List of equipment of the South African National Defence Force

Last updated

This is a list of the military equipment of South Africa, including the Army, Air force, and Navy.

Contents

Army

Small arms and infantry weapons

NameImageTypeOriginVersionsNumberNotes
Handguns
Vektor Z88 [1] SADF Vektor Z88 9mm pistol.png Semi-automatic pistol Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A15-round magazine standard-issue sidearm. License-built Beretta 92F.
Vektor SP1 VektorSP1.jpg Semi-automatic pistol Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A15-round magazine standard issue side arm alongside the Z88.
Submachine guns
Milkor BXP Uzi Pros at IDEX 2023w.png Submachine gun Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A32-round magazine indigenously designed 9mm submachine gun.
Assault rifles
Vektor R4 [2] Galil Cordova 18.png Assault rifle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A35-round magazine standard service rifle. Modernized in 2010 under Project African Warrior.
Vektor R5 [3] Galil Cordova 13.png Carbine Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/ACarbine version of the Vektor R4.
Anti-material & Sniper rifles
Truvelo CMS [4] [5] Truvelo 12,7 x 99mm CMS Rifle.jpg Bolt action sniper rifle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa .338 Lapua
.50 BMG
7.62×51mm
N/ACMS (Counter Measure Sniper). 5-round or 10-round magazine standard sniper rifle of the South African Army since 2018.
Denel NTW-20 [6] NTW-20 rifle.jpg Anti-material rifle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A3-round magazine standard anti-material rifle of the South African Army. In service since 1998 by the South African Special Forces and Army Infantry sniper sections. In 2013 a South African Special Forces sniper using the NTW-20 shot and killed a M23 Rebel in the Democratic Republic of Congo at a distance of 2,125 metres (2,324 yards) making it the 9th longest recorded sniper kill in history as of 2023. [7]
Shotguns
Stoeger SP312 [8] M590A1.png Pump-action shotgunFlag of Turkey.svg  Turkey -N/AUsed for crowd control.
Machine guns
Vektor SS-77 [9] MAG EP.jpg General-purpose machine gun Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A Belt-fed GPMG in service since 1986 alongside the FN MAG. 100-round pear-shaped pouch in general use, 200-round rigid box. Planned to be replaced by the new generation Denel DMG-5.
FN MAG [10] FN MAG white background.jpg General-purpose machine gun Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium -N/ABelt-fed GPMG. 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.
Browning MG4 MMG [11] Browning M1919a.png Medium machine gun Flag of the United States.svg  United States

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa

M1919A4N/AM1919A4 Browning Medium Machine gun modified by Denel Land Systems, fires the 7.62×51mm round.
M2 Browning [12] M2 Browning, Musee de l'Armee (cropped).jpg Heavy machine gun Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa

-N/ABelt fed machine gun mainly mounted on Tripods, armoured and infantry vehicles.
Grenade launchers
Milkor MGL [13] Milkor MGL.jpg Grenade launcher Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Y2 MK-1
Y3 MK-1S
Y4 SuperSix
N/AY2 MK-1 in service since 1983, the Y3 MK-1S entered service in 2005 and the latest Y4 SuperSix variant entered service in 2019. 6-round revolving, swing out-type cylinder.
Denel Y3 AGL [14] Y3 AGL.JPG Automatic grenade launcher Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/AA Belt-fed, high velocity, long-recoil, open-breech powerful grenade launcher in service. The weapon is ideally used as a tripod-mounted support weapon for infantry as a vehicle or tripod mounted weapon, with a nominal rate of fire of 320 rounds per minute. Electronic indirect sight and Aim point direct sight can be mounted.
Anti-tank weapons
Denel FT5 [15] Anti-tank rocket launcher Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/AAn indigenous reusable anti-tank weapon primarily used to penetrate modern main battle tanks and fortifications.
RPG-7 [16] RPG-7V1 grenade launcher - RaceofHeroes-part2-22.jpg
Rocket-propelled grenade launcherFlag of the Soviet Union.svg  Soviet Union -N/ALarge numbers of RPG-7s were captured during the mid-1970s and are deployed at section level for use against armoured vehicles. To be replaced by the FT5.
AT4 [17] AT4 CS.jpg
84mm smoothbore recoilless rifle Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden -N/A
Carl Gustaf M4 [18] Carl Gustav M4 (1).jpg
84mm recoilless rifle Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden -N/A
M40 recoilless rifle [19] M40 105 mm RR.jpg
105mm recoilless rifle Flag of the United States.svg  United States -171
ZT3 Leopard [20] Ingwe ATGM.jpg
Anti-tank guided missile Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/AA 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.
MILAN ER [21] Tag der Bundeswehr Jagel 2019 HJL 13 noBG.png
Anti-tank guided missile Flag of France.svg  France -346+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.
Anti-aircraft weapons
Starstreak [22] Starstreak MANPADS 02.jpg
Manportable/Vehicle mounted surface-to-air missile Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom -178 [23]
Mortars
M4 Commando Mortar [24] 60mm mortar round being launch.JPG 60 mm long-range light mortar Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -2300+Upgraded in 2016 with improved range and accuracy.
M3 Mortar [25] Mortier 81 LLR 03.jpg 81 mm long-range medium mortar Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa M3
M8
18901890 mortars in service with the South African Army Infantry Formation.
M5 120mm Mortar Mortar-120mm-beyt-hatotchan-1.jpg 120 mm long-range heavy mortar Flag of Israel.svg  Israel -3636 mortars are in service with 18 Light Regiment.
Grenades
M26 grenade [26] M-61Grenade.jpg Fragmentation hand grenade Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A
M854 Smoke Grenade [27] Smoke grenade Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A
RDM Illuminating Hand Grenade [28] Hand grenade Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A
RDM Bullet Trap (BT) Rifle Grenades [29] Rifle grenade Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -N/A

