This is a list of equipment of theSouth African Army, covering only ground forces. It includes current equipment such as personnel equipment, small arms, armoured combat vehicles, artillery, explosives, missile systems, engineering vehicles, logistical vehicles, air defence, drones, as well as future equipment and equipment being trialled. Due to how large and secretive the South African Army is, it is currently almost impossible to calculate the full extent of its equipment.
The South African Army's inventory consists largely of domestically produced weapons, with around 80% sourced from the local defence industry and the remaining 20% comprising a mix of European, Israeli, and American systems. South Africa has the largest and most advanced defence industry in Africa, enabling the army to achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency in its equipment.[1][2]
Note: This section covers only the standard small arms operated by the South African Army. Weapons used exclusively by the South African Special Forces are listed separately, as that branch maintains its own inventory distinct from the conventional army. For more weapons used by the Special Forces, see: South African Special Forces equipment.
The Vektor Z88 is a South African-manufactured, license-produced version of the Italian Beretta 92Fsemi-automatic pistol. Adopted as the standard-issue sidearm of the South African Police Service since 1988, and the South African military since 1989, the Z88 has been widely used across SANDF services for its reliability, simplicity and ease of maintenance.
Service: Standard issue sidearm for South African military personnel since 1989; used for self-defence and secondary weapon roles
The Z88 remains notable for its service longevity and commonality with international Beretta platforms, simplifying training and maintenance across the force.
The Vektor SP1 is a South African-designed semi-automatic pistol developed as a compact complement to the standard-issue Z88. Intended for military and law-enforcement use, the SP1 offers improved ergonomics and simplified controls while remaining compatible with common 9×19mm ammunition.
The Vektor R4 is the South African Army's standard-issue assault rifle, and the R5 is its shortened carbine derivative for close-quarters and vehicle-borne use. Both are 5.56×45 mm NATO, gas-operated, rotating-bolt designs produced locally by Denel/Vektor and widely fielded across SANDF formations for their durability and suitability to harsh operational environments.
Features:Side-folding stock and bipod (R4), compact profile for R5 suited to mechanized infantry, airborne infantry and vehicle crews; rugged, corrosion-resistant finishes for African climates.
Service: Standard issue service rifle of the South African Army and other SANDF components.
Under Project African Warrior many R4/R5 rifles received modernisation packages in 2010, including full-length Picatinny and M-LOK rail systems, modular handguards, and folding/collapsible stocks to improve ergonomics, optics integration and battlefield adaptability.[7]
The Vektor R1 is a South African-produced battle rifle based on the Belgian FN FAL, formerly the standard-issue rifle of the South African Defence Force (SADF) from the 1960s to early 1980s. The Vektor R2 is a compact derivative developed for the South AfricanMarine Corps, Airborne Brigade and law enforcement units, featuring select-fire capability and a folding stock for improved mobility.
Features: R1 features fixed stock and semi-automatic operation; R2 includes shorter barrel, folding stock, and full-automatic fire option for confined or airborne use.
Service: Standard SADF service rifle from the 1960s to early 1980s; later replaced by the R4/R5 family but still retained in limited service roles.
Although superseded, both the R1 and R2 remain in reserve stocks and designated marksman rifle roles. Select units have modernised these rifles with optics rails, improved ergonomics, and enhanced barrels for precision support within infantry formations.
The Truvelo CMS is a bolt-actionprecision rifle family produced in South Africa by Truvelo Armoury and fielded from 2018. Employed by the South African Army and Special Forces, the CMS series provides a modular long-range precision capability in multiple calibres for anti-materiel, long-range anti-personnel and medium-range sniper tasks.
Type: Bolt-action precision / anti-materiel sniper rifle family
Action: Bolt action (heavy-duty action for large calibres)
Features: Monolithic aluminium chassis with adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull, folding stock and quick-change barrel system; fully modular for mission fittings (day/night or thermal optics, suppressors, bipods).
Variants:
CMS .50 BMG (12.7×99 mm NATO) — anti-materiel and extreme long-range engagements; typically uses a 5-round detachable magazine (10-round option available at weight/ergonomic cost); effective range >1 800 m. Features heavy fluted barrel, large muzzle brake, bipod and extended optical rails for thermal/night sights.
CMS .338 Lapua Magnum — long-range anti-personnel/sniper role; 10-round detachable magazine typical; effective precision range >1 200 m; commonly fitted with high-magnification optics (eg. 25×).
CMS 7.62×51 mm NATO — medium-range precision/sniper variant; 5- or 10-round magazines; effective range up to ≈800 m; features free-floating barrel and full Picatinny rail fitment.
Service: Entered service 2018 onward with specialist units; mass-production currently underway.
In April 2025 the South African Army initiated Project Tedu to scale up production and deployment of the Truvelo CMS family, aiming to mass-produce the rifles to equip wider elements of the Infantry Sniper Corps and selected combat units. Project Tedu reflects a move to broaden organic precision-fires capability across the force while standardising on a locally produced sniper family.
The Denel NTW-20 is a South African-designed bolt-actionanti-materiel rifle produced by Denel Land Systems. Fielded with Special Forces and the Infantry Sniper Corps, the NTW-20 is primarily used for long-range engagement of hardened and high-value targets such as armoured vehicles, parked aircraft, radar equipment and other materiel. It is notable for its modularity and calibre-interchangeability in the field.
Action: Bolt action (heavy-duty action designed for large calibres)
Features: Heavy, purpose-built chassis with large muzzle brake, bipod and robust mounting for long-range optics; field-convertible barrel and calibre conversion kits for rapid change between chamberings; recoil mitigation systems for crew survivability.
Variants:
20×82 mm — Standard anti-materiel configuration using high explosive (HE), incendiary and armour-piercing rounds; effective engagement range ≈1 500–1 800 m depending on ammunition and target.
14.5×114 mm — Higher-velocity configuration optimised for improved penetration and flatter trajectory; effective engagement range up to ≈2 300 m against suitable targets.
Service: In service with South African Special Forces and Army Infantry Sniper Corps; also exported in limited numbers to other countries.
The NTW-20's field modularity and calibre interchangeability make it a flexible tool for special-operations and precision-fires units, enabling mission-tailored configurations for penetration, range or logistics considerations.
The Truvelo TM545 is a South African designated marksman rifle (DMR) based on a modern AR-type platform and developed to give marksmen extended-range precision fire between standard service rifles and sniper systems. Seen in evaluation and live trials with South African Army marksman units, the TM545 is being assessed under Project Tedu as a likely replacement for legacy R1/R2 rifles in designated marksman roles.
Calibre:5.56×45 mm NATO or 7.62×51 mm NATO (variant dependent)
Action: Semi-automatic, gas-operated (direct/short-stroke gas system depending on configuration)
Magazine: Detachable box magazines (standard NATO capacity patterns per calibre)
Effective range:≈ 600–900 m (variant and calibre dependent — 7.62 variant at the upper end)
Features: Full-length Picatinny rail, Magpul-style adjustable stock, bipod provision and scope mounting for precision fire
Service: Observed in testing by marksman elements; evaluation ongoing under Project Tedu as of 2025
The TM545 offers a rugged, modular DMR option that bridges the capability gap between assault rifles and bolt-action sniper rifles. If adopted following Project Tedu trials, it is likely to replace remaining R1/R2 designated-marksman roles and standardise a modern, more sustainable precision-fire capability across the Infantry Sniper and marksman units.
The Heckler & Koch MP5 is in limited service with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). It is primarily used by South African Special Forces, military police units, and pathfinder units, particularly in close-quarters combat (CQC) and urban operations.
Common variants in South African service include:
MP5A3: Features a collapsible stock, select-fire capability (semi and full-auto), and is commonly used by airborne and close protection units.
MP5SD: Integrally suppressed variant used for covert operations, ideal for stealth engagements with subsonic ammunition.
MP5K: Stockless compact version designed for close protection details and vehicle operations, offering greater concealability.
While not a general-issue weapon, the MP5 remains a reliable and favoured submachine gun among elite army units, particularly in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and urban warfare scenarios.
The FN MAG is a Belgian-designed belt-fedgeneral-purpose machine gun (GPMG) that has been in long-standing service with the South African Army. Employed as a versatile support weapon, the MAG is used at platoon and company level for sustained suppressive fire and is widely mounted on tripods and vehicles.
Type: General-purpose machine gun (GPMG) — sustained direct fire and suppressive support
Calibre: 7.62×51 mm NATO
Feeding: Disintegrating link belt (standard) — also used with 100/200-round container or boxed belts for vehicle mounts
Rate of fire: Typically 650–1 000 rounds/min (cyclic rate varies by model and gas settings)
Mounting: Infantry bipod/tripod, vehicle pintle/remote mounts, and aircraft mounts for helicopter gun pods
Features: Iron sights standard; optics and day/night aiming systems fitted when used on vehicles or aircraft
The FN MAG remains a core sustained-fire weapon across infantry units, valued for reliability, maintainability and compatibility with NATO-standard ammunition stocks.
The Vektor SS-77 is a South African-designed general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) developed by Vektor/Denel Land Systems as a locally manufactured alternative to the FN MAG. Introduced in the 1980s, the SS-77 has seen wide service across the SANDF and has been exported regionally; it was built to withstand harsh field conditions and to simplify logistics through local production.
Type: General-purpose machine gun (GPMG) — sustained direct fire and suppression at section/platoon level
Calibre: 7.62×51 mm NATO (standard SS-77); 5.56×45 mm NATO in the Mini-SS conversion/variant
Feeding: Disintegrating link belt (belt-fed)
Rate of fire: Approx. ~700 rounds/min (cyclic; practical/sustained rates lower depending on doctrine and cooling)
Mounting: Bipod, tripod, vehicle pintle/remote mounts and aircraft/helicopter mounts
Features: Robust gas-operated action, simple maintenance in austere conditions, modular conversion options (Mini-SS 5.56 mm conversion available)
The SS-77 remains a standard GPMG in SANDF inventories, though the Denel DMG-5 and other modern designs have been slated as eventual replacements as part of ongoing small-arms modernisation plans.
The M2 Browning is a heavy machine gun (HMG) widely used by the South African Army in vehicle and ground roles. Valued for long-range punch and reliability, the M2 provides heavy direct fire for convoy protection, base defence, vehicle self-protection and dismounted heavy-weapon teams.
