%, and in 2020, expenditure is expected to fall to around 0.59%, its lowest level since 1960.<ref>{{Cite web|title=South Africa Military Spending/Defense Budget 1960-2020|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/ZAF/south-africa/military-spending-defense-budget|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.macrotrends.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=South Africa – ratio of military expenditure to gross domestic product (GDP) 2008-2018|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/810601/ratio-of-military-expenditure-to-gross-domestic-product-gdp-south-africa/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Statista|language=en}}</ref> For 2020/21, the Defence Budget totals R52.4 billion (£2.4 billion<ref name=":14">South African Rand to Pound Sterling Exchange Rate: 01/10/2020</ref>),<ref name=":15">{{Cite book|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/documents/app/2020/DoD%20APP%20Final%20Print%20EA%20Approved.pdf|title=Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2020|publisher=South Africa Department of Defence|page=78}}</ref> with the SA Navy being allocated R4.9 billion (£226 million<ref name=":14" />), roughly 9%.<ref name=":16">{{Cite book|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/documents/app/2020/DoD%20APP%20Final%20Print%20EA%20Approved.pdf|title=Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2020|publisher=South Africa Department of Defence|page=86}}</ref> South African defence spending however has not matched recent inflation levels, an average of 5% annually,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inflation rate: South Africa|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/370515/inflation-rate-in-south-africa/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Statista|language=en}}</ref> which has pushed the [[Department of Defence (South Africa)|Department of Defence]] deeper into financial difficulties and operational consequences.

As a whole, the Defence Budget for 2020/21 has been given 87% of its required funding, a shortfall of R9.4 billion (£433 million<ref name=":14" />).<ref name=":15" /> The SA Navy for 2020/21 has been allocated only 65% of what is reportedly required, a shortfall of R2.8 billion (£130 million<ref name=":14" />). As a result of the declining financial situation, the Navy has warned that it will seriously struggle to maintain its current capabilities, levels of investment, and international commitments.<ref name=":16" /> As a result of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]], as well as ongoing problems within the [[Economy of South Africa|South African economy]], GDP is expected to fall by 5.6% in 2020/21, with significant ramifications for the country and the South African Navy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=South Africa – gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate 2021|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/370514/gross-domestic-product-gdp-growth-rate-in-south-africa/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Statista|language=en}}</ref>

=== Operational hours ===
In 2013/14, the SA Navy operated with an annual target of 22,000 hours at sea. By 2018/19 this number had been lowered to 12,000 hours, with a further reduction to 10,000 hours annually from 2019/20.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/documents/app/2020/DoD%20APP%20Final%20Print%20EA%20Approved.pd|title=Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2020|publisher=South Africa Department of Defence|pages=68}}</ref> By its own admission, the Navy requires a minimum of 12,000 hours (500 days) at sea per year to sufficiently train personnel, with an absolute minimum of 7,800 hours dedicated annually to fulfil its Force Employment obligations of border protection, maritime security, and anti-piracy operations.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|date=2019-09-16|title=Defence budget sinks Navy|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/defence-budget-sinks-navy/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> Despite these requirements, by 2019/20 the SA Navy is financially resourced for only 6,000 hours at sea, and only 4,320 hours allocated for Force Employment operations. [[Samuel Hlongwane|Vice Admiral Hlongwane]] has warned: <blockquote>"Should sea hours be reduced below 10 000 per year, the SA Navy will decline rapidly and...any further reduction in sea hours will impact severely on individual and team training at sea, maintaining safety at sea and the safe navigation of all SA Navy vessels."<ref name=":17" /></blockquote>

=== Skills recruitment ===
In addition, the SA Navy is facing an acute skills shortage which is severely frustrating vessel availability. [[Samuel Hlongwane|Vice Admiral Hlongwane]] stated that "the Navy Engineering capability is now extremely limited, which will increasingly impact on the safety and seaworthiness of ships and submarines and their ability to deploy."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-09-19|title=SA Navy in danger of losing frigate and submarine capabilities due to declining budget|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sa-navy-in-danger-of-losing-frigate-and-submarine-capabilities-due-to-declining-budget/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> It is currently a cause for concern whether or not the SA Navy has the required skills to fully crew multiple highly sophisticated warships and submarines simultaneously.

=== Future acquisitions ===
Despite the current budgetary crisis within South African defence spending, the purchase of the three new [[Patrol boat|inshore patrol vessels (IPVs)]], termed Project Biro and also the procurement of a new hydrographic survey vessel, Project Hotel have been approved in recent years. These acquisitions have been linked to the Government's broader aims of development of the ocean economy – Operation Phakisa.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/documents/annualreports/DOD%20Annual%20Report%20for%20FY2018-19%20(FINAL%20Web%20Layout).pdf|title=Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2018/19|publisher=South Africa Department of Defence|pages=39}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=ISSAfrica.org|date=2014-11-28|title=Avoiding the siren's song: will Operation Phakisa deliver prosperity?|url=https://issafrica.org/iss-today/avoiding-the-sirens-song-will-operation-phakisa-deliver-prosperity|access-date=2020-09-30|website=ISS Africa|language=en}}</ref> With 90% of imports and exports dependent on the sea, South Africa's exclusive economic zone which is reportedly rich in natural resources, and the estimated loss of nearly $23bn annually to illegal and unregulated fishing, the SA Navy has successfully argued that maritime security is crucial to the national interest and economic development.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-05-19|title=SA at sea over illegal fishing in its waters|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2016-05-19-00-sa-at-sea-over-illegal-fishing-in-its-waters/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=The Mail & Guardian|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