Armored Vehicles

The army is currently looking for replacements for the Mamba and Casspir fleets, up to 3,000 APCs and 3,000 MRAPs are planned to replace the 1,040+ Casspir and 840+ Mamba used by the South African Army, the new vehicles will be made in South Africa. [30]

VehicleImageTypeOriginVersionsNumberNotes
Main battle tanks
Olifant [31] Olifant Mk2 AAD2014.JPG Main battle tank Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa MK1A
MK1B
MK2
195A heavily modified and modernized Centurion tank.

The MK1A tanks were commissioned in 1985. The MK1Bs were commissioned in 1991 and the MK2 tanks were commissioned in 2007 by using some TTD tank part.

Tank destroyers
Rooikat [32] Rooikat Armoured Car (9686598433).jpg Tank destroyer Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -390Extremely fast armoured vehicle used for reconnaissance, aggressive search-and-destroy, anti-armour operations, combat patrols, raids and hot pursuit operations. 150 Rooikats in reserve squadrons / storage.
Ratel ZT-3 [33] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army Ratel ZT-3 with Ingwe anti-tank guided missile (32921879841).jpg Tank destroyer Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -52Ratel IFV equipped with a triple ZT3 Ingwe ATGM launcher.
Infantry fighting vehicles (IFV)
Badger IFV [34] Badger-infanteriegevegsvoertuig, c, Waterkloof Lugmagbasis.jpg Infantry fighting vehicle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -244(On order)The Badgers are planned to partially replace the SA army's Ratel fleet over the next decade. The Badger IFV will become a mainstay of South African mechanized infantry force for many years to come. There will be five versions: a standard infantry carrier, a command car, fire support variant, mortar carrier and tank destroyer.
Ratel IFV [35] Afstandbeheerde geskuttoring op Ratel, b, Waterkloof Lugmagbasis.jpg Infantry fighting vehicle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
-1,200 [36] Primary armoured fighting vehicle in service with the South African Mechanized forces. Variants in service include the Ratel 20 (armed with a Denel GI-2 20 mm cannon), Ratel 60 (armed with a 60 mm breech-loading mortar), Ratel 90 (armed with a 90 mm Denel GT-2 low-velocity anti-tank gun), command variant, fire-support vehicle and an 81 mm mortar carrier. 666 Ratels in reserve squadrons / storage.
Armoured personnel carriers (APC)
Mamba [37] Permissions-Errors-Rg-33.jpg MRAP armoured personnel carrier Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Mk3840+APC / MRAP with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire. 400 Mambas in reserve squadrons / storage.
MAX 3 [38] No image available Armoured personnel carrier Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa MAX 3?A dozen 4x4 and 6x6 MAX 3s were acquired from SVI Engineering in early 2024 and delivered to the Joint Operations Division of the SANDF. These vehicles would most likely replace or supplement the Mamba or Casspir vehicles.
Mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP)
Casspir [39] Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ)'s Mine Protected Vehicle.jpg MRAP infantry mobility vehicle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Mk31,040+IMV with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire. Comes in several variants: an armoured personnel carrier, ambulance, light cargo vehicle (Blesbok freighter), tanker, a fire support team vehicle (FISTV), a light recovery vehicle (Gemsbok) and a Plofadder mine clearing vehicle. 200 Casspir in reserve squadrons / storage.
RG-31 Nyala [40] International Defence Industry Exhibition 2009 (03).jpg MRAP infantry mobility vehicle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -?IMV with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire.
Husky VMMD [41] [42] USMC-090120-M-8478B-004.jpg Vehicle mounted mine detection system / MRAP Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -4,000+A system designed to clear routes of mines. Usually they operate in pairs one after the other. The leading vehicle acts as a Mine Detection Vehicle (MDV) and is designated as "Meerkat". The vehicle detects and identifies land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using a range of sensors and imaging systems. Additionally, the Husky is equipped with a variety of countermeasures, such as jamming systems and smoke generators that can be used to neutralize or disrupt IEDs. The Husky VMMD's armor is specifically engineered to withstand the effects of land mines and IEDs.