Calibre: 12.7×99 mm NATO (.50 BMG)
Type: Heavy machine gun — anti-personnel, light-armour engagement, vehicle and aircraft self-defence, long-range fire support
Feeding: Belt-fed (disintegrating link belts; 100/200-round belts or containers commonly used)
Rate of fire: Approx. 450–600 rounds/min (cyclic; sustained rates governed by doctrine and cooling)
Features:Iron sights standard for legacy mounts; optics, thermal sights and remote/electro-optical aiming systems fitted on vehicles and RWS installations
The M2 remains a core heavy-machine-gun in SANDF inventories and continues to be upgraded on selected platforms with modern optics, stabilised or remote weapon stations and integrated night-vision systems to improve accuracy, crew protection and all-weather capability.
The Browning M1919A4 (MG4 Browning) is a medium machine gun originally of US design and modified in South Africa (Lyttelton Engineering Works / Denel Land Systems) to fire the 7.62×51 mm NATO round. It has been employed primarily as a vehicle-mounted coaxial and secondary armament, and has also seen use on certain helicopters and utility platforms.
Type: Medium machine gun — vehicle coaxial/secondary armament and ground support
Calibre: 7.62×51 mm NATO (SA conversion from original .30-06 / 7.62×63 mm)
Feeding: Belt-fed (disintegrating link belts or boxed belts for vehicle use)
Rate of fire: Approx. 400–600 rounds/min (cyclic; practical/sustained rates depend on cooling and mounting)
Mounting: Primarily vehicle-coaxial mounts; also used on pintles, remote/remote-weapon stations and helicopter door/wing mounts where fitted
Features:Typically linked to vehicle fire-control or coaxial sighting systems; iron/optical sights for dismounted or pintle use
The SA-modified Browning provides proven reliability and straightforward maintenance in vehicle roles, delivering sustained 7.62 mm firepower for turret coaxial support, escort and aerial-platform self-defence.
The Beretta SP312 is a 12-gauge military-grade pump-actioncombat shotgun in service with the South African Army, particularly in roles requiring reliability, simplicity, and close-range stopping power. It is favored by infantry, military police, and base security units for its robust build and ease of maintenance.
Type: Pump-action combat shotgun
Calibre: 12-gauge (2¾" and 3" shells)
Capacity: 5+1 or 7+1 (depending on magazine tube configuration)
Sights: Bead sight or ghost ring sights (depending on model)
The Milkor MGL is a South African series of six-shot revolving-cylinder grenade launchers designed to provide rapid, short-to-medium-range indirect fire and area suppression. Introduced in the 1980s, the MGL family has been iteratively improved (Y1 → Y2 → Y4 SuperSix) and remains a common support weapon across army infantry, special forces and policing units.
Type: Multi-shot 40 mm grenade launcher — squad/platoon area suppression, urban fire support and less-lethal roles
Calibre: 40×46 mm low-velocity and 40x51 mm medium-velocity grenades
Capacity: 6-round rotating cylinder
Rate of fire: Practical rates up to ~18 rounds/min (cyclic depends on loader and doctrine)
Sights: Fitted with reflex/red-dot sights, integrated laser rangefinder and full Picatinny rail provision for optics and sensors
Ammunition: Compatible with HE, HE-frag, smoke, illumination, CS/OC, baton and other less-lethal rounds
The Milkor MGL family (notably the Y2 upgrade and the more recent Y4 SuperSix) continues to be valued for its simple, robust revolver mechanism, high volume of fire and wide ammunition compatibility, making it a versatile tool for both lethal and less-lethal suppression in urban, convoy-escort and special-operations roles.
The Denel Y3 AGL is a South African belt-fed automatic grenade launcher (AGL) developed for tripod, vehicle and turret mounting to provide sustained high-explosive area suppression and direct-fire support. Fielded with motorized infantry and mounted on a variety of vehicles, the Y3 gives small units a heavy-volume indirect/area effect capability useful in urban, open and complex terrain.
Type: Automatic grenade launcher — area suppression, anti-personnel and light anti-materiel support
Calibre: 40×53 mm high-velocity grenades
Rate of fire: ≈ 325–375 rounds/min (cyclic; practical sustained rates lower per doctrine)
Effective range: ≈ 1 500 m (point/area effects vary with ammunition)
Sights: Day/night optics, reflex sights and vehicle fire-control integration; airburst or programmable fuze options where supported
Mounting: Tripod for dismounted use; vehicle and turret mounts for armoured vehicles (commonly fitted to protected mobility platforms)
Ammunition: HE, dual-purpose (HE/HEAT), airburst-capable rounds, smoke and training cartridges
The Y3 AGL substantially increases a unit's fire-power and area-denial capability, delivering sustained explosive fire for convoy protection, base defence, urban suppression and support of manoeuvre forces.
The Carl Gustaf M4 is an 84 mm multi-role, reusablerecoilless rifle adopted by the South African Army as a modern shoulder-firedanti-armour and general support weapon. Introduced to frontline units in 2024, the M4 replaces older single-use rocket launchers (such as the RPG-7) and provides dismounted teams with a lighter, more ergonomic and highly versatile direct-fire capability.
Effective range:≈500 m against armoured targets (HEAT/Tandem HEAT); up to 1 000 m or more against soft or area targets depending on ammunition and sighting.
Ammunition: HEAT, Tandem-HEAT (for ERA defeat), High-Explosive (HE), smoke, anti-structure/anti-material (ASM) and specialised rounds (illumination, thermobaric variants where available).
Optics: Compatible with reflex, night/thermal sights and dedicated lightweight fire-control units for improved first-round hit probability.
Service: Issued to mechanized infantry, motorized infantry and special-operations elements as a standard reusable anti-armour and multi-purpose support weapon.
The Carl Gustaf M4's combination of portability, multi-role ammunition and improved sighting options gives South African infantry a flexible, cost-effective replacement for obsolete rocket systems, improving squad-level anti-armour and precision support capabilities.
The AT4 is a lightweight, disposable84 mm anti-armour and anti-structure launcher adopted by the South African Army in 2024 alongside the Carl Gustaf M4 to give individual soldiers a simple, one-shot capability against armoured vehicles, bunkers and field fortifications. The pre-loaded, single-use design emphasises ease of training and immediate readiness for close-range engagements.
Effective range:≈300 m (point/armour target); ≈500 m (area/soft targets) — practical engagement ranges depend on ammunition type and shooter/stabilisation conditions.
Ammunition: HEAT, High-Explosive (HE), Anti-Structure/thermobaric (AST), confined-space (CS) and specialised mission rounds where available.
Optics: Fixed day optical sight as standard; compatible with clip-on thermal/night devices and simple aiming aids for confined-space firing.
Service: Issued as a lightweight, fire-and-discard complement to reusable systems — ideal for motorized, airborne and light infantry where simplicity, weight and immediate lethality are priorities.
The AT4's single-use simplicity makes it a low-logistic, low-training burden solution for squad-level anti-armour and breaching needs, operating alongside the reusable Carl Gustaf to give formations flexible, layered anti-materiel options.
The FT5 is a South African man-portable anti-tank rocket system developed by Denel Dynamics to provide infantry units with a modern, fire-and-forget capability against armoured vehicles, fortifications and soft targets. Introduced to replace ageing rocket systems such as legacy RPGs, the FT5 offers improved precision, longer reach and a range of mission-tailored warheads for versatile battlefield use.
Type: Man-portable anti-tank rocket / fire-and-forget missile — infantry anti-armour and anti-structure support
Warhead: Tandem HEAT (for ERA and composite armour defeat); thermobaric (anti-structure/urban); fragmentation/HE variants for soft targets and personnel
Effective range:≈ 100–4 000 m (engagement band varies by warhead and firing mode)
Operation: Designed for anti-armour engagements, neutralising fortified positions, and engaging light vehicles and structures; suitable for dismounted anti-tank teams and vehicle-mounted launchers
Service: In service with select South African Army units; fielded in anti-tank platoons and special-operations elements as a modern replacement for older rocket systems
The FT5's fire-and-forget capability and multi-warhead flexibility make it a potent squad-level anti-materiel weapon, allowing dismounted teams and mobile anti-tank elements to engage high-value targets with reduced exposure and improved first-round kill probability.
The RPG-7 is a simple, rugged rocket-propelled grenade launcher that was captured in large numbers by South African forces during the Border War and subsequently integrated into SANDF inventories. Despite its age and unguided nature, the RPG-7 has remained a ubiquitous section-level anti-armour and anti-position weapon because of its low cost, portability and the wide availability of different warhead types.
Guidance: Unguided; iron sights or simple optical aiming devices (no seeker)
Warhead: Reusable launcher firing a family of rocket grenades (various warhead diameters and types)
Effective range:≈ 200–500 m (depends on rocket type and engagement conditions)
Feeding: Single-shot, reloadable; compatible rockets include HEAT, thermobaric, fragmentation and specialised rounds
Operation: Lightweight launcher with pre-packed rockets; used for ambushes, bunker and building clearance, urban engagements and close anti-armour work
Although still effective in certain contexts, the RPG-7 is considered ageing technology and the South African Army is pursuing modern replacements that offer improved accuracy, lethality and reduced exposure for crews.
The MILAN is a Franco–German wire-guidedanti-tank guided missile (ATGM) introduced in the late 1970s and widely used by South African mechanized infantry during the Border War and afterwards. It provided a reliable, medium-range anti-armour capability for infantry anti-tank teams and vehicle-mounted launcher posts.
Type: Medium-range anti-tank guided missile system (ATGM)
Guidance:SACLOS (semi-automatic command to line-of-sight) — wire-guided
Warhead: Single HEAT (early variants); tandem HEAT in later versions for ERA defeat
Penetration: Up to ≈ 800 mm RHA (varies by variant and test conditions)
Range:≈ 400–2 000 m (engagement band depends on variant and launcher)
Mounting: Tripod-mounted firing post (standard); vehicle-mounted adaptations exist — notably fitted on Ratel 20 roof hatches for mechanized infantry squads. Also used on light vehicles and improvised mounts for mobile ATGM teams.
Sighting: Day sights with new thermal imaging or night-vision optics for limited nocturnal employment
Service: The MILAN has been progressively phased from front-line service in favour of modern ATGMs such as the ZT3 Ingwe, but it was refurbished and sustained in 2010 under Project Kingfisher. Public records indicate the programme included launcher upgrades and replenishment missiles — procurement summaries commonly cited in open sources note that dozens of launchers were brought to improved ADT-ER standard and roughly ~300improved missiles acquired to replenish stocks.