====Project Biro====

Since 2013, the ambition for the SA Navy was the domestic construction of three offshore, and a minimum of six (later reduced to three) inshore patrol vessels as a replacement for the increasingly aged [[Warrior-class strike craft|Warrior-class OPVs]] and [[River-class mine hunter|River-class]] OPV/IPVs, as part of Project Biro. However, in 2018 it was confirmed that only the three MMIPVs (multi-mission inshore patrol vessel) would be constructed, with the OPVs being cancelled as a cost-saving measure.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-09|title=Project Biro on schedule, with delivery for mid-2021|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/project-biro-on-schedule-with-delivery-for-mid-2021/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> The new vessels will also be named the [[Warrior-class inshore patrol vessel|Warrior-class]], and cost R3.6 billion.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |date=2022-02-16 |title=First Project Biro vessel to be handed over next month |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/first-project-biro-vessel-to-be-handed-over-next-month/ |access-date=2022-02-16 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Whilst the introduction of these three modern IPVs will immediately play a crucial role in maritime law enforcement, it has been regretted by analysts that the offshore craft option was not also financially feasible. It had been hoped that the OPVs, with their helicopter carrying abilities, would have played a much more effective role in policing South Africa's extensive exclusive economic zone (1.5 million km),<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sea Around Us {{!}} Fisheries, Ecosystems and Biodiversity|url=http://www.seaaroundus.org/data/#/eez|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.seaaroundus.org}}</ref> particularly in the rough seas of the Cape. It was even reported in 2011 that nine OPVs could be constructed, without any IPVs, due to the rough sea state off the coast and the practical experience gained which favoured larger vessels.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Waters|first=Conrad|title=Seaforth world naval review 2011|date=2010|publisher=Seaforth|isbn=978-1-78346-631-3|location=Barnsley|oclc=960976553}}</ref>

In 2021, it was announced that the aging Warrior-class OPVs would undergo phased decommissioning as the new Warrior-class IPVs come online.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-18|title=DoD updates cabinet on major acquisition projects|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/dod-updates-cabinet-on-major-acquisition-projects/|access-date=2021-09-05|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

First laid down in February 2019 at Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT), the timeline of delivery to the SA Navy of all three vessels is March 2022, June 2023 and September 2024 respectively. Armscor, the state acquisition agency, has an option from DSCT to purchase additional inshore patrol vessels at the same price the original three were bought for.<ref name=":19" />

====Project Hotel====

The second future acquisition programme for the SA Navy falls under Project Hotel, the replacement of the sole [[hydrographic survey]] vessel {{ship|SAS|Protea}}. The construction of this new vessel, currently being built by Durban-based Sandock Austral Shipyard, will represent a major upgrade in capability for the Navy. Whilst SAS ''Protea'' was built in 1972, her replacement will be based on [[Fincantieri|Vard Marine's]] VARD 9 105 science vessel, specifically adapted for South African service and 'incorporates the latest hydrographic and oceanographic sensor suite'.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-27|title=Sandock Austral Shipyards making progress with Project Hotel|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sandock-austral-shipyards-making-progress-with-project-hotel/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> The ship will be an evolution from the Vard Marine designed {{HMS|Echo|H87|6}} and {{HMS|Enterprise|H88|6}} which have been in [[Royal Navy]] service since 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|title=VARD 9 105|url=https://vardmarine.com/gallery/vard-9-105/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Vard Marine|language=en-US}}</ref>

Also as part of Project Hotel, the SA Navy will receive two next-generation [[survey motor boat]]s, one sea boat, and another inshore survey motor boat to be kept ashore in reserve, as well as upgrading shore-based hydrographic infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First survey motor boat for South African Navy launched|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/first-survey-motor-boat-for-south-african-navy-launched_11798|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Janes.com|language=en}}</ref> The project has a current completion date target of August 2023, with the first of the motor boats being launched in September 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-25|title=Paramount Maritime launches survey motor boat for SA Navy|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/paramount-maritime-launches-survey-motor-boat-for-sa-navy/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Issues ====
As of 2020, the SA Navy's main projects are under serious threat from years of underfunding, as well as recent budget cuts. Allocation of funding for Projects Biro (modern inshore patrol vessels) and Hotel (replacement hydrographic survey vessel), as well as the [[South African Army|Army's]] Project [[Patria AMV|Hoefyster]] (new infantry combat vehicles), amounts to R2.8 billion (£129 million),<ref name=":14" /> however the required level of funding needed is expected to be R13.7 billion (£633 million),<ref name=":14" /> nearly a R11 billion shortfall (£508 million).<ref name=":14" /> It is currently unclear how these projects will be financed if they continue to proceed.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|date=2020-09-03|title=SA Navy projects under threat from budget cuts|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sa-navy-projects-under-threat-from-budget-cuts/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