Artillery

NameImageTypeOriginVersionsNumberNotes
Self-propelled artillery
GV6 Rhino [43] Denel G6-45 Ysterplaat Airshow 2006.jpg 155mm self-propelled howitzer Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa G6-5243Locally developed mine-resistant long-range 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. The South African Army received 153 GV6 self-propelled howitzers between 2000 and 2010 and sold 102 of them.
T5-52 Condor [44] Philippine Army ATMOS Live Fire Exercise 003.jpg 155mm self-propelled howitzer Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -6Locally developed long-range 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. These self-propelled howitzers are being tested by the South African Army before any more additional howitzers are ordered to operate alongside the GV6 Rhino.
Towed artillery
GV5 Leopard SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army G5 155mm howitzer (32892350632).jpg 155mm towed howitzer Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa G5-200072Locally developed long-range towed 155 mm howitzer. The GV5 Leopard is a towed version of the GV6 Rhino.
GV1 25 [45] - Flickr - Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden (6).jpg 87mm towed howitzer Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom -32A small number are maintained and in service with reserve regiments. These guns are used for ceremonial occasions.
Multiple launch rocket system (MLRS)
Bateleur [46] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army Samil 100 MPV Valkiri MkII rocket launcher (32203261424).jpg 127mm multiple launch rocket system Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -25Long-range 127mm missile launcher. 40 launch tubes mounted on an armoured Samil 100 6×6 truck.
Valkiri [47] Vilkha MLRS final tests 2.jpg 127mm multiple launch rocket system Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -76Long-range 127mm missile launcher. 24 launch tubes mounted on an armoured 4×4 truck.

Anti-aircraft

NameImageTypeOriginVersionsNumberNotes
Anti-aircraft guns
Oerlikon GDF [48] Boxer fitted with the Oerlikon Skyranger air defence system.jpg
Radar guided anti-aircraft autocannon Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Flag of Germany.svg  Germany GDF-002
GDF-005
150Upgraded by Rheinmetall AG in 2017 to use Oerlikon Skyshield fire control systems and Ahead airburst ammunition.
Zumlac [49] 068 - ZU-23-2 (30927708717).jpg Twin 23mm anti aircraft autocannon Flag of the Soviet Union.svg  Soviet Union -36Captured in the 1980s during the South African Border War and are mounted on armoured SAMIL 100 heavy trucks.
Surface-to-air missile
Umkhonto GBADS [50] Umkhonto gbads1 (cropped).jpg Mobile surface-to-air missile system Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -?Developed for the South African Army's ground-based air defence system (GBADS) requirement.

Miscellaneous

NameImageTypeOriginVersionsNumberNotes
Seeker 400 [51]
Denel UAV Seeker 400 (10825858576).jpg
Unmanned aerial vehicle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Seeker 40036The Seeker 400 operates at direct line-of-sight (LOS) ranges of up to 250 km from the base station and provides: Real-time day and night reconnaissance.
ATE Vulture [52] Vulture Launcher System at Ysterplaat Airshow, Cape Town (1).jpg
Unmanned aerial vehicle Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -At least 4Acquired under Project Klooster.
ESR220 Thutlwa [53] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army Skimmel 8X8 Thutlwa battery fire control post (32892489382).jpg Mobile battery fire control post and early warning radarFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -4Designated as "Kameelperd". The system uses an L-band 2D surveillance radar to provide early warning to air defence artillery troops in the field.
Thales Squire radar system [54] Thales Squire.jpg Battlefield surveillance radar Flag of France.svg  France -14Acquired 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.
Thales Sophie man-portable system [55] Sophie (c)B. Rousseau.jpg Thermal imager Flag of France.svg  France -65Acquired 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.
LOCATS [56] No image availableLow cost aerial target systemsFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -?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.