The MILAN continues in training and secondary roles where appropriate, and remains a useful, low-cost capability for units operating vehicle-mounted or dismounted ATGM teams.[29]
The ZT3 Ingwe(Leopard) is a South African long-range, laser beam-ridinganti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by Denel Dynamics and operated as the SANDF's primary long-range anti-armour weapon. Designed to defeat modern main battle tanks, explosive reactive armour (ERA) and hardened positions, the Ingwe gives infantry and vehicle crews a stand-off, precision lethal option out to several kilometres.
Type: Long-range anti-tank guided missile system (ATGM)
Warhead: Tandem HEAT (primary); thermobaric/alternative warheads available for bunkers and structures
Penetration: Over >1 000 mm RHA behind ERA (variant and test conditions dependent)
Range: Up to ≈ 5 000 m (engagement envelope depends on launcher and firing conditions)
Mounting: Tripod (ground) launchers; vehicle-mounted (notably Ratel and Badger IFVs and other light tactical or protected mobility vehicles); helicopter-mounted options also fielded by the South African Air Force
Sighting: Day optics with thermal/night designators and laser designator integration for day/night employment
Service: Fielded across mechanized infantry units since 1987; significantly upgraded to ZT3A2 standard under Project Adrift (mid-2000s) with improvements to range, guidance and penetration characteristics, bringing performance in line with contemporary Western and Russian ATGMs.
The ZT3 remains the Army's frontline long-range ATGM, widely integrated onto Ratel and Badger IFVs and used from dismounted tripod teams and aerial platforms. Continued integration into the Badger IFV fleet and vehicle-mounted anti-tank platoons modernises the SANDF's anti-armour punch at squad, platoon and regimental levels.[31]
The M40A1 is a lightweight, crew-served 105 mmrecoilless rifle developed in the 1950s as a portable anti-tank weapon. Employed by motorised and airborne anti-tank platoons, it has offered short-range direct-fire anti-armour and emergency fire-support capability for decades; roughly 100 M40A1s remain in South African service after refurbishment.
Type: Recoilless rifle — crew-served direct-fire anti-armour and fire-support weapon
Calibre:105 mm (often historically designated “106 mm” to avoid confusion with earlier weapons)
Rate of fire: Up to 5 rounds/min (practical)
Effective direct-fire range:≈1 200 m (anti-tank engagements typically ≈1 000–1 200 m)
Maximum (indirect) range:≈7 040 m (indirect fire figure)
Ammunition: HEAT (≈ 450 mm RHA penetration at 90°), HE, HEP (squash-head), anti-personnel (APERS) and practice rounds; typical shell mass ≈ 7.7 kg
The M40A1 produces a large back-blast cone behind the breech, creating a significant danger sector that makes first-round hits essential and imposes strict safety procedures in employment. Project Khanyisa refurbished and upgraded roughly 100 M40A1s, restoring them to safe serviceability and extending their usefulness as simple, robust infantry anti-armour and emergency fire-support weapons even as guided anti-tank systems become more widespread.[33]
The M26 is a fragmentationhand grenade in service with the South African Army, license-built locally by Rheinmetall Denel Munitions and issued as the standard infantry fragmentation grenade for close-range engagements and clearing.
Type: Fragmentation hand grenade — anti-personnel / area-denial
Operation: Thrown by individual soldiers for suppression, trench/bunker and room clearing; used with standard safety and throwing drills.
The M26 remains the South African Army's principal fragmentation hand grenade for infantry use, providing a simple, reliable and locally supported anti-personnel capability with widespread issue across combat units.
The RDM Illuminating Hand Grenade is a pyrotechnic illumination grenade in service with the South African Army, used to provide battlefield lighting for target identification, night manoeuvre, and engagement. It features a lightweight aluminium body and a conventional fly-off lever striker mechanism for reliable operation in the field.
Type: Illumination (pyrotechnic) grenade — provides area lighting for identification and night operations
Fuse: Conventional striker/fuze ignition — initiates illumination on release (timing varies by model)
Operation: Thrown by soldiers or launched from authorised systems for night reconnaissance, area marking, or illumination
The RDM Illuminating Hand Grenade complements the Army's night-time operations, offering a simple, robust means of temporarily lighting the battlefield for identification and support tasks.
The M1A1 Stun Grenade is a non-lethal flashbang device used by the South African Army and Military Police for disorientation, room entry, and riot control operations. It produces a loud blast and bright flash designed to temporarily incapacitate hostile personnel without causing permanent injury.
Type: Non-lethal stun/flashbang grenade — used for disorientation and crowd control
Fuse: Pyrotechnic timed fuze — ~1.5 s delay
Operation: Thrown manually during room-clearing, hostage rescue, or riot suppression
The M1A1 provides South African forces with an effective non-lethal option for tactical entry and control, balancing strong psychological impact with reduced risk of permanent harm.
The M854 Smoke Grenade is a general-purpose smoke and signalling grenade consisting of a cylindrical tinplate body containing a smoke composition, a spring-loaded striker, and a fly-off lever mechanism with a pyrotechnic igniter and delay system.
Type: Smoke grenade — used for screening, signalling, and training
Fuse: Pyrotechnic igniter/delay system — fly-off lever type with safety pin and pull ring
Operation: Thrown manually for concealment, identification, or riot control
The M854 remains a versatile and reliable smoke grenade widely issued across South African Army formations for both combat and training use.
The MS-803 is a South African directional anti-personnel mine based on the design of the American M18A1 Claymore. It is intended for use in defensive ambushes, perimeter security, and area denial, capable of unleashing a fan-shaped pattern of high-velocity steel fragments toward enemy personnel.
The M87 Kevlar, introduced in 1989, became the South African Army's standard-issue combat helmet for conventional forces. Produced in large quantities and broadly patterned on the American PASGT shape, it offered improved ballistic protection and wearer comfort over earlier kevlar helmets.
Type: Ballistic combat helmet
Manufacturer: South African Pith Helmet Industries (S.A.P.H.I)
Protection: Typical ballistic protection comparable to PASGT-style helmets (Level IIIA-class small-arms fragment/blunt force protection)
The M87 remains the South African Army's principal combat helmet for conventional formations, offering a pragmatic balance of ballistic protection, comfort and local logistical support while the M83 remains preferred by airborne troops.
The M83 Kevlar is a South African-produced combat helmet, derived from the Israeli OR-201 design and introduced in the early 1980s. It replaced older steel helmets by offering lighter weight, better impact resistance and improved fragmentation protection, and remains in service with airborne units.
Type: Ballistic combat helmet
Manufacturer: South African Pith Helmet Industries (S.A.P.H.I)
Protection: Level IIIA, improved blunt-force, fragmentation and small-arms fragment protection compared to steel M1-style helmets
Service: Issued primarily to paratrooper and air-assault infantry formations; widely used for general combat operations when required
The M83 remains a durable, locally supported combat helmet that balanced protection and weight for South African airborne and light infantry needs.
Locally produced FAST (Future Assault Shell Technology) and MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet) models are used by both the South African Special Forces Brigade and also, in very limited numbers, by South African Army reconnaissance or night ops elements where night-vision integration is essential. These helmets are believed to be locally manufactured or assembled variants based on U.S. designs, offering lightweight, modular protection capable of mounting night-vision and communications systems.
Type: Ballistic combat helmet — FAST (cutaway, mission-configurable) and MICH-style (full-coverage) variants
Manufacturer: Likely South African private defence companies (indigenous or license-based production)
Protection: Level IIIA-class ballistic and fragmentation protection, prioritising low weight and modularity
Service: Generally issued to the South African Special Forces; in limited use with South African Army reconnaissance and other infantry units that procure their own gear
The FAST and MICH-style helmets provide South African Special Forces and select Army elements with modern, adaptable head protection optimised for flexibility, stealth, and advanced mission capability.
The Soldier 2000 camouflage uniform was developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and officially adopted in 1994 as the standard pattern of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Designed to suit the country's diverse environments, it remains the principal combat uniform of the South African Army and other service branches.
Introduced: 1994 — remains in current service across all SANDF branches
Design: Five-colour terrain-based disruptive pattern, optimised for bush, savannah, and semi-arid terrain typical of southern Africa
Legal Status: Civilian possession or unauthorised use of SANDF camouflage is prohibited under the Defence Act; offenders face fines up to R2 000 or imprisonment for up to five years
Service: Standard issue to all SANDF personnel; widely used by the South African Army, with adaptations for Air Force, Navy, and Military Health Service branches
The Soldier 2000 uniform remains a durable and versatile design, combining effective concealment and comfort for operations across South Africa's varied terrain.
The new digital-style camouflage pattern being trialled by the South African National Defence Force features a modern pixelated multi-tone design, optimised for use across South Africa's varied environments.
Pattern Type: Digital multi-terrain camouflage (pixelated)
Colours: Brown, tan, green, and black tones
Purpose: Provides enhanced concealment across woodland, bush, and semi-arid regions
Status: Under evaluation; not yet adopted as standard issue
Issued Kit: Includes two standard-issue boot types — “Waxy” leather boot and general combat boot
The camouflage is set to gradually replace the long-serving Soldier 2000 pattern, though it has not yet been officially designated.[43]
Worn by members of the South African Army's elite 44 Pathfinder Platoon, this distinctive uniform features an olive-green combat suit designed for airborne and reconnaissance operations. It differs from the standard Soldier 2000 camouflage and serves as the unit's signature operational dress.
Plate carriers and tactical vests used by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) are produced locally by defence manufacturers to meet operational and environmental requirements. Designed for modularity, these systems allow personnel to configure mission-specific loadouts with pouches for ammunition, communications equipment, and hydration systems.
Type: Ballistic plate carrier and tactical vest system
Manufacturer: South African Defence Industry
Protection: Configurable with soft and hard armour inserts rated up to NIJ Level IV for rifle protection
Variants: Issued in versions suited for infantry and special forces applications
Modern SANDF vests balance protection, comfort, and flexibility, ensuring adaptability across different operational environments from peacekeeping to high-intensity combat.
CBRN protection equipment
While the South African Army maintains a limited range of CBRN protection equipment as part of its operational inventory, the primary responsibility for handling, research, and acquisition of chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) protection systems lies with the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS). The SAMHS has invested heavily in detection systems, protective clothing, research, and capital equipment to safeguard SANDF personnel against CBR threats. Key acquisitions include HazMatID 360 detector systems, Smiths Detection Responder RCI RAMAN chemical identifiers, Agilent GC-MSD systems, TALON CBRN robots, and Med-Engbomb suits. Much of the associated research has been conducted at Protechnik Laboratories, a subsidiary of Armscor, covering detection, decontamination, verification, biomedical studies, hydration technologies, and other protective measures. These efforts complement the Army's equipment by ensuring comprehensive CBRN readiness and support across all branches of the SANDF.[45]
Locally designated FM50 in South African service — is the SANDF's standard‑issue CBRNrespirator, based on the Avon Protection M50. The mask provides full‑face protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats while allowing long periods of comfortable wear with combat equipment. It is issued to CBRN defence units, Special Forces and frontline troops replacing older respirator models.