Similarly, Project Syne and Project Napoleon, the planned and urgently required midlife overhauls for the {{sclass2|Valour|frigate|4}} and {{sclass2|Heroine|submarine|4}} respectively, are both currently on hold due to lack of adequate funding. According to a 2021 Department of Defence (DoD) progress report, the full repair cost requirement of R1.470 billion is only 53.4% funded, with R786 million allocated.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-20|title=Refit of SA Navy frigates and submarines stalled by lack of funding|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/refit-of-sa-navy-frigates-and-submarines-stalled-by-lack-of-funding/|access-date=2021-09-05|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref> The SA Navy is currently finding it difficult to effectively resource the growing backlog of refits, maintenance periods, and repair projects that are needed. With each delay due to financial insufficiency and every vessel that continues to operate without adequate maintenance, the SA Navy is pulled deeper into a vicious cycle of exacerbating known issues and escalating longer-term costs, until a point of forced reduced vessel availability.

==Command, control & organisation==
<!-- adding a new section - following the structure of the Royal Navy page - please add and contribute -->

The command structure is depicted below.<ref name="SANavyPeople">{{cite book|last1=Bennett|first1=Chris|title=South Africa's Navy: A Navy of the People and for the People|last2=Söderlund|first2=Arne G.|year=2008|publisher=SA Navy |isbn=978-0-620-41446-3|author-link1=Chris Bennett (admiral)|author-link2=Arne Söderlund}}</ref>{{rp|59}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2007/070518navy.pdf|title=Presentation on the Transformation of the SA Navy|date=18 May 2007|first=J.|last=Mudimu|access-date=3 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318001537/http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2007/070518navy.pdf|archive-date=18 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The Chief of the Navy, based at Navy Headquarters at the Navy Office (SAS ''Immortelle'') located in [[Pretoria]], is head of the South African Navy. All operational forces, including ships and submarines, fall under the control of the Flag Officer Fleet who is based in [[Naval Base Simon's Town|Simon's Town]].

[[File:South African Navy command organogram.jpg]]

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="5" |Chief of the SA Navy<br>Vice Adm [[Monde Lobese|M. Lobese]]<ref name="Organigram">{{cite web | url=http://navy.mil.za/structure/SAN_command_council_2017.pdf | title=Organigram of the SA Navy | publisher=Navy, RSA Department of Defence | access-date=27 July 2017 | website=navy.mil.za }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
|'''Deputy Chief Navy'''<br>R Adm [[Bubele Mhlana]]<ref name="Dweb20223">{{cite web | url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/senior-sandf-appointments-and-promotions/ | title=Senior SANDF appointments and promotions | publisher=DefenceWeb | date=February 2, 2023 | accessdate=February 2, 2023}}</ref>
|'''Chief of Naval Staff'''<br>R Adm [[S Makhanya]]<ref name="DWeb2020Prom">{{cite web | url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/new-sandf-two-stars-named/ | title=New SANDF two-stars named | publisher=Defenceweb | date=27 May 2020 | access-date=28 May 2020}}</ref>

|'''Chief Director Maritime Strategy'''<br>R Adm [[Musawenkosi Nkomonde]]<ref name="DWeb180323">{{cite web | url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51145:new-director-maritime-strategy-for-sa-navy&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242 | title=New director: maritime strategy for SA Navy | publisher=Defenceweb | date=23 March 2018 | access-date=27 March 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326202524/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51145:new-director-maritime-strategy-for-sa-navy&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242 | archive-date=26 March 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| colspan="2" |'''Flag Officer Fleet'''<br>R Adm [[H.T Matsane]]
|-
|'''Director Maritime Plans'''<br>R Adm (JG) W van Niekerk<ref name="Organigram" />
|'''Director Naval Personnel'''<br>R Adm (JG) [[X. T. Hakoma]]<ref name="Oct21Prom">{{cite web | url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/more-generals-and-admirals-for-the-national-defence-force/ | title=More generals and admirals for the SA national defence force | publisher=DefenceWeb | date=October 29, 2021 | accessdate=October 31, 2021}}</ref>
|'''Director Maritime Warfare'''<br>R Adm (JG) S F Du Toit<ref name="Dweb210218">{{cite web | url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sandf-adds-to-its-one-star-numbers/ | title=SANDF adds to its one-star numbers | publisher=DefenceWeb | date=18 February 2021 | accessdate=19 February 2021}}</ref>
|'''Chief of Fleet Staff'''<br>R Adm (JG) L M Hendricks<ref name="Dweb210218"/>
|'''Director Fleet Force Preparation'''<br> R Adm (JG) Jabulani Mbotho<br />
|-
|'''Inspector General (SA Navy)'''<br>R Adm (JG) Kwaedi Mabula
|'''Director Naval Logistics'''
|'''Director Maritime Intelligence'''<br>R Adm (JG) M Bongco<ref name="DwebPromulg">{{cite web | url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sa-defence/sa-defence/SANDF_appointments_promotions_2021.pdf | title=PROMULGATION: APPOINTMENTS AND/OR PROMOTIONS OF BRIG GENS/R ADM (JG) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020/21 | publisher=Dept of Defence | date=17 February 2021 | accessdate=19 April 2021}}</ref>
|'''Director Fleet Logistics'''<br>R Adm (JG) [[Joseph Ikaneng]]<ref name="IOL180328">{{cite web | url=https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/hard-to-say-goodbye-says-outgoing-naval-college-chief-14127686 | title=Hard to say goodbye, says outgoing Naval College chief | publisher=Independent Newspapers | date=28 March 2018 | access-date=28 March 2018 | author=Adriaanse, Dominic | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054033/https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/hard-to-say-goodbye-says-outgoing-naval-college-chief-14127686 | archive-date=29 March 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>
|'''Director Fleet Human Resources'''<br> -
|-
|'''Naval Budget Manager'''<br>Mrs R. Mamaguvhi<ref name="Organigram" />
|'''Director Naval Transformation'''<br>R Adm (JG) I Mzimande<ref name="Dweb210218"/>
|'''Director Maritime Diplomacy & Strategy'''<br>R Adm (JG) M.J. Josias<ref name="Organigram" />
|'''Director Naval Engineering Services'''<br>R Adm (JG) B Mvovo<ref name="Dweb210218"/>
|'''Flag Officer Commanding NB Simons Town'''<br>R Adm (JG) [[Joseph Dlamini|J. Dlamini]]<ref name="Organigram" />
|-
|'''Director Naval Reserves'''<br>R Adm (JG) [[Ralph Ndabambi|R. Ndabambi]]<ref name="Organigram" />
|
|
|'''Director Fleet Quality Assurance'''<br>Capt (SAN) M. A Boucher
|}