Logistic and utility vehicles

NameImageTypeOriginVersionsNumberNotes
Gecko ATV Rapid Deployment Vehicle [57] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army Gecko 8x8 wheeled amphibious all terrain vehicle. (32921834261).jpg All-terrain utility vehicleFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -100 in serviceUsed by the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces.
SAMIL 20 [58] [59] Samil 20.jpg 4×4 armoured military truckFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -Several thousandWill be replaced by a new generation set of military trucks in the near future under "Project Vistula". [60]
SAMIL 50 [61] [62] Samil 50 water tanker (9676181654).jpg 4×4 armoured military truckFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -Several thousandWill be replaced by a new generation set of military trucks in the near future under "Project Vistula". [63]
SAMIL 100 [64] [65] South African Army SAMIL 100.JPG 6×6 armoured military truckFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa -Several thousandWill be replaced by a new generation set of military trucks in the near future under "Project Vistula". [66]
Cavallo [67] [68] Kynos Aljaba 8x8 Ejercito Espanol.JPG 8x8 heavy military logistics truckFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Skimmel
Zebra
Kameelperd
Several thousandDesignated as "Cavallo". Used as a cargo/vehicle transporter, also used to carry the SANDF's radar and air defence artillery equipment.
MAN 8x8 Trucks [69] [70] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - SAAF MAN 8X8 Tactical Mobile Radar Operation Pallet (32233116353).jpg 8x8 heavy military logistics truckFlag of Germany.svg  Germany

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa

-Several thousandPrimarily utilised as prime movers, firefighting vehicles and low-bed transporters.
MAN 8X8 truck (9689844190).jpg 8x8 heavy armoured military truck
Giraffe [71] Iveco Trakker tractocamion Ejercito espanol.jpg Logistics truckFlag of Italy.svg  Italy -?Designated as "Giraffe". Used as a cargo/vehicle transporter.
Toyota Dyna [72] CTASD Toyota Dyna 200 20071006.jpg Medium-duty truckFlag of Japan.svg  Japan -?Designated as "Wildebees"
Scania transport buses SANDF Scania Busco (14272249221).jpg Personnel transport busFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden -?These buses are used to ferry personnel to and from bases.
Various cars and light trucks.No image availableLight armoured tactical vehicleFlag of the United States.svg  United States Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Flag of Japan.svg  Japan -?Various civilian utility vehicles are utilized by the army for light transport/patrol purposes (primarily Ford, Toyota and Land Rover vehicles).
ShipImageTypeOriginNumberDisplacementNotes
Frigates (4 in service)
Valour class Algerian Meko.jpg Stealth guided-missile frigate Flag of Germany.svg  Germany

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa

43,759 tonnesMulti-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.
Submarines (3 in service)
Heroine class [73] ROKS Nadaeyong SS-069.jpg Guided-missile attack submarine Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 31,654 tonnesThe Heroine-class submarines replaced the three Daphné-class submarines, SAS Spear, SAS Assegaai and SAS Umkhonto of the South African Navy.
Patrol vessels (33 in service)
Warrior class [74] SAS King Sekhukhune I underway off Simonstown.jpg Multi-role patrol vessel Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 31,031 tonnes3 Inshore patrol vessels are in service. A further 12 inshore patrol vessels and 15 larger offshore patrol vessels of this class are planned. [75]
Warrior class strike craft [76] US Navy 100315-N-4774B-200 The Chilean navy Sa'ar 4-class fast-attack craft Angamos and Casma perform tactical maneuvering exercises in the Strait Of Magellan.jpg Offshore patrol vessel Flag of Israel.svg  Israel Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 1450 tonnesTo be replaced by the Warrior-class Multi-role patrol vessels.
T class [77] Nachshol75X.JPG Inshore patrol vessel Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 337 tonnesBuilt by T-Craft International in Cape Town.
Namacurra class [78] Namacurra-class harbour patrol boat.jpg Harbour patrol boat Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 264 tonnesHarbour patrol boats equipped with machine guns.
Minesweepers (2 in service)
River class [79] SAS Umzimkulu.jpg Minesweeper Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 2390 tonnesMinesweeper / Patrol vessel.
Auxiliary vessels (7 in service)
Drakensberg class [80] SAS Drakensberg A301 b.jpg Fleet replenishment ship Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 112,500 tonnesCommissioned in 1987. The largest and most sophisticated vessel to be constructed on the African continent.
Nelson Mandela class PIERRE DE FERMAT (49485037526).jpg Hydrographic survey vessel Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 1(Under construction)N/AWill 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. [81]
Protea class SAS Protea.jpg Hydrographic survey vessel Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 12,750 tonnesSpecialist Hydrographic Survey Vessel. Built by Yarrow & Co Ltd, Glasgow, Scotland. Launched 1971. Replacement under construction.
Coastal and harbour tugs [82] SA Navy Tug Ndlovu.JPG Tug Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 5N/A
Landing craft (6 in service)
Lima-class utility landing craft [83] No image available Landing Craft Utility Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 6N/A