Type: Full‑face CBRN respirator / protective gas mask — collective defence against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards.
Protection: Sealed facial interface with dual‑filter protection offering respiratory and splash protection to approved CBRN agent standards (fit‑tested to individual users).
Filter system: Twin‑canister / twin‑filter arrangement allowing filter changes without removing the mask; compatible with NATO‑standard filter cartridges.
Service: Standard issue to SANDF CBRN units, Special Forces and frontline personnel; replaces older-generation respirators in operational and training use.
The FM50 balances protection, ergonomics and operational flexibility, enabling South African forces to sustain operations in contaminated environments while maintaining combat effectiveness.
Electronic equipment
The SANDF has invested in electronic and targeting equipment to improve situational awareness and combat effectiveness. This includes night vision devices, weapon-mounted optical sights, lasers, and other advanced targeting systems. Specific details on optical sights used by the South African Army is limited. Sniper rifles and grenade launchers are generally issued with their own optics as standard. For other weapons, such as standard rifles or pistols, details are less clear; however, the newer upgraded Vektor R4/R5 assault rifles are issued with Trijicon ACOG TA11 or similar optical sights and optional foregrips or grenade launchers. In most cases, it is likely that soldiers must procure their own additional optical sights and attachments for standard-issue small arms.[47]
The MNVM-14, is a single-tube night-visionmonocular that entered SANDF service around 2010. Comparable in design and capability to the American AN/PVS-14, it provides reliable low-light performance for dismounted infantry and special operations tasks.
Mounting: Handheld, weapon-mounted, or helmet-mounted; can be paired into a binocular configuration via dual-mount adapter
Service: Used by dismounted infantry, reconnaissance elements, and Special Forces (Special Forces increasingly adopt newer systems, but MNVM-14 remains in service)
The MNVM-14 remains a durable, versatile night-vision option across SANDF formations, offering proven capability for a wide range of low-light operational roles.[49][50]
Combat vehicles
Future equipment on order
Equipment in development and financed by the SANDF, but no order yet
Potential equipment in a middle-term future
Main battle tanks
The South African Army's main battle tank (MBT) capability is centered around the Olifant ("Elephant") series, a heavily upgraded and modernized derivative of the British Centurion tank adapted for southern Africa's operational environment. The Olifant Mk1A and Mk1B variants formed the backbone of the armoured corps for decades, with the later Mk2 offering improved armour, engine performance, and modernized fire control systems. Earlier projects, such as the Tank Technology Demonstrator (TTD), aimed to develop a next-generation South African MBT but were ultimately cancelled due to budget constraints.[51]
The Olifant ("Elephant" in Afrikaans) is a heavily modernized and upgraded Centurion main battle tank, serving with the South African Armoured Corps. Designed for multi-role armoured warfare, the Olifant forms the backbone of the Army's mechanized and armoured forces, capable of frontline assault, fire support, and high-intensity combat operations. The fleet is set to be replaced by a new main battle tank in the near future through Project Aorta.[53]
Olifant Mk1A – 130 units in regular service with an additional number in reserve, commissioned in 1985
Olifant Mk1B – 44 units, commissioned in 1991
Olifant Mk2 – 26 units, commissioned in 2007
Armoured Bridge Layer – 16 units
Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) – 2 units
A total of up to 266 Olifants were acquired across all variants, comprising of: 248 main battle tanks, 16 armoured bridge layers, and 2 armoured recovery vehicles. Between 1 and 5 Mk1A variants were lost during the South African Border War, while 14 were later scrapped as part of efforts to reduce surplus SANDF equipment. Another 14 tanks were offered for sale, but no buyers were found.[55] Of the remaining fleet, approximately around 200 main battle tanks remain in the army as of 2025, including those held in reserve squadrons or long-term storage.
Armoured reconnaissance
The South African Army's armoured reconnaissance capability centers on the Rooikat ("Caracal or Red Cat"), an eight-wheeled, high-speed armoured fighting vehicle designed for long-range reconnaissance, rapid maneuver warfare, and precision firepower. Often designated as both a reconnaissance vehicle and a tank destroyer due to its 76mm/105mm high-velocity gun, the Rooikat replaced the aging Eland 90 armoured cars—of which up to 1,000 still remain in storage. With advanced fire control systems, excellent mobility across southern Africa's diverse terrain, and the ability to perform screening and flanking operations, the Rooikat remains a key asset in the South African Army's armoured warfare doctrine.
The Rooikat is a fast, mine-resistant 8-wheeled armoured fighting vehicle and tank destroyer designed for long-range reconnaissance, anti-armour, and high-mobility operations. It serves with the South African Armoured Corps, undertaking reconnaissance, search-and-destroy, raid, and hot pursuit operations both day and night. Two main variants are in service: the Rooikat 76, armed with a Denel GT4 76 mm cannon, and the Rooikat 105, fitted with a larger Denel GT7 105 mm cannon for enhanced anti-armour performance.[57] Additionally, all versions mount eight smoke grenade dischargers, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and a roof-mounted 7.62 mm gun for limited anti-air capability.[58][59]
Versions:
Rooikat Mk1A – Initial production model.
Rooikat Mk1B – Minor upgrades to fire-control and mobility systems.
Rooikat Mk1C – Improved protection and onboard systems.
Rooikat Mk1D – Final production and upgrade standard, featuring improved electronics and enhanced engine performance.
A total of 242 Rooikats were delivered to the South African Army, of which 14 were later scrapped as part of efforts to reduce surplus SANDF equipment, while another 14 were offered for sale, though no buyers have been found.[55] Of the remaining 228 vehicles, approximately 170 Rooikats remain in regular service, with 58 more held in storage. Project Arum Lily was launched to upgrade 80Rooikat Mk1C to the Mk1D standard, a process completed in 2006.[60] In 2016, it was reported that 30 Mk1B vehicles from storage were scheduled for upgrade to the Mk1D configuration to supplement the active fleet.[61]
Infantry fighting vehicles
The South African Army's infantry fighting vehicle (IFV/Mechanized Combat Vehicle, MCV) capability centers on the Ratel IFV ("Honey Badger"), and its successor, the Badger IFV. Unlike traditional armoured personnel carriers (APCs), IFVs are a heavily armed and better-protected evolution of the APC, combining troop transport with significant combat capability, typically featuring autocannons and optional anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Produced in multiple variants, the Ratel served as the backbone of the army's mechanized infantry forces for decades, undergoing continuous upgrades including the Mk2 (1979), Mk3 (1988), and a large fleet-wide modernization programme in 2001 that extended its service life well into the 21st century. The new-generation Badger IFV introduces modular armour, advanced weapon systems, and improved protection, though its production has faced funding delays.
The Ratel is a wheeled, mine-resistant infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) designed for mobility and firepower in high-intensity operations. It serves as the primary armoured fighting vehicle of the South African mechanized infantry units, providing effective protection and support on the battlefield. In addition to its variant-specific primary weapon, all Ratels are fitted with defensive and secondary armaments, including four smoke grenade dischargers and three 7.62 mm machine guns—one coaxial and up to two mounted on the roof hatches depending on the configuration. The Ratel ZT-3 is issued to the Armoured Corps, offering enhanced anti-armour capability through its ZT3 Ingwe laser-guided missile system.
Variants:
Ratel 20 – 20 mm F2 autocannon + optional MILAN anti-tank guided missile launcher on the turret roof hatch. Most common variant, about 600–700 units.
Ratel 30 – 30 mm TRT-30 remote controlled autocannon. Introduced later in smaller numbers.
Ratel 81 – 81 mm long-range mortar. Dedicated self-propelled mortar carrier, likely around 50 units.
Ratel 90 – 90 mm GT-2 low-velocity cannon. Second-most common variant after the Ratel 20, roughly 200–300 units.
Ratel Command – Two-seater turret with a .50 BMG. Limited production for command roles, around 30 units.
Ratel ZT-3 – ZT3 Ingwe laser-guided anti-tank missile turret. Dedicated missile tank destroyer, 52 units in service with the armoured corps.
Approximately 1,400 Ratels were delivered to the South African Army in all configurations. During the 2000s, around 800 surplus vehicles were withdrawn from regular service to reduce maintenance costs and placed into reserve, with around 400 units sold over subsequent years.[55] As of 2025, about 570 Ratels remain in regular service,[63]while a further 400–500 vehicles are retained in reserve formations or long-term storage.[64]In addition, the army also operates approximately 52 Ratel ZT-3 tank destroyers, of which 36 of the type are kept in reserve.[65]
The Badger is a mainline infantry fighting vehicle, developed under Project Hoefyster (Horseshoe) through shared development between Finnish and South African technology. It is designed to replace the Army's ageing Ratel fleet with a new generation of modular, heavily armed, and highly mobile mechanized combat vehicles.
Order & Production:
Original order: ~264 vehicles to partially replace around 200 Ratels
Reduced to: ~238 vehicles due to budget cuts
Current order: Increased to 244 units, later raised to approximately 254 vehicles after advanced payments were given to Denel.
Deliveries: ~22 pre-production units from Finland; remainder produced in South Africa by Denel Land Systems. As of 2025, the project has been stalled pending funding from the South African government to restart the programme.[69]
Variants: (Current Batch of 254)
Section variant (30 mm cannon)
Fire Support variant (30 mm cannon + ATGM)
Mortar variant (60 mm gun-mortar)
Command variant (C2 role)
Tank Destroyer variant (dual ZT3 Ingwe ATGMs + optional 120 mm cannon)
Ambulance variant (medical EVAC)
Additional orders are still on option in the future if funding is sufficient to complete the Ratel replacement programme.[66]
Protected mobility vehicles
The South African Army's protected mobility capability is centred on mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles such as the Casspir and Mamba, with South Africa having pioneered—and effectively invented—this class of vehicle during the Border War. The Army integrated MRAPs fully into its doctrine, replacing traditional armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and transport trucks altogether. By 1986, all motorized infantry units were operating in MRAPs, gaining far greater protection against landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and enemy fire. Classified as both APCs and MRAPs—also referred to as mine-protected carriers or infantry mobility vehicles—they serve as protected troop transports with secondary combat capability, typically armed with heavy machine guns and, in some variants, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) or grenade machine guns. This shift from unarmoured to protected mobility dramatically improved troop survivability and overall battlefield effectiveness. In the near future, the South African Army plans to acquire up to 3,000 next-generation MRAPs and APCs to replace the Casspir and Mamba fleets, featuring upgraded hulls, modular armour, digital communications, and remote-controlled weapon stations.