===Fleet Command===
{{main|Fleet Command (SA Navy)}}

[[Fleet Command (SA Navy)|Fleet Command]] includes all vessels and units of the Navy other than Naval Headquarters, Pretoria. Fleet Command is based in Simon's Town under control of Flag Officer Fleet.<ref name="SANavyPeople" />

Four directorates are responsible for the day to day control of Fleet Command:<ref name="SANavyPeople" />{{rp|70}}
* Director Fleet Force Preparations (DFPP) is responsible for the day-to-day running of the ships and submarines and for ensuring their operational readiness. The Maritime Reaction Squadron and NavComCens also report to DFFP
* Director Fleet Human Resources (DFHR) is responsible for all training and manning and also controls the training units.
* Director Fleet Quality Assurance (DFQA) is responsible for the output of Fleet Command and monitoring quality assurance throughout Fleet Command
* Director Fleet Logistics (DFL) is responsible for all Logistics units as well as for the maintenance of the fleet.

===Naval bases===
[[File:Simonstown Naval base from above.jpg|thumb|A view of Simon's Town and the naval base]]
The Navy operates the following Naval Bases:<ref name="SANavyPeople" />{{rp|149}}
* [[Naval Base Simon's Town]] – the largest and main naval base currently used by the South African Navy.  Constructed by the Dutch East India Company in 1743, and later developed by the Royal Navy, the base was transferred to South Africa in 1957 as part of the Simon's Town Agreement and expanded in 1975. Simon's Town is the homeport of the frigate and submarine flotillas, as well as housing training facilities.
* [[Naval Base Durban]] – constructed during the [[World War II|Second World War]] to better serve the deployment of naval vessels off the eastern coast of Africa, particularly after the [[Japanese declaration of war on the United States and the British Empire|Japanese declaration of war]] in 1941.<ref name=":6" /> In 2002 Durban was downgraded to a Naval Station with much of the infrastructure being taken over by the [[South African Army|Army]] and later abandoned. In 2012, the decision was taken to renovate and expand the facilities. However, it was announced in 2020 that due to budget constraints, the reclassification of Durban as a fully operational Naval Base would be delayed.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} The station is currently home to the fleet's offshore patrol flotilla and will continue to be so after the delivery of replacement offshore/inshore vessels.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-03-16|title=Plans for Salisbury Island elaborated|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/maritime-security/plans-for-salisbury-island-elaborated/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=defenceWeb|language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* Naval Station Port Elizabeth – provides support to the fleet and host to visiting ships, however no major vessels are based here.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PORT ELIZABETH|url=https://africaports.co.za/port-elizabeth/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Africa Ports|language=en-ZA}}</ref>

===Training units===
* {{SAS|Saldanha}} – located on the [[Saldanha, Western Cape|West Coast]] and provides training and development for ratings.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SAS Saldanha Home Page|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/peoplesnavy/saldanha/index.htm|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.navy.mil.za}}</ref>
* {{SAS|Wingfield}} –  located in the Greater [[Cape Town]] area. Historically provided practical training for apprentices, but now offers training to both ratings and officers.
* SAS ''Simonsberg'' – located in [[Simon's Town]] and provides training in gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, communications, diving and seamanship. ''Simonsberg'' also includes:
** Maritime Warfare Training Centre.
** Submarine Training Centre, East Yard.
** Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, Damage Control Training Centre.
** Military Training Centre, West Yard.
* [[South African Naval College]] – located in [[Gordon's Bay]], the establishment provides training for naval officers.