Air force

AircraftImageOriginTypeNumberNotes
Combat aircraft
JAS 39 Gripen [84] Air-to-air with a Czech Saab Gripen with AFB Caslav in the background.jpg Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden Multirole fighter 26
  • Current main combat aircraft
  • 17 C variant and 9 D variant
BAE Hawk [85] SAAF Hawk MK120 261 (2) (6921224399).jpg Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Lead-in fighter trainer 24
  • Manufactured locally and assembled in South Africa [86]
  • 1 aircraft used by Denel Aviation as a system testbed
Pilatus PC-7 [87] Astra Falcon 4.JPG Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Basic flight trainer 56
  • 60 aircraft ordered in 1993.
  • 56 in service as of 2023
Transport aircraft
C-130 Hercules [88] Lockheed C-130 Hercules.jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States Tactical airlifter 9
  • Nine aircraft in inventory of which six are operational and the three others are being used for spare parts
Douglas DC-3 [87] DC-3 spinning props.JPG Flag of the United States.svg  United States Electronic warfare
Transport
8
Cessna 208 [87] Iraqi Air Force Cessna 208 Caravan training mission.jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States Radar jamming
Transport / utility
7
CASA C-212 Aviocar [87] SAAF C-212-200 8010 (6910679329).jpg Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Transport 3
Pilatus PC-12 [87] SAAF Pilatus PC12 8030 (6923295305).jpg Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Transport 2
Super King Air [87] VH-KMS Beechcraft B200 Super King Air (6601595187).jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States Transport 4
Boeing 737 (BBJ) ZS-RSA B737-300 SAF (4318930775).jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States VIP presidential transport 1
Citation II [89] Cessna 550 Citation II AN1908495.jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States VIP transport 2
Dassault Falcon 50 [90] N990MM Dassault Breguet Falcon 50 FA50 (18698869395).jpg Flag of France.svg  France VIP transport 2
Dassault Falcon 900 [91] Dassault.falcon900.cs-dfh.arp.jpg Flag of France.svg  France VIP transport 1
UAVs
Milkor 380 [92] Kronstadt Orion front right ARMY-2022.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa MALE UCAV 5
  • Ordered in November 2022
  • Around 30 systems planned to be produced
Denel Bateleur [93] BateleurUAV.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa MALE UCAV Planned
  • In development for the air force
Helicopters
Atlas Oryx [87] SAAF-Atlas Oryx-001 (cropped).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Transport / utility helicopter 39
  • The oryx has a crew of 3 and can carry 20 fully equipped troops
Denel Rooivalk [87] Rooivalk in flight (cropped).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Attack helicopter 11
  • 11 Rooivalk Mk1 in service as of 2023
  • Mk2 under development [94]
BK 117 [87] SAAF MBB Bk117A-3 382 (6929091397).jpg Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Utility / light attack helicopter 6
AgustaWestland AW109 [87] SAAF Agusta A109 4001 (6929039335).jpg Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Utility helicopter 26
Westland Super Lynx 300 [87] SAAF Super Lynx 300 Mk 64 192 (6777196416).jpg Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Anti-submarine warfare 4
Notable aircraft
Atlas Cheetah [95] SAAF Cheetah C.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Multirole fighter 68
  • All retired from service in 2008 and placed in storage due to lack of aerial threats, replaced by 26 JAS 39 Gripen
Mirage F1AZ and CZ [96] SAAF Mirage F1CZ 1979 (6122300843).jpg Flag of France.svg  France Fighter 51
  • All retired from service in 1997 and replaced by Atlas Cheetah
Mirage III [96] SAAF Mirage III BZ 817 (12349283944).jpg Flag of France.svg  France Fighter 57
  • All retired from service in 1990 and replaced by Atlas Cheetah

Weapon systems

TypeNameOriginNotes
27mm revolver cannon Mauser BK-27 [97] Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Primary gun for the JAS 39 Gripen.
Gunship cannonF2 20mm Cannon [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Rooivalk
Air to Air Missile A-Darter [98] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil
Mounted on Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120

(Hawk integration in progress, not yet operational)