The Mamba is a multi-role, mine-resistant armoured personnel carrier (APC) with MRAP capabilities, providing significant protection against anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and small-arms fire. It serves as the primary vehicle in service with South African motorized infantry units, alongside the Casspir, enabling rapid deployment and troop mobility inhigh-threat environments.
Mamba Mk3 – .50 BMG (12.7 mm) M2 Browning, 40 mm Denel Y3 grenade machine gun (upgraded armour and systems)
A total of 800 Mambas were delivered, with approximately 200 vehicles sold to foreign operators over the years. The remaining 550 to 600 are retained in South African Army service, split between active and reserve units. Around 220 Mamba Mk2s were upgraded to Mk3 standard under Project Jury in 2006. By the end of 2023, roughly 100 Mamba Mk2s were refurbished and returned to service from storage—likely upgraded to Mk3 configuration at the same time, although no official confirmation of the upgrade has been released.[71][72]
The Casspir is a multi-role, mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle with MRAP capabilities, providing significant protection against anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and small-arms fire. It serves as one of the primary vehicles for South African motorized infantry units, alongside the Mamba, enabling troop mobility and operational deployment in high-threat environments.
APC/MRAP – Primary configuration carrying up to 12 troops; typically armed with a single .50 BMG (12.7 mm) M2 Browning or a 7.62 mm Vektor SS-77 machine gun mounted at the front as its primary weapon. For enhanced firepower, some vehicles had the machine guns replaced with a 20 mm autocannon. Up to three additional 7.62 mm machine guns may be mounted on the sides and rear, with an optional 40 mm Denel Y3 grenade machine gun for added support. Over 2,000 units built, including those later sold.
Mortar Carrier – Configured to carry and fire an 81 mm mortar for indirect fire support.
Recoilless Gun Weapons Platform – Armed with a 105 mm M40A1 recoilless rifle for direct fire support against armoured targets. Approximately 32 units in operational service.
Ambulance Vehicle – Configured for medical evacuation.
Fire Support Team Vehicle (FISTV) – For forward observers and support teams.
Artillery Fire Control Vehicle – Used for artillery coordination.
Plofadder Mine-Clearing Vehicle – Equipped with mine-clearing equipment.
Gemsbok Recovery Vehicle – Fitted for recovery and engineering roles.
Approximately 2,800 Casspirs (Mk2 and Mk3 versions) were delivered, of which 160 were allocated to the South African Police Service (SAPS), with the remainder entering South African Army service.[76] Following the end of the Border War and the apartheid era, a large portion of the fleet was declared surplus to requirements. More than half of all Casspirs were placed in storage, and around 600 units were sold to foreign countries, leaving at least roughly around 2,000 vehicles, most of which are in storage. By the end of 2023, it was reported that an unspecified number of stored Casspirs were refurbished and returned to service to supplement the army's active vehicle fleet.[77]
Multi-role, mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle used by the South African Army and the South African Police Special Task Force (STF). The Mk5E type has been observed in limited Army service during official demonstrations, confirming its operational use.[80]
Versions:
RG-31 Mk5E – 20 mm remote-controlled weapon station and optional 40 mm Denel Y3 grenade machine gun.
An option exists forup to an additional 210 RG-31 Mk6E vehicles to serve as section transporters under the Army's APC/MRAP tender, intended to replace the Toyota Land Cruiser border patrol vehicles.[81]
The SVI MAX 3 is a infantry mobility vehicle with limited MRAP capabilities. It serves as an agile successor to the ageing toyota land cruiser troop carriers for border and internal security roles.
Service:
The SANDF recently received six MAX 3 vehicles in early 2024, delivered to the Joint Operations Division for Operation Corona—primarily to enhance border patrol capabilities. Of these, two are 4×4 variants and four are new six-wheeled versions, each with rear cargo cabins.
Beyond these six units are currently unknown, though they support a wider effort to replace the 435 standard Toyota Land Cruiser "troop packs" with more survivable, mine-resistant options.
The Husky VMMD is a multi-role mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle designed for route clearance and counter-IED operations. The platform has a long operational pedigree and has been used extensively in Southern African operations since the Border War era.
Version: Husky 2G — the current version observed in service.
Role: Route clearance, buried-mine and IED detection, marking and support for combat engineering teams.
Protection: Modular V-hull design with blast-attenuating seats and replaceable mission modules to reduce crew survivability risk and simplify repairs.
Mission equipment: Metal detectors, ground-penetrating radar, detector trailers/sensors, marking gear, and optional remote-weapon or observation stations.
The Husky VMMD complements the South African Army's engineer and protected-mobility capabilities by enabling safer movement of forces along cleared routes, improving force protection during mobility operations and counter-IED tasks.
As of 2025, the South African Army has restarted a major project as part of a long-term initiative to replace its Mamba and Casspir fleets—armoured vehicles that have served since the apartheid era. This programme falls under the broader Project Sepula, which envisions the eventual acquisition of up to 3,000 modern APCs and MRAPs over the next decade.
In the short term, the Army is seeking to procure an initial batch of nearly 500 vehicles by 2026/2027,[86][87] structured as follows:
210 Section Variants – for general infantry troop transport.
144 Command Variants – equipped with secure communications, digital battle management systems, and satellite navigation.
108 Ambulance Variants – designed for protected battlefield medical evacuation.
The new vehicles will be locally sourced to support the domestic defence industry and reduce reliance on foreign imports. This project has attracted interest from several South African armoured vehicle manufacturers.[88]
The following vehicle platforms are among the most likely candidates under evaluation:
OTT Puma M36 – a versatile MRAP widely used across Africa.
DCD Springbuck IV – a modern 4x4 MRAP similar to the American Oshkosh M-ATV.
RG31 Mk6 – legacy Denel-designed MRAP still considered for ambulance or specialist variants.
Milkor Vanguard – a newer MRAP design offering mine and ballistic protection with a fully modular interior.
Project Sepula is envisioned as a multi-phase replacement programme that will unfold in tranches depending on available funding and production capacity. In total, the Army hopes to field approximately 2,000 to 3,000 vehicles, modernizing the mobility of motorized infantry units.[89]
Artillery
Future equipment currently on order
Equipment in development and financed by the SANDF, but no order yet
Potential equipment in a middle-term future
Rocket artillery
The South African Army's rocket artillery capability is centred on the Bateleur and ValkiriMultiple Rocket Launcher (MRL) series, developed locally during the Border War to provide rapid, high-volume fire support. Mounted on mobile platforms for shoot-and-scoot tactics, these systems enable saturation bombardment over wide areas, delivering both conventional and specialised munitions.
The Bateleur is the standard 127 mmmultiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) in service with the South African Army Artillery Formation, providing mobile, area‑saturation fire support for corps- and divisional-level operations. The launcher is mounted in a 40‑tube configuration on an armoured 6x6 Samil 100 MPV truck chassis, combining mobility with quick shoot‑and‑scoot capability to reduce vulnerability to counter-battery fire.
Type: Multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS)
Calibre / Rockets: 127 mm rockets
Tubes: 40 launch tubes (vehicle‑mounted)
Range: Varies by rocket type; typically ≈36–40 km (extended‑range rockets under development/upgrade)
Mobility: Armoured mine-resistant Samil 100 MPV 6×6 truck chassis — strategic and operational mobility with shoot‑and‑scoot tactics
Service:25–30 in South African service
Under Project Topstar, the Bateleur is receiving modernisation upgrades focused on digital fire-control integration, improved target acquisition and range-extension options to preserve battlefield relevance. The upgrade programme is scheduled for completion in 2025–2026.[91]
The Valkiri is a South African 127 mmmultiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) designed to deliver rapid saturation fire in support of ground forces. Typically fitted with 24 launch tubes on a modified Unimog truck chassis, the Valkiri provided an earlier, mobile rocket-artillery capability for the army before being largely superseded by the Bateleur.
Service: Up to 76 were built, largely placed in reserve storage; only a limited number retained for training and contingency roles
The Valkiri fleet is largely maintained in reserve following the introduction of the Bateleur; it is currently unclear whether Valkiri launchers are included in the Project Topstar modernisation programme, as their priority has been reduced while active MLRS capability centres on the Bateleur.
The RO 107 is a 107 mmmultiple‑launch rocket system (MLRS) of Chinese origin that was captured in significant numbers by the South African Defence Force during the Border War in Angola. Light, portable and simple to operate, the RO 107 provided infantry and special operations units with highly mobile, short‑range saturation fire. Dozens—if not hundreds—of launchers and rockets were seized, adapted and then produced or modified locally for continued use.
Type: Light MLRS (towed, tripod or vehicle‑mounted)
Calibre / Rockets: 107 mm rockets
Tubes: Typically 12 tubes per launcher (towed or tripod mount); vehicle‑mounted adaptations exist
Range: Varies by rocket type; typically ≈6–10 km
Mobility: Towed or tripod mount for dismounted infantry; later fitted to light vehicles for improved tactical mobility
Service: Captured during the Border War and subsequently integrated, with locally produced rockets and launcher adaptations
Following capture, South African industry produced its own improved 107 mm rockets and adapted the launchers—replacing some towed mounts with tripod and vehicle mounts to increase tactical mobility. Today the RO 107 is largely withdrawn from regular artillery regiments and is believed to be retained primarily in special forces and niche support roles, though exact in‑service numbers and unit allocations are uncertain.
Self-propelled artillery
Self-propelled artillery combines the firepower of conventional guns with the mobility and protection of an armoured platform. In South African service, the G6 Rhino 155mm self-propelled howitzer represents one of the most advanced artillery systems of its class worldwide. The G6 offers long-range precision fire, high mobility, and armoured crew protection, allowing artillery units to rapidly reposition and support mechanized forces in high-threat environments. In addition to the G6, the T5-52 155mm self-propelled howitzer has entered limited service since 2018. Based on a wheeled truck platform rather than a fully armoured chassis, the T5-52 is designed to provide long-range precision fire with lower operating costs and improved strategic mobility.