===Personnel===

As of the end of the financial year 2018/19, there were approximately 6,816 active uniformed members of the SA Navy, just short of the 7,071 target.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/documents/annualreports/DOD%20Annual%20Report%20for%20FY2018-19%20(FINAL%20Web%20Layout).pdf|title=Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2018/19|publisher=South Africa Department of Defence|page=153}}</ref> In addition, there are a further 1,071 civilian staff that further support the Navy.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/documents/annualreports/DOD%20Annual%20Report%20for%20FY2018-19%20(FINAL%20Web%20Layout).pdf|title=Annual Performance Plan (APP) 2018/19|publisher=South Africa Department of Defence|page=157}}</ref>

In 2006, the old Naval Reserve Units that were modelled on the [[Royal Naval Reserve]] system were closed down. A new Navy Reserve system was created consisting of roughly 1,000 reserve posts. These posts are pooled and members are drawn from them as needed to augment full-time units and ships' companies.

====Uniforms====
From 1922 to the 1940s the SA Navy was effectively an extension of the Royal Navy, and therefore wore the same uniforms and similar insignia. As British influence was gradually curtailed, in 1959 the British Crown in the SA Navy cap badge was replaced with the Lion of [[House of Orange-Nassau|Nassau]] from the crest of the country's [[Coat of arms of South Africa#1910 version|coat of arms]]. A black beret later replaced the peaked cap in working uniforms.<ref name="SANavyPeople" />

In 2000 the new Coat of Arms was unveiled and the Chief of the Navy tasked Fleet Command to look at revising the Navy uniforms to reflect the new coat of arms. This saw new rank insignia for non-commissioned officers being implemented as well as the introduction of a [[side cap]].<ref name="SANavyPeople" />

===Ranks===
{{main|South African military ranks#Navy}}
Due to historical influence, the rank system is based on that of the [[Royal Navy]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vision & Mission|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/visionmission.htm#uniform|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.navy.mil.za}}</ref>

====Commissioned officer ranks====
The rank insignia of [[commissioned officer]]s.
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OF/South Africa}}
|}

====Other ranks====
The rank insignia of [[non-commissioned officer]]s and [[Enlisted rank|enlisted personnel]].
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/South Africa}}
|}

=== Naval ensign ===
{{main|South African Naval Ensign}}
{{Gallery
|title= Ensigns of the South African Navy
|width=140
|height=70
|align=center
|File:Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg|1922–1946
|File:Naval Ensign of South Africa (1946-1951).svg|1946–1951
|File:Naval Ensign of South Africa (1951–1952).svg|1951–1952
|File:Naval Ensign of South Africa (1952–1959).svg|1952–1959
|File:Naval Ensign of South Africa (1959–1981).svg|1959–1981
|File:Naval Ensign of South Africa (1981–1994).svg|1981–1994
|File:Flag of South Africa.svg|27 April 1994 – 11 November 1994
|File:Naval Ensign of South Africa.svg|1994–present
}}

=== Naval jack ===
{{Gallery
|title= Jacks of the South African Navy
|width=140
|height=70
|align=center
|File:Blue Ensign of South Africa (1910–1928).svg|1922–1928
|File:Flag of South Africa (1928–1982, 1-2).svg|1928–1981
|File:Flag of South Africa (1928–1994).svg|1981–1994
|File:Flag of South Africa.svg|1994–present
}}

== Ships and weapons ==
[[File:SAS Spioenkop during Exercise IBSAMAR V (cropped).JPG|thumb|The [[Valour-class frigate]] [[SAS Spioenkop|SAS ''Spioenkop'' (F147)]].]]
[[File:SAS Charlotte Maxeke with HMS Portland MOD 45157758.jpg|thumb|The [[SAS Charlotte Maxeke|SAS ''Charlotte Maxeke'' (S102)]] attack submarine with a Royal Navy [[Type 23 frigate|Duke-class frigate]], [[HMS Portland (F79)|HMS ''Portland'' (F79)]].]]
[[File:SAS King Shaka Zulu.jpg|thumb|The [[Warrior-class inshore patrol vessel|Warrior-class multi-mission inshore patrol vessel]] (MMIPV), [[Warrior-class inshore patrol vessel#Ships in Class|SAS ''King Shaka Zulu'' (P1572)]].]]
[[File:SAS Drakensberg - Navy Day 2010.jpg|thumb|Replenishment ship [[SAS Drakensberg|SAS ''Drakensberg'']].]]
[[File:Lynx no. 193.JPG|thumb|[[Super Lynx|Westland Super Lynx 300 Mk.64]] helicopter.]]

=== Current fleet ===
{{Main|List of active South African Navy ships}}

The South African Navy operates about 60 commissioned vessels, including 4 [[Frigate|frigates]], 3 [[Submarine|submarines]], 9 [[Patrol boat|inshore patrol vessels]], 1 [[missile boat]], 4 [[Minesweeper|minesweepers]], 26 [[Harbor police|harbour patrol boats]], 1 [[Replenishment oiler|combat support ship]], 1 [[hydrographic survey vessel]], 5 [[Tugboat|tugs]], 6 [[landing craft utility]], and additionally an unknown number of [[Rigid inflatable boat|RHIBs]] and training craft.

