List of equipment of the South African National Defence Force
This is a list of the military equipment of South Africa, including the Army, Air force, and Navy.
Small arms
[edit]Small arms and light weapons
[edit]Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vektor Z88 | Semi-automatic pistol | Z88 | - | Current standard-issue sidearm.[1] | ||
Vektor SP1 | Semi-automatic pistol | SP1 | - | Current standard-issue sidearm alongside the Z88. | ||
Milkor BXP | Submachine gun | - | - | 22 or 32-round magazines. | ||
Vektor R4 | Assault rifle | - | - | Standard Issue assault rifle.[2]
| ||
Vektor R5 | Carbine rifle | - | - | Lightweight carbine version of the Vektor R4.[3] | ||
Vektor R1 | Designated marksman rifle | - | - | Former service rifle of the South African Army, now used as a designated marksman rifle. | ||
NTW-20 | Anti-material rifle | - | - | A unique anti-material rifle that comes in calibers such as 20mm, the NTW-20 is used by the South African Army for long-range engagements and against vehicles or fortified targets.[4] | ||
Truvelo CMS | Sniper rifle | CMS 7.62
CMS .338 CMS .50 BMG |
- | Entered service in 2018, standard-issue sniper rifle alongside the NTW-20.[5][6] | ||
SP 312 | Shotgun | SP 312 | - | Used for riot control.[7] | ||
Vektor SS-77 | General-purpose machine gun | SS-77 | - | Belt-fed GPMG in service since 1986 alongside the FN MAG. 100-round pear-shaped pouch in general use, 200-round rigid box.[8] | ||
FN MAG | General-purpose machine gun | - | Belt-fed GPMG. Main automatic weapon of dismounted infantry sections.
100-round pear-shaped pouches in general use and 200-round disintegrating link metal belts. Can be mounted on a Tripod as well as vehicles.[9] | |||
MG4 Browning | Medium machine gun | - | M1919A4 Browning Medium Machine gun modified by Denel Land Systems, fires the 7.62×51mm round.[10] | |||
M2 Browning | Heavy machine gun | - | Belt fed machine gun mainly mounted on Tripods, armoured and infantry vehicles.[11] | |||
Y3 AGL | Grenade machine gun | - | - | Can either be mounted on a tripod, or can be mounted on a vehicle. Has a nominal rate of fire of 320 rounds per minute. Electronic indirect sight and Aim point direct sight can be mounted.[12] | ||
Milkor MGL | Grenade launcher | Y2 Standard
Y4 SuperSix |
- | Y2 MK-1 in service since 1983, the latest Y4 SuperSix variant entered service in 2019. 6-round revolving, swing out-type cylinder.[13] | ||
RPG-7 | Rocket-propelled grenade launcher | RPG-7V2 | - | Some RPG-7s in service use an upgraded South African warhead manufactured by Denel Dynamics. To be replaced in the coming years most likely by the AT4 and Gustaf M4.[14] | ||
FT5 | 100 mm anti-tank rocket launcher | - | An indigenous reusable anti-tank weapon primarily used to penetrate modern main battle tanks and fortifications.[15] | |||
AT4 | 84 mm smoothbore recoilless rifle | - | Replacement for RPG-7.[16] | |||
Carl Gustaf M4 | 84 mm smoothbore recoilless rifle | - | Replacement for RPG-7.[17] | |||
ZT3 Ingwe | Anti-tank guided missile system | ZT3A2 | - | A modern multi-role long-range beam-riding precision guided missile (ATGM) in service. The missile is used by the Armoured Corps and the Mechanized infantry battalions.[18] | ||
MILAN ER | Anti-tank guided missile system | - | 46 Milan ADT (Advanced Digital Technology) launchers as well as 300+ Milan ER (extended range) SACLOS missiles are in service since 2007. To be replaced by the ZT3 Ingwe.[19] | |||
M40 recoilless rifle | 105 mm recoilless rifle | 171 | A direct-fire, crew served weapon issued in units of six to the motorised and airborne infantry anti-tank platoons.[20] | |||
M26 grenade | Fragmentation hand grenade | - |
Army
[edit]Utility and logistics vehicles: 21,073+
Armoured personnel carriers: 545+
MRAPs: 2,170+
Infantry fighting vehicles: 1,051
Main battle tanks: 215
Tank destroyers: 292
Towed artillery: 134
Self-propelled artillery: 49
Rocket artillery: 101
Tanks and armoured fighting vehicles
[edit]The South African Army's tank fleet, while smaller compared to some other nations, plays a crucial role in its armoured and mechanized forces, providing heavy firepower, protection, and mobility on the battlefield.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olifant | Main battle tank Armoured recovery vehicle Armoured bridge layer |
MK1A/1B/MK2 | 195 18 2 |
A heavily modified and modernized Centurion tank.