IRIS-T [97] Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Mounted on Gripen C, Gripen D
Cruise Missile MUPSOW [99] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa In development for the airforce, not known if it entered service
TORGOS [99] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Long-range, precision-guided strike missile
Reconnaissance / Targeting Pod Litening III targeting pod [97] Flag of the United States.svg  United States Gripen C, Gripen D
Vicon 18-601E [97] Flag of France.svg  France Hawk Mk120
Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod [97] Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Gripen C, Gripen D
Argos 410-Z [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa C208 Caravan, A109 LUH
Rocket LauncherType 159 Launcher [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Rooivalk
RocketFZ90 70mm FFAR [97] Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Rooivalk
Laser-guided bomb GBU-12 Paveway II [97] Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States Gripen C, Gripen D
Precision-guided bomb Umbani PGM [100] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Hawk Mk 120 (Integrated but not acquired)
Free-fall bomb120 kg Fragmentation Bomb [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk Mk 120
120 kg Low-Drag Bomb [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk Mk 120
145 kg Bomb [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk Mk 120
460 kg Bomb [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk Mk 120
12.5 kg Practice Bomb [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Hawk Mk 120
4.5 kg Practice Bomb [97] Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Hawk Mk 120

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South African Navy</span> Branch of the South African National Defence Force

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South African National Defence Force</span> Military of South Africa

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) comprises the armed forces of South Africa. The commander of the SANDF is appointed by the President of South Africa from one of the armed services. They are in turn accountable to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans of the Defence Department.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vektor CR-21</span> Bullpup assault rifle

The Vektor CR-21 is a South African bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. It was designed by Denel Land Systems as a possible replacement for the South African National Defence Force's Vektor R4, though Denel Land Systems has since shifted focus to offering an upgraded R4 rifle to the SANDF instead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denel NTW-20</span> South African anti-material rifle

The NTW-20 is a South African anti-materiel rifle, developed by Denel Mechem in the 1990s. It is intended for deployment against targets including parked aircraft, telecommunication masts, power lines, missile sites, radar installations, refineries, satellite dishes, gun emplacements, bunkers, and personnel, using a range of specialised projectiles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Special Service Battalion</span> Military unit

1 Special Service Battalion is an armoured regiment of the South African Army and only one of two such in its regular force. The Regiment is based at Tempe near Bloemfontein.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South African Army Artillery Formation</span> Military unit

The South African Army Artillery Formation is the controlling entity of all South African Army artillery units. It draws much of its history from the South African Artillery, established in 1934 but with roots that reach back to 1921. The formation consists of both regular and reserve units. There is a separate South African Army Air Defence Artillery Formation that directs army anti-aircraft warfare units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lohatla</span> South African military training area

Lohatla is a training area of the South African National Defence Force. It is located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa and is home to the SA Army Combat Training Centre, which is part of the South African Army Training Formation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Port of Durban</span> Major shipping terminal in Durban, South Africa

The Port of Durban, commonly called Durban Harbour, is the largest and busiest shipping terminal in sub-Saharan Africa. It handles up to 31.4 million tons of cargo each year. It is the fourth largest container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere, handling approximately 4.5 million TEU in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denel Dynamics Umbani</span> South African precision-guided bomb kit

The Umbani is a precision-guided bomb kit manufactured by Denel Dynamics in South Africa. It consists of a number of modules fitted to NATO standard Mk81, Mk82 or Mk83 low drag free-fall bombs to convert them into guided glide bombs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 South African Infantry Battalion</span> Military unit

1 South African Infantry Battalion is a mechanized infantry unit of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">43 South African Brigade</span> Military unit

43 South African Brigade is a formation of the South African Army. It was established on 2 April 1997 at Wallmannsthal, Gauteng as 43 Mechanised Brigade and then changed to 43 South African Brigade in 1999. Administratively, the headquarters answers to the Chief of the Army. Operationally and for force training, the formation takes instructions from the Joint Operations Division. Units and subunits are attached as required for the task at hand. When not required, those units remain part of their respective type formations.

The South African Defence Review of 2012 was a policy review conducted by a panel of experts and chaired by retired politician and former Minister of Defence, Roelf Meyer. The review was commissioned by Lindiwe Sisulu the then Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, in July 2011. The review was motivated by the need to correct errors and shortcomings of the previous review.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">8 South African Infantry Battalion</span> Military unit

8 South African Infantry Battalion is a mechanized infantry unit of the South African Army. The battalion is equipped with Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) used for fast transport and combat mobility across rough ground. Support weapons for mechanized infantry are also provided with motorized transport, or are built directly into these IFVs, in order to keep pace with the IFVs in combat. The battalion was raised at Upington in the Northern Cape in 1973 as part of the South African Infantry Corps, and since the change in structure, has been assigned to the Infantry Formation.