==== Naval Combat Force ====
The Naval Combat Force forms the [[Blue-water navy|blue-water]] backbone of the South African Navy and consists of:

'''4 × Valour-class stealth guided-missile frigates'''

The [[Valour-class frigate|Valour-class]] frigates ([[SAS Amatola|SAS ''Amatola'']], [[SAS Isandlwana|SAS ''Isandlwana'']], [[SAS Spioenkop|SAS ''Spioenkop'']], and [[SAS Mendi|SAS ''Mendi'']]) are based on the German [[MEKO 200|MEKO A200]] design and were built to a modern [[Stealth ship|stealth]] standard that reduces their [[Radar cross section|radar cross-section]] and [[infrared signature]], making them harder to detect by enemy radar and sensors. Designed as general-purpose warships, they provide [[Anti-surface warfare|anti-surface]], [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-air]], and [[Anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine]] warfare capabilities. Acquired under ''Project Sitron'' in the early 2000s, five were originally planned but only four approved due to budget limits.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-08 |title=Fact file: Valour-class small guided missile frigates |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-valour-class-small-guided-missile-frigates/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Before the MEKO was selected, the Navy considered acquiring five Spanish-built [[Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate|''Álvaro de Bazán''-class]] (Bazan 59B) [[Destroyer|destroyers]]—today in service with the [[Spanish Navy]] and as the [[Hobart-class destroyer|''Hobart''-class]] in the [[Royal Australian Navy]]—but these were deemed larger and more costly, with funds redirected to submarine procurement. Each frigate embarks a [[Super Lynx|Westland Super Lynx 300 Mk64]] helicopter, with a planned programme to equip the frigates with [[UAVs]] to supplement these helicopters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-08 |title=Fact file: Valour-class small guided missile frigates |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-valour-class-small-guided-missile-frigates/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

'''3 × Heroine-class diesel-electric''' '''attack submarines'''

The [[Heroine-class submarine|Heroine-class]] submarines ([[SAS Manthatisi|SAS ''Manthatisi'']], [[SAS Charlotte Maxeke|SAS ''Charlotte Maxeke'']], and [[SAS Queen Modjadji|SAS ''Queen Modjadji'']]) are based on the German [[Type 209 submarine|Type 209/1400]] design and entered service in the mid-2000s under ''Project Wills'', as replacements for the three ageing [[Daphné-class submarine|''Daphné''-class]] submarines that had served since the 1970s. These submarines give the Navy a modern [[Underwater warfare|undersea warfare]] capability, ensuring a credible deterrent and extending South Africa's maritime reach beneath the surface.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-09 |title=Fact file: Heroine-class diesel-electric submarine |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-heroine-class-diesel-electric-submarine/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Naval Patrol Force ====
The Navy operates a mix of offshore and inshore patrol vessels (OPVs and IPVs), responsible for safeguarding South Africa's extensive Exclusive Economic Zone, supporting combat operations, and providing assistance to civilian agencies.

* 1 × [[Warrior-class strike craft|Warrior-class]] missile strike craft (8 retired; 1 remains in commission, with the final commissioned vessel "[[SAS Makhanda|SAS ''Makhanda'']]" set for retirement once a new MMIPV enters service).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Helfrich |first=Kim |date=2020-11-23 |title=SAS Galeshewe decommissioned |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sas-galeshewe-decommissioned/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 3 × [[Warrior-class inshore patrol vessel|Warrior-class]] Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPV).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-04 |title=SA Navy blesses third inshore patrol vessel amid CNavy warning on ship capacity {{!}} defenceWeb |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/sa-navy-blesses-third-inshore-patrol-vessel-amid-cnavy-warning-on-ship-capacity/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 3 × [[Patrol Boat, River|Xena-class]] Riverine Patrol Boats (RPB).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-28 |title=More details emerge on SA Navy's new riverine patrol boats - defenceWeb |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/more-details-emerge-on-sa-navys-new-riverine-patrol-boats/ |access-date=2025-09-27 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 3 × [[T Craft-class patrol vessel|T-class]] inshore patrol vessels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-09 |title=Fact file: T-class Inshore Patrol Vessel |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-t-class-inshore-patrol-vessel/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 26 × [[Namacurra-class patrol boat|Namacurra-class]] harbour patrol craft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-09 |title=Fact file: Namacurra-class harbour patrol boats |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-namacurra-class-harbour-patrol-boats/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Mine Countermeasures and Littoral Warfare ====
The Navy operates a dedicated minesweeping and littoral warfare force:

* 4 × [[River-class mine hunter|River-class]] minesweepers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-09 |title=Fact file: River-class inshore patrol vessel/minehunter |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-river-class-inshore-patrol-vesselminehunter/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 6 × Lima-class landing craft utility.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-11-07 |title=MRS takes shape - defenceWeb |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/mrs-takes-shape/ |access-date=2025-09-27 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* Large numbers of [[Rigid inflatable boat|RHIBs]] and smaller vessels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-06 |title=Nautic delivering boarding boats to SA Navy - defenceWeb |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/nautic-delivering-boarding-boats-to-sa-navy/ |access-date=2025-09-27 |language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-04-29 |title=New small boats demonstrated to the SA Navy - defenceWeb |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/new-small-boats-demonstrated-to-the-sa-navy/ |access-date=2025-09-27 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Naval Support Force ====
The Support Force provides logistical and auxiliary capacity for fleet operations:

* 1 × [[SAS Drakensberg|''Drakensberg''-class]] combat support ship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2023-11-10 |title=SA Navy looking to replace SAS Drakensberg |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/editors-pick/sa-navy-looking-to-replace-sas-drakensberg/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 1 × [[SAS Protea|''Protea''-class]] hydrographic survey vessel<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engelbrecht |first=Leon |date=2010-02-15 |title=Fact file: Hecla (Protea)-class hydrographic vessel |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/resources/fact-files/fact-file-hecla-protea-class-hydrographic-vessel/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref> (to be replaced by the new vessel "SAS ''Nelson Mandela''", currently awaiting delivery).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-26 |title=Still no delivery date known for SAS Nelson Mandela - defenceWeb |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/still-no-delivery-date-known-for-sas-nelson-mandela/ |access-date=2025-09-27 |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* At least 5 tugs of varying classes, with additional units planned.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=2016-04-22 |title=Navy accepts new tugs into the fleet |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/navy-accepts-new-tugs-into-the-fleet/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=defenceWeb |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

==== Aviation ====
Although the Navy does not directly operate aircraft, [[22 Squadron SAAF|22 Squadron]] of the [[South African Air Force]] provides aviation support to the fleet:

* 1 × [[Atlas Oryx]] medium utility helicopter (deployed on SAS ''Drakensberg'').<ref name="NavyAir">{{cite web |title=Maritime Aircraft |url=http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/maritime_aircraft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322095403/http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/maritime_aircraft.htm |archive-date=22 March 2015 |access-date=24 July 2014 |publisher=South African Navy}}</ref>
* 4 × [[Westland Super Lynx|Westland Super Lynx 300 Mk64]] [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] and [[ASuW]] helicopter (deployed on the Valour-class frigates).<ref name="NavyAir2">{{cite web |title=Maritime Aircraft |url=http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/maritime_aircraft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322095403/http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/maritime_aircraft.htm |archive-date=22 March 2015 |access-date=24 July 2014 |publisher=South African Navy}}</ref>

These aircraft perform surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, logistics, and [[Search and rescue|search-and-rescue]] (SAR) missions. A programme is underway to introduce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to supplement shipborne helicopters. Historically, the SAAF also operated the [[Westland Wasp]] in the anti-submarine role until its retirement.

=== Decommissioned fleet ===
{{Main|List of decommissioned ships of the South African Navy}}
Alongside its current fleet, the South African Navy has retired several major combat units over the years. These include:

* 3 × ''Daphné''-class diesel-electric attack submarines ([[SAS Maria van Riebeeck|SAS ''Maria van Riebeeck'']], [[SAS Emily Hobhouse|SAS ''Emily Hobhouse'']], and [[SAS Johanna van der Merwe|SAS ''Johanna van der Merwe'']]) — commissioned in the early 1970s and decommissioned by the early 2000s, replaced by the Heroine-class.
* 3 × [[Rothesay-class frigate|President-class]] Type 12 frigates ([[SAS President Kruger|SAS ''President Kruger'']], [[SAS President Steyn|SAS ''President Steyn'']], and [[SAS President Pretorius|SAS ''President Pretorius'']]) — acquired from the Royal Navy in the 1950s–60s, they formed the backbone of the Navy until their retirement in the 1980s.
* 2 × [[W and Z-class destroyer|W-class]] destroyers ([[SAS Jan van Riebeeck|SAS ''Jan van Riebeeck'']] and [[SAS Simon van der Stel|SAS ''Simon van der Stel'']]) — transferred from the Royal Navy in the 1950s, serving as the Navy's largest surface combatants of the era before being phased out.
* 8 × Warrior-class missile strike craft — [[fast attack craft]] introduced from the late 1970s; once central to coastal defence. Only one remains active today, with two in reserve and the remainder retired or sunk as targets.

These vessels represented the Navy's most powerful assets of their time, forming the foundation of South Africa's surface and subsurface warfare capability before the transition to the modern Valour and Heroine-class fleet.