The MK1A tanks were commissioned in 1985, MK1Bs were commissioned in 1991 and the MK2 tanks were commissioned in 2007.[21] | ||
Rooikat | Armoured reconnaissance vehicle | MK1D | 240 | 8-Wheeled tank used for reconnaissance, aggressive search-and-destroy, anti-armour operations, combat patrols, raids, day and night hot pursuit operations.[22] |
Infantry fighting vehicles
[edit]The South African Army's fleet of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) is a key component of its mechanized infantry units, providing a combination of mobility, firepower, and protection for troops on the battlefield. These vehicles are designed to transport infantry while offering direct fire support and the ability to engage enemy forces.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ratel IFV | Infantry fighting vehicle | Ratel 20 Ratel 60 Ratel 81 Ratel 90 Ratel ZT3 |
1,025 | Primary infantry fighting vehicle in service with the South African Mechanized infantry units.
1,400 were originally in service, 355 were declared surplus to requirements and sold to foreign countries bringing the total down to 1,025.[23][24]
| ||
Badger IFV | Infantry fighting vehicle | - | 26 (254) | The Badgers are a new generation of fighting vehicles planned to partially replace the Army's Ratel IFV fleet over the next decade under the Project Hoefyster awarded contract, this will significantly improve the mobility, firepower, and protection of the South African Army's Mechanized infantry units. There will be four versions, a standard variant, fire support variant, mortar variant and a tank destroyer.[25][24]
|
Protected mobility vehicles
[edit]The Protected Mobility fleet is essential for the South African Army's operations, particularly in regions where the threat of landmines and IEDs is high. These vehicles are not only crucial for domestic operations but also play a vital role in South Africa's contributions to peacekeeping missions on the African continent. The development and use of these MRAPs/APCs underscore South Africa's leadership in mine-protected vehicle technology, with some models being exported and used by other countries around the world.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mamba | Armoured personnel carrier, MRAP | MK2
MK3 |
538 | While primarily an APC, the Mamba is sometimes used in roles similar to an IFV, particularly in low-intensity conflicts or peacekeeping operations. It offers protection against small arms fire and landmines and can be equipped with machine guns as well as a 40 mm grenade machine gun for basic fire support.[26][27] | ||
MAX 3 | Armoured personnel carrier, MRAP | 4x4
6x6 |
6+ | Delivered in April 2024. Mine-resistant APC with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire.
One of the replacement vehicles for the Toyota Land Cruisers.[28] | ||
Casspir | Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP | MK3 | 2,170+ | Multi-purpose mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire.
Equipped with 3 × 7.62 mm MG, M2 Browning .50 cal MG, + optional 40 mm Denel Y3 Grenade machine gun, can also replace the M2 Browning with a 20 mm autocannon) | ||
RG-31 Nyala | Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP | MK5E | Unknown | Similar to the Mamba but better protected. Equipped with a 20 mm remote controlled weapon station, can also be fitted with a 40 mm Denel Y3 Grenade Machine gun, overall armor protection of the vehicle exceeds NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2.[31][32] | ||
Husky VMMD | Vehicle mounted mine detection system, MRAP | 2G | Unknown | A system designed to clear routes of mines, usually they operate in pairs one after the other.[33] |
Utility and logistics vehicles
[edit]The South African Army's utility and logistics fleet is crucial to the SANDF, ensuring the transport and supply of essential resources across diverse terrains. It includes a range of vehicles, from heavy-duty trucks to specialized equipment, delivering ammunition, fuel, food, and medical supplies. The exact number of military trucks/utility vehicles in the South African Army is unknown due to how large the fleet is, but under Project Thusano, an estimate of more than 10,000 "Samil" military trucks alone had been refurbished in 2021 and put back into service enhancing the army’s ability to respond to both domestic and regional challenges.[34]
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Land Cruiser | Light armoured utility vehicle | 435 | Used for border patrol. To be phased out and replaced by 500 APC / MRAPs throughout 2024-2025.[35] | |||
Various cars and light trucks | - | 4x4 utility vehicles | Unknown | Various civilian utility vehicles are utilized by the army for light transport/patrol purposes (primarily Ford, Toyota and Land Rover vehicles). | ||
Gecko ATV | All-terrain utility vehicle | 100 | Used by the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces.[36] | |||