The G6 Rhino is the standard 155 mm self-propelled howitzer of the South African Army Artillery Formation, and the largest and most sophisticated artillery system in the army's arsenal. A total of 153 were acquired, with 110 sold to foreign operators in the mid-2000s, reducing the fleet to 43 vehicles. The Army continues to operate only the original G6-45 variant, while the newer G6-52 was developed primarily for export.
Type: Self-propelled howitzer (wheeled, 6×6)
Calibre: 155 mm (L/45)
Range:≈30 km (standard HE); ~up to 76 km with extended-range projectiles (varies by ammunition and variant)
Service:153 built; ~43 remaining in South African service after international sales
Under Project Muhali, 15 G6-45s are being upgraded with improved range, accuracy, sensors, and digital fire-control systems based on the G6-52 design. The programme, valued at approximately R178 million (US$12 million), is scheduled for completion in 2025–2026.[91]
The T5-52 is a South African truck-mounted 155 mmself-propelled howitzer introduced into limited service in 2018. Mounted on a high-mobility truck chassis, the T5-52 combines the long-range firepower of the G5-52 family with rapid strategic and operational mobility, allowing quick displacement after firing to reduce exposure to counter-battery fire. It entered service partly to offset the sale of six G5 howitzers to overseas customers and to provide a more expeditionary artillery option for the Army.
Calibre: 155 mm (G5/G5-52 family) — T5-52 designation indicates L/52 barrel class
Range:≈30 km (standard HE); ~up to around 60 km with extended-range projectiles (varies by ammunition and variant)
Mobility: High-mobility truck chassis — rapid on-road and operational cross-country redeployment to support shoot-and-scoot tactics
Service: Entered limited service in 2018; currently a limited-entry platform pending further evaluation and funding
The Army is awaiting an upgraded production variant and funding approvals before committing to large-scale acquisition, leaving the T5-52 as a restricted entry in the artillery fleet while budget and production issues are resolved.[96][97][98]
Towed artillery
Towed artillery remains a crucial component of the South African Army's indirect fire capability, providing versatile, long-range support for mechanized and infantry units. The primary system in service is the G5 Leopard 155mm towed howitzer, known for its range, accuracy, and reliability. Introduced in the early 1980s, the G5 has undergone several upgrades, including the G5-52 standard, which improves firing range, automation, and crew protection. Alongside this, the G7LEO 105mm howitzer is under development by Denel Land Systems. Unlike the heavier G5, the G7 is intended to be a lightweight, highly mobile artillery piece suitable for airborne deployment and rapid reaction forces
A significant portion of the towed artillery inventory is also maintained in reserve. This includes up to 300 G5 howitzers kept in army reserves due to high operating costs, and around 200 older G4, G3, G2, and G1 howitzers held in long-term storage. Despite being in reserve, some of these older systems remain employed by the School of Artillery to train crews and maintain operational readiness across multiple regiments.
The G5 Leopard is a South African long-range 155 mmtowed howitzer and serves as the standard towed artillery system of the South African Army Artillery Formation. Designed for corps- and divisional-level fire support, the G5 combines long range with good ballistic performance and has been widely exported.
Type: Towed 155 mm howitzer
Calibre: 155 mm (L/45) — G5 L45 variant
Range:≈30 km (standard HE); ~up to 55 km with extended-range projectiles (varies by ammunition and variant)
Mobility: Towed artillery — requires prime mover for strategic and tactical redeployment
Service: Up to 520 produced; ~146 sold; ~72 in active army service and about ~300 older models in storage[100]
Under Project Topstar, active G5 L45s are being upgraded to an improved configuration based on the G5-52 design, with enhancements to sensors, range and accuracy. The upgrade programme is scheduled for completion in 2025–2026.[91]
The G4 Burrow is a long-range towed 155 mm howitzer (Soltam M-71 derivative) designated G4 in South African service. Procured in the 1980s under Project Burrow during the Border War, the G4 provided corps-level fire support until superseded by the newer G5 Leopard as the Army's standard towed artillery piece.
Type: Towed 155 mm howitzer
Calibre: 155 mm (L/39)
Range:≈ 20–24 km with standard projectiles; extended ranges possible with specialised ammunition (varies by charge and round)
Mobility: Towed artillery — requires prime mover for strategic and tactical redeployment
Service:32 units procured in the 1980s; subsequently superseded by the G5 Leopard and withdrawn from frontline use
The G4 Burrow guns have been largely retained in reserve status, reportedly stored alongside other legacy tube artillery such as approximately 90 G2 140 mm howitzers, rather than forming part of the active towed fleet.
The G1 is the South African designation for the British QF 25-pounder field gun/howitzer (calibre ≈ 87.6 mm), a versatile mid-20th century tube artillery piece that served as the backbone of Commonwealth artillery forces. The weapon provided a balance of direct- and indirect-fire capability and was widely used by South African artillery units through the mid-20th century.
Type: Towed field gun / howitzer (dual-purpose)
Calibre:≈87.6 mm (25-pound shell)
Range: Effective indirect-fire range typically ≈ 11–13 km depending on charge and ammunition; maximum range varies with charge and projectile type.
Mobility: Towed artillery — requires prime mover for redeployment; suitable for regimental and battalion-level support in conventional warfare.
Service: Widely used historically; now retained only in limited numbers for ceremonial use.
The G1 (25-pounder) is no longer an operational front-line system but is maintained by several reserve regiments such as the Cape Field Artillery and the Transvaal Horse Artillery—for ceremonial firing and heritage displays.
The G7 LEO (Lightweight Experimental Ordnance) is a next‑generation lightweight towed 105 mm artillery system in development by Denel Land Systems under Project Musuku for the South African Army. Designed to combine extended range, rapid deployment and reduced crew requirements, the G7 aims to deliver a modern, NATO‑aligned towed artillery capability optimised for expeditionary and highly mobile forces.
Type: Lightweight towed howitzer (105 mm)
Calibre: 105 mm
Range:≈24 km (standard HE); ~up to 32 km with extended-range projectiles (outranges all existing 105 mm howitzers)
Mobility: Lightweight towed design for airborne rapid deployment and ease of manoeuvre with light tactical vehicles
Service: Currently planned
The G7 remains in the concept and development phase with no confirmed production orders to date. Development priorities include range optimisation, digital fire-control integration and reduced manpower/logistics footprint; the programme will require further testing and procurement decisions before entry into service.[103]
Mortars
Mortars form the backbone of close-support artillery for South African infantry units, offering lightweight, portable, indirect-fire capability. The South African Army fields a variety of 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortar systems, balancing portability with firepower to deliver rapid, high-angle fire against enemy positions. Modern variants incorporate improved sighting systems, baseplate stabilisation, and extended-range munitions, ensuring infantry units retain organic fire-support assets during both conventional warfare and peacekeeping operations.
The M5 is a 120 mm heavy mortar and the South African Army's standard heavy indirect-fire weapon, serving as the principal mortar system of the Steve Biko Artillery Regiment (formerly the Light Regiment). The M5 provides battalion-level fire support with high-explosive, illumination and smoke munitions, and is noted for its ability to be deployed by air for rapid expeditionary operations.
Type: Heavy artillery mortar
Calibre: 120 mm
Range: Effective ranges typically 7–9 km, depending on ammunition and charge; maximum range varies with specialised rounds and charge tables.
Crew: Typically 4 personnel (detachment size varies by organisation and deployment mode)
Mounting: Ground-emplaced on baseplate and bipod/tripod; air-deployable for rapid insertion with light aircraft/airborne forces; can be used from vehicle dismount platforms where fitted.
Ammunition: High-explosive (HE), illumination, smoke and practice rounds; specialised or extended-range rounds may be available depending on supply.
The M5's 120 mm calibre, air-deployability and heavy firepower make it a key asset for rapidly deployable and airborne formations, providing organic long-range indirect-fire support when tube artillery is unavailable or impractical.
The M3 is South African-produced 81 mm medium mortar, developed locally under license as an improved version of the French Mortier de 81mm léger long renforcé(LLR 81 mm) design with upgraded barrels and manufacturing for SANDF requirements. They serve as the standard company-level indirect fire weapon for infantry formations and are operated by a three or four-man crew; the system is also commonly vehicle-mounted (for example the Ratel 81 variant) to provide mobile organic fire support.
Type: Medium mortar
Calibre: 81 mm
Range: Effective range typically 5.6 km, depending on ammunition and charge; maximum range varies with specialised rounds and charge tables.
Crew: Typically 3 personnel (gunner, assistant gunner, ammunition bearer)
Mounting: Ground-emplaced tripod or vehicle-mounted installations
Ammunition: High-explosive (HE), illumination, smoke and practice rounds; specialised or extended-range rounds may be available depending on supply.
Around 1,190 M3 mortars are reported in service with the South African Army Infantry Formation, where they remain a core element of infantry firepower and vehicle-mounted support.
The M6 is a lightweight long-range 60 mmmortar acquired under Project Acrobat to provide the South African Army with a long-range, rapidly deployable light-mortar capability for its airborne and motorized infantry forces. Its design prioritises low weight and ease of employment, enabling quick emplacement and redeployment in expeditionary operations.
Type: Light mortar
Calibre: 60 mm
Range: Effective range typically 6.1 km, depending on ammunition and charge; long-range performance for a 60 mm class mortar
Crew: Typically 2–3 (gunner, assistant gunner, ammunition bearer)
Mounting: Man-portable or vehicle/airborne deployable; optimised for rapid deployment and fast-tempo operations
Ammunition: High-explosive (HE), illumination, smoke and practice rounds; specialised or extended-range rounds may be available depending on supply.
Project Acrobat delivered the first initial M6 batch of 102 in 2011, providing the Infantry Formation with a lightweight, longer-range 60 mm option to complement the existing 60 mm (M1/M4) and 81 mm (M3) mortars. Current in-service totals remain subject to official confirmation.
The M1 is a South African light 60 mm infantry mortar used as a close organic indirect-fire weapon by light and airborne forces. Man-portable and rapidly emplaced, it provides immediate fire support to small units and is commonly issued to airborne and special forces formations.
Type: Light mortar
Calibre: 60 mm
Range: Effective range typically up to 1.5 km depending on ammunition and propellant charge; maximum varies with charge tables and specific rounds.
Crew: Typically 2–3 (gunner, assistant gunner, ammunition bearer)
Mounting: Ground-emplaced baseplate and bipod/tripod; can be fired from shallow vehicle mounts for dismounted/light-vehicle operations.
Ammunition: M-61 series — High-Explosive (HE), Smoke, Illumination and Practice rounds.