Rear Admiral Guy Jamieson is a retired South African Navy officer, served as Deputy Chief of the South African Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OR Tambo Regiment</span> South African Army infantry regiment

The OR Tambo Regiment is a reserve infantry regiment of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Badger IFV</span> Infantry fighting vehicle

The Badger IFV is an 8-wheeled Infantry fighting vehicle under development by Denel Land Systems of South Africa. The Badger IFV will be a modified and better protected version of the Finnish Patria AMV, tailored for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and modified for South African conditions.

References

  1. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-07). "Fact file: Denel Z88 pistol". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  2. Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-09-24). "Denel showcases a 21st Century R4 assault rifle at AAD". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  3. Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-09-24). "Denel showcases a 21st Century R4 assault rifle at AAD". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  4. Helfrich, Kim (2018-09-21). "Truvelo launches new AMRIS 20x42 mm rifle". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  5. Martin, Guy (2022-09-30). "Truvelo is back with a bang". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
  6. Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-02-03). "SANDF refurbishing NTW-20 AMR". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  7. Helfrich, Kim (2013-08-30). "SANDF mum about DRC sniper super shot". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  8. Helfrich, Kim (2020-06-05). "Shotgun training for crowd control". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  9. "home". 2014-04-19. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  10. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-07). "Fact file: FN MAG GPMG". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  11. "home". 2014-04-19. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  12. "home". 2014-04-19. Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  13. Martin, Guy (2020-10-09). "Milkor Y4 grenade launcher project handed over to SA Army". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  14. "home". 2013-02-18. Archived from the original on 2013-02-18. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  15. Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-11-08). "Work underway on RPG replacement". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  16. "home". 2013-07-05. Archived from the original on 2013-07-05. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  17. Martin, Guy (2022-11-25). "Largest SA Army exercise in decades wraps up". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  18. Martin, Guy (2022-11-25). "Largest SA Army exercise in decades wraps up". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  19. "home". 2013-07-05. Archived from the original on 2013-07-05. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  20. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-07). "Fact file: Denel ZT3 Ingwe precision guided missile". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  21. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-07). "Fact file: MBDA Milan precision guided misile". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  22. Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-11-24). "ADA fires Starstreak". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  23. "Trade Registers".
  24. Martin, Guy (2016-11-02). "Denel Land Systems upgrades mortars". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  25. "home". 2014-12-27. Archived from the original on 2014-12-27. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  26. Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-02-17). "Fact file: M26 fragmentation hand grenade". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  27. Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-02-17). "Fact file: M26 fragmentation hand grenade". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  28. Martin, Guy (2017-09-08). "Rheinmetall Denel Munition producing new hand grenade range". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  29. Jones, Richard; Ness, Leland S. (2009-01-05). Jane's Infantry Weapons: 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. ISBN   978-0-7106-2869-5.
  30. "Billions to be spent on arms". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
  31. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-06-06). "New rims for the Olifant MBT". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  32. "home". 2014-04-24. Archived from the original on 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  33. "home". 2014-04-24. Archived from the original on 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  34. Helfrich, Kim (2021-10-15). "Hoefyster is another Denel casualty". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  35. "home". 2014-04-24. Archived from the original on 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  36. International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) (2023). The Military Balance 2023. London: IISS. ISBN   978-1857438352.
  37. "home". 2013-07-08. Archived from the original on 2013-07-08. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  38. "SANDF acquires MAX 3 armoured vehicles, surveillance equipment for border patrols | defenceWeb". 2024-02-26. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  39. "home". 2013-07-06. Archived from the original on 2013-07-06. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  40. Martin, Guy (2020-02-19). "Gallery: Armed Forces Day Capability Demonstration, Roodewal, 18 February 2020 | defenceWeb" . Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  41. Martin, Guy (2014-04-11). "SANDF bringing out the big guns for the Rand Show". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  42. "The Military Balance 2023". IISS. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  43. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-02-10). "Fact file: G6 L45 self-propelled towed gun-howitzer". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  44. Martin, Guy (2018-01-05). "South African Army artillery deal confirmed". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  45. "Wayback Machine" (PDF). 2013-06-13. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  46. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-27). "Fact file: Denel FV2 Bateleur Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  47. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-01-27). "Fact file: Denel FV2 Bateleur Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  48. Helfrich, Kim (2014-03-28). "Upgrade for South Africa's air defence system". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  49. "South Africa | defenceWeb". 2014-10-21. Archived from the original on 2014-10-21. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  50. "Umkhonto Ground-Based Launcher System". Army Technology. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  51. Lesedi, Sarah (2021-03-12). "South African Seeker 400 UAV crash". Military Africa. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  52. Mbuyisa, Slindo (2010-08-24). "Cytoon spending up to R134.6m". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  53. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-07-21). "Thutlwa makes international debut". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  54. Mbuyisa, Slindo (2012-05-29). "Cytoon handed to the Army". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  55. Mbuyisa, Slindo (2012-05-29). "Cytoon handed to the Army". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  56. Martin, Guy (2014-04-11). "SANDF bringing out the big guns for the Rand Show". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  57. "home". 2015-09-23. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  58. "home". 2015-09-23. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  59. Helfrich, Kim (2021-07-14). "Cubans put 11 000 plus SA military vehicles back on the road and more". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  60. "Billions to be spent on arms". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  61. "home". 2015-09-23. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  62. Helfrich, Kim (2021-07-14). "Cubans put 11 000 plus SA military vehicles back on the road and more". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  63. "Billions to be spent on arms". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  64. "home". 2015-09-23. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  65. Helfrich, Kim (2021-07-14). "Cubans put 11 000 plus SA military vehicles back on the road and more". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  66. "Billions to be spent on arms". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  67. "Kynos Aljaba | Weaponsystems.net". weaponsystems.net. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  68. Helfrich, Kim (2021-07-14). "Cubans put 11 000 plus SA military vehicles back on the road and more". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  69. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-08-16). "Imperial keeps SANDF MAN trucks running". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  70. Helfrich, Kim (2021-07-14). "Cubans put 11 000 plus SA military vehicles back on the road and more". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  71. "home". 2015-09-23. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  72. "home". 2015-09-23. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  73. Engelbrecht, Leon (2010-02-09). "Fact file: Heroine-class diesel-electric submarine". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  74. "SA Navy blesses third inshore patrol vessel amid CNavy warning on ship capacity | defenceWeb". 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  75. "SA Navy blesses third inshore patrol vessel amid CNavy warning on ship capacity | defenceWeb". 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  76. Helfrich, Kim (2020-11-23). "SAS Galeshewe decommissioned". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  77. "Patrol Forces". 2012-08-14. Archived from the original on 2012-08-14. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  78. "Patrol Forces". 2012-08-14. Archived from the original on 2012-08-14. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  79. "Mine Warfare Forces". 2010-06-08. Archived from the original on 2010-06-08. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  80. "Auxiliary Equipment". 2012-07-10. Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  81. Martin, Guy (2022-10-06). "Project Hotel survey vessel delivery delayed". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
  82. "SA Navy to commission Maritime Reaction Squadron | defenceWeb". 2015-09-23. Archived from the original on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  83. "Home". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  84. "The South African Air Force". www.saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  85. "The South African Air Force". www.saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  86. "SAAF gets first Hawks". News24. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  87. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "World Air Forces 2023". Flightglobal.com.
  88. Martin, Guy (2023-03-28). "Extra R1 billion for SAAF to get C-130 Hercules airworthy". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  89. Hoyle2021-11-25T15:25:00+00:00, Craig. "How Afghanistan's fall reshaped World Air Forces inventory". Flight Global. Retrieved 2023-04-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  90. Hoyle2021-11-25T15:25:00+00:00, Craig. "How Afghanistan's fall reshaped World Air Forces inventory". Flight Global. Retrieved 2023-04-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  91. Hoyle2021-11-25T15:25:00+00:00, Craig. "How Afghanistan's fall reshaped World Air Forces inventory". Flight Global. Retrieved 2023-04-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  92. Martin, Guy (2022-11-25). "First Milkor UAVs destined for South African use". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  93. Franchi2006-10-09T09:00:00+01:00, Peter La. "South African authorities ask Denel to revise Bateleur MALE UAV development costs". Flight Global. Retrieved 2023-04-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  94. "Next generation of formidable Rooivalk attack chopper in the pipeline". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  95. "Cheetah Multirole Fighter Aircraft - Airforce Technology". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  96. 1 2 "All-Time Aircraft Used List South African Air Force – Aeroflight" . Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  97. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "The South African Air Force". www.saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  98. "Engineering News - Login". www.engineeringnews.co.za. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  99. 1 2 "The South African Air Force". www.saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  100. Engelbrecht, Leon (2011-09-06). "SAAF funds Umbani". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2023-03-18.