Samil 20 | 4x4 military truck | Several thousand's | Comes in multiple variants such as general cargo/fuel/troop transport variants, artillery fire control posts, variants with office and workshop bodies, a battery charger variant, a light recovery variant.[37][38] | |||
Samil 50 | 4x4 military truck | Several thousand's | Samil 50 trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, field repair and maintenance vehicles, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles.[39][40] | |||
Samil 100 | 6x6 military truck | Several thousand's | Samil 100 Trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles, dry canteen vehicles, field repair and maintenance vehicles, UAV launchers, UAV recovery vehicles and gun tractors (for towed artillery pieces).[41] | |||
SHE Cavallo | 8x8 heavy military truck | 3,200+ | Locally produced in South Africa. Comes in several variants, a heavy recovery vehicle, tank transport and bridge layer, also a variant used to mount the Army's ground-based Umkhonto missile defence system.[42][24][43] | |||
MAN 8x8 | 8x8 heavy military truck | Several thousand's | Primarily utilised as prime movers, firefighting vehicles and low-bed transporters.[44] | |||
Giraffe | 8x8 heavy military truck | Unknown | Designated as "Giraffe". Used as a cargo/vehicle transporter.[45] | |||
Toyota Dyna | Medium-duty truck | Unknown | Designated as "Wildebees".[46] | |||
Scania Busco | Personnel transport bus | Unknown | These buses are used to ferry personnel to and from bases.[47] |
Artillery and mortar systems
[edit]The South African Army's artillery fleet is a critical component of its overall combat capability, providing long-range firepower, support for ground forces, and the ability to engage enemy positions and fortifications. The artillery fleet includes a mix of towed and self-propelled guns, multiple rocket launchers, and mortars, which together offer a flexible and potent fire support system.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Max Range | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bateleur FV2 | 127 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 40 km | 25 | 127 mm standard multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) of the South African Army Artillery Formation. 40 launch tubes mounted on an armoured Samil 100 6×6 truck.[48] | ||
Valkiri | 127 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 40 km | 76 | 127 mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). 24 launch tubes.[49] | ||
G6 Rhino | 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer | 76 km | 43 | The G6 Rhino is one of the most capable self-propelled howitzers, known for its exceptional mobility, firepower, and crew protection. With a 155 mm gun and a range of up to 76 km using rocket-assisted munitions, it delivers long-range fire support while its 6x6 wheeled chassis provides superior off-road mobility, ideal for rapid shoot-and-scoot tactics. making it one of the best artillery systems for rugged terrains and mobile warfare.[50] | ||
T5-52 | 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer | 60+ km | 6 | New South African Self-propelled howitzer that entered service in 2018. In testing by the South African Army before any more additional T5-52 howitzers are ordered to operate alongside the GV6 Rhino fleet.[51] | ||
G5 Leopard | 155 mm Towed howitzer | 60+ km | 72 | Basically a towed version of the G6 Rhino.[52] | ||
G4 Howitzer | 155 mm Towed howitzer | 30 km | 32 | Replaced by the G5, remaining G4's are kept in the army reserves.[53] | ||
G1 Howitzer | 87 mm Towed howitzer | 12 km | 30 | A small number are still maintained and used on ceremonial occasions. Replaced by the M5 mortar system.[53] | ||
M5 Mortar | 120 mm heavy mortar | 8 km | 146+ | Primary long-range, indirect fire, artillery weapon of the Steve Biko Artillery Regiment (formerly Light Regiment). The M5 mortar system is also air deployable.[54] | ||
M3 Mortar | 81 mm medium mortar | 5 km | 1,190+ | Provides medium-range fire support to infantry, particularly in light or mechanized units.
Around 1,190 mortars are in service with the South African Army Infantry Corps.[55] | ||
M8 Mortar | 81 mm medium mortar | 7 km | 700 | Upgraded version of the M3 mortar with improved range and accuracy.[24][55] | ||
M6 Mortar | 60 mm light mortar | 6 km | 102+ | Unknown number ordered under the Project Acrobat contract. An estimate of 102 M6 long-range mortars were successfully delivered to the South African Army Infantry Corps in 2011, this is sufficient to equip 12 infantry battalions. Its lightweight make it suitable for rapid deployment, fast-moving operations and airborne.[56][57] | ||
M4 Mortar | 60 mm light mortar | 2 km | Unknown | Uses the M-61 series of bombs in High Explosive, Smoke, Illumination and Practice versions.