The M1 family was subject to an upgrade programme in 2016 to improve range and accuracy and remains a staple close-support weapon for rapidly deployable units.[111]
The M4 is a related South African 60 mm lightpatrol mortar optimised for rapid employment and manoeuvre operations. It shares ammunition compatibility with the M1 (M-61 series) but is notable for its handgrip mount which allows quicker laying and reduced emplacement time compared with conventional tripod-mounted mortars.
Type: Light mortar
Calibre: 60 mm
Range: Effective range typically up to 1.8 km depending on ammunition and propellant charge; maximum depends on charge tables and specific rounds.
Crew: Typically 2–3 (gunner, assistant gunner, ammunition bearer)
Mounting: Handgrip / baseplate configuration for rapid point-and-shoot employment; can be vehicle-mounted in light platforms or used for airborne insertion.
Ammunition: M-61 series — HE, Smoke, Illumination and Practice rounds.
The M4 was included in the 2016 modernisation work to enhance range and accuracy and is widely used by special-operations and airborne elements where fast emplacement and mobility are priorities. Exact service quantities are not publicly confirmed.
Air defence and radars
Future equipment on order
Equipment in development and financed by the SANDF, but no order yet
Potential equipment in a middle-term future
Surface-to-air missile systems
Missile systems complement gun-based defences. The Starstreak provides short-range air defence (SHORAD), with portable launchers and missiles. The Umkhonto ground-based missile system is a medium-range system currently in limited service, with ongoing trials assessing its integration and operational readiness. These missile systems enhance the army's ability to engage aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs beyond the reach of gun-based platforms.
Very short-range air defence, surface-to-air missile
7 km
(4.35 nmi)
The Starstreak HVM is a British short-range / very short-range air-defence missile (VSHORAD) system by Thales, acquired by South Africa under the Ground-Based Air Defence System (GBADS / Project Guardian) Phase I programme to replace ageing man-portable SAMs and strengthen low-altitude point-defence.
Type: VSHORAD / very short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM)
Launcher / Sensors:8 Lightweight Multiple Launchers (LMLs) procured under the initial contract; 2 Thales Page CW radars (≈20 km) were also ordered to support the system
Missiles: Initial December 2002 contract included ~100 VSHORAD missiles (United Nations records note 96 missiles imported in 2005). Subsequent orders and sustainment purchases were recorded, but public open-source claims of vastly larger stockpiles (hundreds or thousands) are unsupported by official procurement records
Service: System entered service in 2010 after protracted delays (deliveries and testing completed in the late 2000s); operated by 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment
Starstreak remains South Africa's primary short-range guided missile for point defence and VSHORAD roles. The system's high speed and laser beam-riding guidance give it strong performance against fast, low-flying aircraft and unmanned aerial targets in the low-altitude envelope; exact current missile stocks and launcher counts beyond the documented initial procurements are not publicly disclosed.
MRADSAMMedium-range air defence, surface-to-air missile system
In testing
The Umkhonto is South Africa's indigenous short-to-medium range surface-to-air missile system developed by Denel Dynamics. The naval variant has been in service with the South African Navy, Algerian Navy, and Finnish Navy since the early 2000s, while the ground-based variant is currently undergoing testing with the South African Army Air Defence Artillery Formation and is expected to be ordered in large numbers in the near future.
The system consists of:
Umkhonto-IR missiles on mobile launchers (8 or 16-cell configurations)
Reutech ESR 220 Thutlwa radar for target detection and tracking
Command and control (C2) modules for fire control and battle management
All components are mounted on SAMIL or similar military trucks for mobility
The missile offers 360° coverage with a range of up to 20 km (longer-range variants in development) and can simultaneously engage multiple aerial targets.
Anti-aircraft guns
The primary gun-based system is the Oerlikon GDF 35mm twin-barrel anti-aircraft gun, with approximately 48 units upgraded to the Skyshield standard. These modernized systems feature automated fire control, improved radar integration, and enhanced targeting software, providing point-defence capabilities against fast-moving aerial threats. Systems such as the ZU-23-2 Zumlac twin 23mm autocannon, mounted on Bosvark self-propelled platforms, provide cost-effective anti-aircraft and limited ground-support firepower. While missile systems increasingly dominate air defence, these guns offer a secondary layer against low-flying threats and remain valuable in asymmetric and peacekeeping environments.
The Oerlikon GDF is a twin-barrel 35 mmanti-aircraftautocannon system operated by the South African Army Air Defence Artillery Formation. The GDF provides a mobile, short-to-medium-range point-defence capability against aircraft, helicopters and other aerial threats, forming a key element of the Army's layered air-defence posture.
Type: Twin-barrel anti-aircraft autocannon system
Calibre: 35 mm (two barrels)
Ammunition: 35 mm conventional rounds and programmable AHEAD ammunition (after upgrade)
Fire control: Originally paired with Super Fledermaus units (later LPD-20 radars); modernised units use Skyshield radar and electro-optical fire-control.
Mobility: Towed/mobile and static emplacements for point defence of installations and manoeuvre formations
Service: Originally 169 guns were acquired; 100 Mk I guns were sold during the 2000s, 48 Mk V guns were upgraded to Mk VA, Mk VII "Skyshield" by 2017, and 21older Mk I guns remain unaccounted for in public reports (status uncertain).
Under a Rheinmetall modernisation in 2017, the selected fleet of GDF Mk V systems was retrofitted with Skyshield radar fire-control and integrated to use AHEAD anti-missile programmable ammunition, significantly improving effectiveness against small, fast and manoeuvring targets.
The Bosvark (also known as Zumlac) is a South African self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) developed in the late 1990s to provide mobile, short-range air-defence and convoy protection. The system pairs twin 23 mm autocannons—barrels captured during operations in the Angolan Civil War—with an armoured Samil 100 6×6 mine-protected truck chassis, producing a rugged, road-mobile point-defence platform suited to South African operational requirements.
Type: Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG)
Calibre: Twin 23 mm autocannons (ZU-23-2 barrels captured in Angola; not newly ordered imports)
Fire control: Electro-optical sights and manual targeting optics for short-range engagements; formal radar fire-control is not universally fitted.
Mobility: Armoured Samil 100 6×6 mine-protected vehicle (MPV) — good road mobility and mine/blast survivability for convoy escort and mobile defence tasks
Service:36 units reported in service.
The Bosvark is a locally adapted, expedient SPAAG solution that reuses captured weaponry and emphasises mobility and survivability over high-end sensor suites. Publicly available details on unit distribution and further modernisation plans are limited.
Radars and targeting systems
The South African Army relies on a network of radars and targeting systems to detect, track, and engage aerial threats efficiently. These systems integrate with both gun-based and missile-based air defence platforms, providing situational awareness and fire control for frontline units. Key systems include the Swiss Super Fledermaus and Italian LPD-20, which serves as the primary fire-control radars for anti-aircraft guns, the ESR-220 surveillance and early warning radar, and the Thales Squire and Sophie battlefield portable radars, which provide rapid target acquisition and precision tracking for multiple weapon systems. The LOCATS (Locatable Targets System) is also employed for counter-battery and artillery targeting, enabling quick detection of incoming projectiles and coordination with air-defence platforms. Together, these systems allow the Army to monitor the airspace, coordinate fire against multiple threats simultaneously, and optimise the use of both missile and gun-based air defence assets.
The ESR 220 Thutlwa (Tswana for “giraffe”) is a South African-developed, mobile solid-state L-band 2D surveillance radar built by Reutech Radar Systems. Evolving from Project Bioskoop and earlier HEXAGON/Kameelperd efforts in the 1990s, Thutlwa was purpose-designed to provide early warning, air surveillance and local (battery-level) fire-control for Ground-Based Air Defence (GBADS) formations.
Type: Mobile L-band 2D surveillance radar — early warning, air surveillance and battery-level fire control
Range & Tracking: Detects and tracks up to ~100 targets simultaneously with a maximum detection range of approximately 120 km; 12 m mast for elevated coverage and improved horizon performance
Frequency: L-band, solid-state 2D surveillance radar with integrated IFF and C2 interfaces (Link-ZA compatible)
Mobility: Mounted on an armoured 8×8 Skimmel truck; autonomous with onboard power and declared operational in ~10 minutes after deployment
Service: Ordered from 1996; four units delivered by 2006 and later upgraded to the GBADS-standard Thutlwa configuration in 2007
The ESR 220 Thutlwa is a key sensor in South Africa's GBADS architecture, supplying local surveillance, target cueing and command-and-control functions that enable rapid, coordinated short-range air-defence responses at the battery and regimental level.
The Super Fledermaus (German for “super bat”) is a Swiss-designed short-range X-band fire-control radar system originally developed by Oerlikon Contraves for gun-based air-defence units. South Africa acquired the system in the late 1960s to direct its 35 mm GDF twin-barrel anti-aircraft guns, and it served for decades as the core radar component of the Army’s Air Defence Artillery (ADA) regiments.
Type: Short-range X-band fire-control radar — gun-laying and target-tracking for air-defence artillery
Range & Tracking: Effective detection range of ~15 km against typical low-altitude aircraft and ~10 km tracking range; capable of simultaneously tracking two airborne targets for automatic gun-laying
Frequency:X-band pulse-Doppler radar with IFF Mk X integration and automatic target data computation for GDF gunfire control
Service: Introduced in the late 1960s with successive upgrades through the 1980s to improve electronics and integration with local SANDF command systems; replaced in front-line service by the Skyshield FC system from the early 2000s
The Super Fledermaus served as South Africa's first modern radar-directed anti-aircraft fire-control system, laying the technological foundation for later indigenous developments such as the Skyshield upgrade programme and forming the backbone of the country’s ground-based air-defence network for over three decades.
The LPD-20 is a short-range, mobile battlefield search and acquisition radar used for low-altitude air-defence target detection and fire-control support. It is employed as a local warning and gun-director radar to complement systems such as the Super Fledermaus and GDF gun batteries in GBADS-type deployments. militaryperiscope.com+1
Type: Short-range search/acquisition and fire-control radar — countering very low-flying targets and providing target cueing for gun and missile air-defence systems.
Range &Tracking: Reported detection envelope is roughly ~20 km (sources give detection figures around 11 nmi / 20 km or circa 14–15 km depending on target and profile); tracking capacity is limited to a small number of simultaneous targets suitable for local battery defence.
Frequency: Pulse/Doppler search/acquisition radar optimised for low-level detection (X-band / battlefield surveillance band characteristics reported in public sources).
Service: Employed by South African air-defence formations as a local warning / fire-control sensor and has been fielded alongside Super Fledermaus / GDF gun systems in GBADS deployments; exact in-service numbers are not widely published.