===Naval weapons systems===
{|class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#acd1e9;"
| style="background:#acd1e9; text-align:center;" |'''<small>Model</small>'''
||'''<small>Type</small>'''|| style="background:#acd1e9; text-align:center;" |'''<small>Manufacturer</small>'''
|'''<small>Photo</small>'''
|'''<small>Origin</small>'''|| style="background:#acd1e9; text-align:center;" |'''<small>Platform</small>'''
|-
|<small>[[Exocet|Exocet MM40 Block 2]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=458&Itemid=363|title=Fact file: Valour-class frigates – defenceWeb|first=Leon|last=Engelbrecht|work=defenceweb.co.za|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320195937/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?id=458&itemid=363&option=com_content&task=view|archive-date=20 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref></small>
|[[Anti-ship missile|<small>Anti-ship missile</small>]]
|<small>[[MBDA]]</small>
|<small>[[File:Fragata Independência (F44). (52917336051).jpg|160x160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|France}}</small>
|<small>[[Valour-class frigate]] (8 missiles in 2 quad-packed launchers)</small>
|-
|<small>[[Umkhonto (missile)|Umkhonto IR Block 2]]<ref name="SANValour">{{cite web|title=FRIGATES|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/valour.htm|website=navy.mil.za|access-date=24 July 2014|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></small>
|[[Surface-to-air missile|<small>Surface-to-air missile</small>]]
|[[Denel Dynamics|<small>Denel Dynamics</small>]]
|<small>[[File:Umkhonto 3.jpg|160x160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|South Africa}}</small>
|<small>[[Valour-class frigate]] (16/32 missiles in a [[vertical launching system]])</small>
|-
|[[SUT torpedo|<small>533mm (21") Atlas Elektronik SUT 264 heavyweight torpedo</small>]]
|<small>[[Torpedo]]</small>
|[[Atlas Elektronik|<small>Atlas Elektronik</small>]]
|<small>[[File:Torpedo-SUT.png|160x160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|Germany}}</small>
|<small>[[Heroine-class submarine]] (8 bow tubes with 14 torpedoes)</small>
|-
|[[OTO Melara 76 mm|<small>OTO Melara 76mm/62 compact</small>]]
|[[Naval artillery|<small>Naval gun</small>]]
|<small>[[Oto Melara]]/Otobreda</small>
|<small>[[File:Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid Gun mount on HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej (FFG-471) right front view at JMSDF Yokosuka Naval Base November 3, 2022 01.jpg|160x160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|Italy}}</small>
|<small>[[Valour-class frigate]] (1 foredeck gun), [[Warrior class strike craft|Warrior-class Offshore Patrol Vessel]] (1 foredeck gun)</small>
|-
|[[Denel 35mm Dual Purpose Gun|<small>Denel 35mm Dual Purpose Gun</small>]]
|[[Close-in weapon system|<small>Close-in weapon system</small>]]
|[[Denel Land Systems|<small>Denel Land Systems</small>]]
|<small>[[File:Denel 35mm Dual Purpose Gun.jpg|160x160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|South Africa}}</small>
|<small>[[Valour-class frigate]] (2 GA35 rapid-fire [[automatic cannon]]s mounted side by side in an unmanned [[Stealth technology|low radar observable]] turret)</small>
|-
|<small>[[Reutech Rogue|12.7mm Sea Rogue]] or [[Reutech Rogue|20mm Super Rogue]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-17 |title=Reutech supplying weapons and radars for Biro, Hotel {{!}} defenceWeb |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/reutech-supplying-weapons-and-radars-for-biro-hotel/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |language=en-ZA}}</ref></small>
|[[Remote weapon system|<small>Remote weapon system</small>]]
|[[Reutech Solutions|<small>Reutech Solutions</small>]]
|<small>[[File:12.7mm Rogue.jpg|160x160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|South Africa}}</small>
|<small>[[Valour-class frigate]] (2 Sea Rogue turrets), [[Warrior-class inshore patrol vessel|Warrior-class multi-role patrol vessel]] (1 Super Rogue turret)</small>
|-
|[[Denel Land Systems GI-2|<small>Denel Land Systems GI-2</small>]]
|<small>[[Autocannon]]</small>
|[[Denel Land Systems|<small>Denel Land Systems</small>]]
|<small>[[File:DENEL GI-2.jpg|160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|South Africa}}</small>
|<small>[[Valour-class frigate]] (2 guns), [[Sa'ar 4-class missile boat|Warrior-class Offshore Patrol Vessel]] (2 guns), [[SAS Drakensberg (A301)|SAS ''Drakensberg'']] (4 guns), [[River-class mine hunter|River-class]] minehunter (1 gun)</small>
|-
|[[M2 Browning|<small>M2 Browning</small>]]
|<small>[[.50 BMG|12.7mm]] [[Heavy machine gun]]</small>
|<small>[[General Dynamics]], [[FN Herstal]], [[U.S. Ordnance]] or Manroy Engineering (UK)</small>
|<small>[[File:M2 Browning, Musée de l'Armée.jpg|160x160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|United States}}</small>
|
|-
|<small>[[Browning M1919]], [[FN MAG]] or [[Vektor SS-77]]</small>
|<small>[[7.62mm NATO|7.62mm]] [[General purpose machine gun]]</small>
|<small>[[Browning Arms Company]], [[FN Herstal]] or [[Denel Land Systems]]</small>
|<small>[[File:FN MAG white background.jpg|160x160px]]</small>
|<small>{{Flag|South Africa}}</small>
|
|}

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">

File:Spioenkop F147.jpg
File:South African Navy frigate SAS Amatola (F 145).jpg
File:SAS Mendi F148.jpg
File:South African soldiers aboard an Indian Navy ship.jpg
File:US Navy 110210-N-5085J-517 The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) participates in exercises with the South African na.jpg
File:SAS Queen Modjadji.jpg
File:Namacurra-class harbour patrol boat.jpg
File:SAS Isandlwana F146 V&A Waterfront 1.jpg
File:Oryx no. 1230.jpg
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|South Africa}}
* [[List of South African military chiefs]]
* [[Military history of South Africa]]
* [[South African environmental patrol vessels]]
* [[South African Naval Museum]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Navy of South Africa}}
* [http://www.navy.mil.za/ South African Navy home page]
* [http://www.southerncape.co.za/history/military/forces/sa_navy/ships.html Ships of the South African Navy, Past & Present] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221093900/http://www.southerncape.co.za/history/military/forces/sa_navy/ships.html |date=21 December 2007 }}
* [http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/uniform/dressregulations/index.htm South African Navy uniform regulations]

{{South African Navy}}
{{SA Navy Chiefs}}
{{SANDF}}
{{South Africa topics}}
{{Navies in Africa}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:South African Navy| ]]
[[Category:Maritime history of South Africa]]
[[Category:Military of South Africa]]