In use with the Special Forces and Airborne Infantry. Upgraded in 2016 with improved range and accuracy.[55][58] |
Air defence systems
[edit]The South African Army Air Defence Artillery (ADA) plays a critical role in protecting South African airspace from potential aerial threats. It uses a variety of weapon systems and radar technologies to provide both short-range and medium-range air defence.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Umkhonto | Mobile surface-to-air missile/anti-ballistic missile system | In testing | Future ground-based air defence system for the South African Army.
Can carry up to eight Umkhonto-R and Umkhonto-IR (Infrared) Mk II missiles.[59] | |||
Starstreak | Manportable/Vehicle mounted surface-to-air missile | 178 launchers | In use with 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment. These missiles have a range of between 5–7 km. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute lists the number of Portable SAMs delivered as 96 for the GBADS phase 1 project with another order for 82.[60] | |||
Oerlikon GDF | 35 mm Radar-guided anti-aircraft autocannon | GDF-002
GDF-005 |
150 | Upgraded in 2016 by Rheinmetall AG to use oerlikon skyshield fire control systems capable of shooting down modern aerial threats.[61] | ||
ZU-23-2 Zumlac | 23 mm Twin anti-aircraft autocannon | 36 | 36 were captured during the South African Border War and are mounted on Samil 100 military trucks.[24] |
Radars and unmanned aerial vehicles
[edit]Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ATE Vulture | Unmanned aerial vehicle | 4 | Acquired under Project Klooster.[62] | |||
Seeker | Unmanned aerial vehicle | 400 | 36 | Transferred from the Air Force to the Army. This UAV provides the South African military with real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for both combat and peacetime operations.[63][24] | ||
LOCATS | Aerial target systems | Unknown | The LOCATS is an unmanned aerial target used to train Air Defence Artillery crews in gunnery. It is launched from a ramp fitted on the back of a flatbed truck and is recovered by parachute.[64] | |||
ESR 220 | Mobile battery fire control post and early warning radar system | 4 | Capable of tracking aircraft in a 120 km radius and can be fully operational within 10 minutes of arrival at the deployment site. The system also provides for a combined air picture derived from primary radar(through utilisation of Link-ZA, the SANDF's data link system), as well as a command and control system for effective air defence control.[65] | |||
Thales Squire | Battlefield surveillance radar | 14 | Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The radars are designed to plot a pedestrian at 10km, a vehicle at 21km, a tank at 28km, a helicopter at 21km, a boat at 12km and a ship at 48km.[66] | |||
Thales Sophie | Thermal imager | 65 | Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The Thales Sophie can spot humans at over 4 km, tanks at 10 km, helicopters at 12 km and jet fighters at 16 km.[67] |
Navy
[edit]Frigates
[edit]The South African Navy operates four Valour-class frigates, which are its main surface combatants. Commissioned in the early 2000s, these frigates are modern, multipurpose warships designed primarily for air defence, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. As of 2024 they are expected to undergo periodic upgrades, focusing on their combat systems and other technologies to keep them in line with modern naval warfare demands.[68]
Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Valour class | 4 | Stealth guided-missile frigate | 3,759 tonnes | Multi-purpose and multi-capable frigate. The Valour class frigates include the general guided-missile anti-surface, anti-air role as well as the anti-submarine role. The Valour class frigates employ the use of advanced stealth technology making them hard to detect.[69] |
Submarines
[edit]The South African Navy operates three Heroine-class submarines, which form the backbone of its underwater warfare capabilities. These submarines, based on the German Type 209/1400mod design, are advanced diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth, endurance, and versatility.[70]
Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heroine class | 3 | Guided-missile attack submarine | 1,654 tonnes | The Heroine-class submarines replaced the three Daphné-class submarines, SAS Spear, SAS Assegaai and SAS Umkhonto of the South African Navy.[71] |
Patrol vessels
[edit]Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Warrior class | 3 | Multi-role patrol vessel | 1,031 tonnes | 3 Inshore patrol vessels are in service. A further 12 inshore patrol vessels and 15 larger offshore patrol vessels of this class are planned.[72] | ||
Warrior class | 1 | Offshore patrol vessel | 450 tonnes | 8 vessels retired, the final Warrior class OPV in service is soon to be replaced by the Warrior class multi-role patrol vessel.[73] | ||
T class | 3 | Inshore patrol vessel | 37 tonnes | Built by T-Craft International in Cape Town.[74] | ||
Namacurra-class | 26 | Inshore patrol vessel | 4 tonnes | Harbour patrol boats equipped with .50 cal machine guns.[75] |
Minesweepers
[edit]Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
River class | 2 | Minesweeper | 390 tonnes | Minesweeper / Patrol vessel.[76] |
Auxiliary vessels
[edit]Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drakensberg class | 1 | Fleet replenishment ship | 12,500 tonnes | Commissioned in 1987. The largest and most sophisticated vessel to be constructed on the African continent.[77] | ||
Nelson Mandela class | 1 under construction | Hydrographic survey vessel | N/A | Will replace the Protea-class survey vessel, will be delivered at the end of 2023 or early 2024. The vessel will be equipped with the latest survey equipment.[78] | ||
Protea class | 1 | Hydrographic survey vessel | 2,750 tonnes | Specialist Hydrographic Survey Vessel. Built by Yarrow & Co Ltd, Glasgow, Scotland. Launched 1971. Replacement under construction.[79] | ||
Tugs | 5+ | Tug boats | N/A | Coastal and harbour tugs.[80] |
Landing craft
[edit]Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No image available | Lima class | 6 | Landing craft utility |
Air force
[edit]Combat aircraft
[edit]The South African Air Force (SAAF) operates a variety of combat aircraft designed for different roles, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and training.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JAS 39 Gripen | Multirole fighter | JAS 39C
JAS 39D |
17
9 |
The Gripen is the backbone of the SAAF’s combat capabilities, providing air superiority and strike roles. They were ordered to replace the 68 Atlas Cheetah multirole fighters used by the SAAF.[81] | ||
BAE Hawk | Fighter trainer | Mk 120 | 24 | Primarily used to train pilots for the Gripen but is also capable of light ground-attack missions, close air support, and reconnaissance.[82] | ||
Pilatus PC-7 | Basic flight trainer | Mk I
Mk II |
21
35 |
Though primarily a trainer, the PC-7 can be fitted with light weaponry, such as bombs and machine guns, for counterinsurgency and light ground-attack missions. Due to the lack of pilot training, the PC-7 Mk I variant has been placed in reserve.[83][84] |
Unmanned aerial vehicles
[edit]South Africa is also investing in the development of next-generation UAVs for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Milkor 380 | MALE UCAV | 5 | Entered service in 2024. The largest drone to be manufactured in South Africa and in Africa, it has an endurance of up to 35 hours of flight time and a payload capacity of 210 kg.[85] Production for the Milkor 380 is currently set at 6 systems per year with plans to increase it by up to 16 systems per year.[86] |
Transport aircraft
[edit]Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C-130 Hercules | Tactical airlifter | C-130BZ | 9 | Three aircraft used for spares, the remaining 6 aircraft are undergoing upgrades.[87] | ||
Douglas DC-3 | Electronic warfare / Transport | 8 | The classic C-47 Dakota but upgraded with turboprop engines for extended range and performance. 5 aircraft provide maritime patrol.[88] | |||
Cessna 208 | Radar jamming / Transport | 7 | Used for coastal patrols and low-intensity operations. Its ruggedness and ability to operate in various environments make it suitable for South Africa’s diverse terrain.[89] | |||
Super King Air | Transport | 2 | It is versatile, capable of short takeoffs and landings on unimproved airfields, often used for short-haul missions.[90] | |||
C-212 Aviocar | Transport | 3 | Known for its ability to operate from short and unprepared runways, it is used in tactical airlift missions.[91] | |||
Pilatus PC-12 | Transport | 2 | Small business jet.[92] | |||
Boeing 737 | VIP presidential transport | BBJ | 1 | Presidential plane.[93] | ||
Citation II | VIP transport | 2 | A long-range business jet used to transport senior government officials and military personnel.[94] | |||
Falcon 50 | VIP transport | 2 | A long-range business jet used to transport senior government officials and military personnel.[95] | |||
Falcon 900 | VIP transport | 1 | More advanced than the Falcon 50, it offers longer range and more comfort for high-ranking officials during international travel.[96] |
Helicopters
[edit]The South African Air Force (SAAF) operates a variety of helicopters, fulfilling roles such as transport, search and rescue, anti-piracy operations, and battlefield support.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AH-2 Rooivalk | Attack helicopter | Mk1 | 11 | Equipped with a 20mm cannon, rockets, and anti-tank missiles. It is capable of night operations and has advanced avionics and targeting systems. Originally 36 Rooivalk Mk1 were planned to be procured but this had been reduced to only 12 units which were then all delivered in 2011.[97]
A Rooivalk Mk2 variant is currently under development with a minimum of 24 Rooivalk Mk2 planned to be procured to make up a viable squadron for the air force.[98] | ||
Atlas Oryx | Transport utility | Mk2 | 39 | Based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, but upgraded by Denel. Can carry up to 20 troops or 6 stretchers, and has a maximum speed of about 278 km/h.[99] | ||
AW109 | Transport utility / SAR | 30 | Can carry up to 8 passengers, is highly maneuverable, and has a max speed of around 285 km/h. Fulfills the surveillance, transport, and search and rescue role of the SAAF.[99] | |||
BK 117 | Light attack / utility | 6 | Multirole helicopter.[99] | |||
Super Lynx | ASW/SAR | Lynx 300 | 4 | Used in naval operations.[99] |
Weapon systems
[edit]The South African Air Force operates various weapon systems across its fleet to support air defense, combat operations, and other military roles. These weapon systems are integrated into aircraft like the SAAB JAS 39 Gripen, Denel Rooivalk, and other platforms.[100]
Type | Name | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
27 mm revolver cannon | Mauser BK-27 | Primary gun for the JAS 39 Gripen. | |
Gunship cannon | F2 20mm Cannon | Primary gun for the Rooivalk. | |
Air-to-Air missile | A-Darter | Mounted on Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120
(Hawk integration in progress, not yet operational) | |
IRIS-T | Mounted on Gripen C, Gripen D | ||
Cruise missile | MUPSOW[101] | In development, to be mounted on the Gripen. | |
TORGOS[102] | Long-range, precision-guided strike missile. | ||
Reconnaissance / Targeting Pods | Litening III | Gripen C, Gripen D | |
Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod | Gripen C, Gripen D | ||
Vicon 18-601E | Hawk 120 | ||
Argos 410-Z | C208 Caravan, A109 | ||
Rocket Launcher | Type 159 Launcher | Rooivalk | |
Rocket | FZ90 70mm FFAR | Rooivalk | |
Laser-guided bomb | GBU-12 Paveway II | Gripen C, Gripen D | |
Precision-guided bomb | Umbani PGM | Hawk 120 | |
Free-fall bomb | 120 kg Fragmentation Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 | |
120 kg Low-Drag Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 | ||
145 kg Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 | ||
460 kg Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-07). "Fact file: Denel Z88 pistol". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-09-24). "Denel showcases a 21st Century R4 assault rifle at AAD". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-09-24). "Denel showcases a 21st Century R4 assault rifle at AAD". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-02-03). "SANDF refurbishing NTW-20 AMR". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ defenceWeb (2018-09-21). "Truvelo launches new AMRIS 20x42 mm rifle". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Martin, Guy (2022-09-30). "Truvelo is back with a bang". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ defenceWeb (2020-06-05). "Shotgun training for crowd control". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "home". 2014-04-19. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-07). "Fact file: FN MAG GPMG". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "home". 2014-04-19. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "home". 2014-04-19. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "home". 2013-02-18. Archived from the original on 2013-02-18. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Martin, Guy (2020-10-09). "Milkor Y4 grenade launcher project handed over to SA Army". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "home". 2013-07-05. Archived from the original on 2013-07-05. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-11-08). "Work underway on RPG replacement". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Martin, Guy (2022-11-25). "Largest SA Army exercise in decades wraps up". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Martin, Guy (2022-11-25). "Largest SA Army exercise in decades wraps up". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-07). "Fact file: Denel ZT3 Ingwe precision guided missile". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-07). "Fact file: MBDA Milan precision guided misile". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "home". 2013-07-05. Archived from the original on 2013-07-05. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-06-06). "New rims for the Olifant MBT". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "home". 2014-04-24. Archived from the original on 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ "home". 2014-04-24. Archived from the original on 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ a b c d e f International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) (2023). The Military Balance 2023. London: IISS. ISBN 978-1857438352.
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Hoyle2021-11-25T15:25:00+00:00, Craig. "How Afghanistan's fall reshaped World Air Forces inventory". Flight Global. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Hoyle2021-11-25T15:25:00+00:00, Craig. "How Afghanistan's fall reshaped World Air Forces inventory". Flight Global. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
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