The LPD-20 provides a pragmatic, mobile low-altitude sensor for battery-level air defence, offering fast deployability and reliable cueing for short-range engagement systems in dynamic operational environments.
The ThalesSQUIRE is a man-portable battlefield surveillance radar acquired by the South African Army under Project Cytoon in 2012. Designed for dismounted reconnaissance and tactical surveillance, the SQUIRE provides long-range detection of personnel, vehicles and maritime contacts while being optimised for low probability of intercept to reduce susceptibility to enemy electronic-warfare detection.
Type: Man-portable FMCW Doppler surveillance radar — pedestrian, vehicle and low-altitude aerial/sea detection for tactical intelligence and reconnaissance.
Sensor& Frequency: Frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) Doppler radar with signal processing optimised for moving-target indication and clutter rejection; designed for low detectability by EW systems.
Detection: pedestrian ≈ 10 km; vehicle ≈ 21 km; tank ≈ 28 km; helicopter ≈ 21 km; small boat ≈ 12 km; ship ≈ 48 km.
Service: Acquired under Project Cytoon and issued to the South African Army Tactical Intelligence Corps for tactical surveillance, border security and force-protection missions.
The SQUIRE provides dismounted formations with a compact, hard-to-detect sensor capable of extending situational awareness well beyond visual range, improving early warning, ambush detection and the tactical decision cycle for small units.
The Thales Sophie is a high-performance thermal imaging system acquired by the South African Army under Project Cytoon in 2012. Employed by the Army Tactical Intelligence Corps, Sophie provides long-range electro-optical detection and identification for tactical surveillance, target acquisition and force-protection tasks across land and low-altitude air domains.
Type: Thermal imaging / electro-optical sensor — long-range detection, identification and target acquisition for dismounted and vehicle-mounted reconnaissance teams.
Sensor: Advanced uncooled/cooled thermal imager with integrated stabilization and day/night imaging capability (EO/IR).
Detection: personnel/human ≈ 4+ km; tank ≈ 10 km; helicopter ≈ 12 km; fast jet ≈ 16 km.
Mobility: Modular package for tripod, mast or vehicle mounting; suitable for dismounted surveillance teams and vehicle integration.
Packaging: Ruggedised field unit with ergonomic operator display and interfaces for video/data link and recording; designed for tactical field use.
Service: Procured under Project Cytoon and fielded with the South African Army Tactical Intelligence Corps for enhanced situational awareness and target cueing.
The Sophie thermal imager complements SQUIRE radar and other ISTAR assets, giving tactical units a reliable, all-weather sighting and identification capability that significantly improves detection, tracking and engagement decisions both day and night.
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.
Logistics and utility vehicles
Future equipment on order
Equipment in development and financed by the SANDF, but no order yet
Potential equipment in a middle-term future
Military trucks
The South African Army maintains a diverse fleet of military trucks, primarily built for logistics, troop transport, recovery, and engineering roles. The backbone of this fleet includes the Samil 20/50/100 series, MAN tactical trucks in multiple variants, the locally produced Giraffe truck (based on the Italian Iveco Trakker) and SHE Cavallo (a Spanish truck produced under license in South Africa), as well as lighter platforms such as the Toyota Dyna and UD 70 series, which are primarily employed for general transport and support duties. Under Project Vistula, the army plans to progressively replace and modernize the Samil fleet with next-generation armoured military trucks featuring improved mobility, modularity, and digital integration. In 2023, more than 10,000 military trucks were refurbished and reactivated from storage, primarily Samils and other support vehicles to reinforce operational readiness amid ongoing budgetary constraints.[120]
The MAN8x8 and 6x6 military truck family is a core component of the South African Army's heavy logistics and support fleet—locally assembled under license in South Africa. Among the key variants:
The Shongololo Tank Transporter serves as a heavy equipment transporter, capable of moving main battle tanks and other armoured vehicles over strategic distances.
The MAN KAT1 series, serves as a versatile platform for logistics, radar mounting, mobile maintenance units, and specialized battlefield support roles. Known for their high mobility and durability, these vehicles complement older SAMIL designs while providing greater payload capacity and modular options for modern operational needs.
It is estimated that around several thousand MAN trucks are currently in service, primarily in prime mover, firefighting, low-bed transporter, and specialist logistics roles.
The SHE Cavallo series, including variants such as the Skimmel, Zebra, and Kameelperd, represents the modern heavy logistics fleet of the South African Army. Manufactured by Specialised Heavy Engineering (SHE), these 8×8 vehicles handle heavy-duty tasks including armored vehicle recovery, bridge-laying operations, radar and armoured vehicle transport.
The Cavallo series was introduced in the early 2000s to replace older SAMIL platforms for specialized engineering and air-defence roles.
The Giraffe is a 8×8 heavy logistics vehicle based on the Italian Iveco Trakker platform. Designed for heavy-duty military transport, the Giraffe handles cargo, engineering equipment, and armored vehicle transport in rugged operational environments.
With its robust suspension and high payload capacity, the Giraffe has become a key part of the Army's heavy logistics capability since its introduction in the 2000s. It is operated in several specialist roles, including recovery vehicle platforms and general heavy armoured vehicle transport.
The SAMIL 20 is a light 2-ton 4×4 truck designed in South Africa during the 1980s as part of the SAMIL family of military vehicles. Based on the Magirus Deutz chassis, it became the South African Army's standard light logistics vehicle for troop and cargo transport, ambulances, communication shelters, and general-purpose roles across southern Africa.
The SAMIL 50 is a 6-ton 4×4 medium-duty truck developed locally to meet the Army's need for heavier battlefield logistics during the 1980s. It carries bulk cargo, serves as a mobile workshop, or transports water, fuel, and engineering equipment. Its SAMIL 50 MPV variant provides the same capabilities with added mine and ambush protection for frontline operations.
The SAMIL 100 is the heaviest in the family, a 10-ton 6×6 platform for hauling armored vehicles, bridging systems, and large engineering loads over long distances. The SAMIL 100 MPV offers a protected version for use in conflict zones where survivability is a priority, an anti-aircraft gun named "Zumlac" is also mounted on this truck.
Under Project Thusano, over 10,000 out-of-service SAMIL trucks have been refurbished, meaning that atleast around 20,000 trucks across all variants could now be operational within the South African Army.
The Denel Africa Truck is a planned combat military logistics vehicle being developed under Project Vistula as the long-term replacement for the aging SAMIL truck fleet. Designed around the proven RG-31 mine-protected chassis, the 6×6 armoured platform offers modular superstructures, STANAG Level 2 ballistic and mine protection, and a 7.62 mm SDROW remote-controlled weapons station for both defensive and offensive capability.
With a gross vehicle mass of 28 tonnes, the demonstrator showcases features such as a double rear axle payload, hook-lift capability, and high off-road maneuverability, including a 60% climb angle and 110 km/h top speed.
Under Project Vistula, the South African Army plans to acquire up to5,000 trucks in multiple configurations once development and funding approvals are complete, enabling the phased replacement of legacy SAMIL vehicles over the next decade.[132]
The Toyota Dyna, locally known as the “Wildebees,” is a medium-duty truck used by the South African Army for general transport duties. Adapted from the civilian Dyna platform, it is employed for light logistics, personnel transport, and utility roles where heavy-duty vehicles like the SAMIL series are not required. Numbers in service remain undisclosed, though it is widely used in secondary logistics roles.
The UD 70 is a 4×2 medium-duty logistics truck produced by UD Trucks South Africa and widely used by the South African Army for general transport duties. Capable of carrying up to 4 tons of cargo, it fills the gap between light vehicles and the heavier SAMIL or MAN truck families, supporting troop transport, supply delivery, and engineering roles.
Utility and support vehicles
The South African Army utilises a wide range of utility and logistical support vehicles to complement its tactical and combat fleets. These include light utility vehicles, 4x4 cars, minibuses, and air-deployable vehicles used for command, liaison, troop transport, and logistical support. Platforms such as the Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger, and Unimog variants are commonly employed for both off-road mobility and general transport duties. Larger support vehicles include buses for personnel movement, as well as specialised air-deployable vehicles that can be transported by C-130 Hercules or Oryx helicopters for rapid deployment operations. Many of these vehicles are refurbished or locally modified to withstand harsh terrain and operational demands, ensuring flexibility across conventional, peacekeeping, and disaster relief missions.
The Gecko ATV is a 6×6 amphibious light transport platform. Entering service in the 1990s, it provides high mobility across rough terrain and water obstacles, carrying troops, equipment, or light weapon systems into areas inaccessible to standard vehicles. The Gecko’s small size, low weight, and ability to be airlifted by helicopters make it ideal for rapid deployment and reconnaissance roles.
The Jakkals is a lightweight 4×4 air-portable utility vehicle developed for the South African Army's Parachute Regiment during the 1980s. Designed to be paradropped or carried underslung by helicopters, it provides mobility for airborne troops immediately after landing. The Jakkals can carry light weapons, reconnaissance equipment, or small cargo loads, supporting rapid reaction and special operations forces.
The Marco Polo Bus is a locally assembled military transport vehicle based on a commercial chassis, adapted for troop movement and long-distance personnel transport within South Africa and regional deployments. Used primarily for logistics and training support, it provides safe, reliable road transport for soldiers to bases, exercises, and operational areas. These buses are maintained by the South African Army Support Formation and are built for durability and low operating costs in demanding conditions.
The Scania Bus fleet serves a similar role, offering medium- to long-distance transport for troops and military personnel. Known for its robust design and high passenger capacity, the Scania platform is also employed for training missions, peacekeeping deployments, and routine logistical movements.
The buses are operated mainly by transport regiments within the South African Army, ensuring a consistent road mobility capability for large troop formations.
The Ford Ranger is the South African Army's standard light utility vehicle, widely employed for command, liaison, patrol, and logistics support. Locally assembled under license, the Ranger fleet includes both single- and double-cab variants, some fitted with light weapon mounts or communications equipment for operational roles. Its versatility and low running costs make it the backbone of the Army's light vehicle fleet, supporting missions from base security to border patrol.
Various civilian utility vehicles are utilized by the army for light transport/patrol purposes (primarily Ford, Land Rover, Mercedes, Iveco and Toyota vehicles).
Alongside the Ranger, the Toyota Land Cruiser platforms are used in smaller numbers for border patrol. Known for their reliability in harsh environments, they serve as general-purpose vehicles for border patrol duties and local area mobility, and are equipped with light weapons.
Engineering equipment
Future equipment on order
Equipment in development and financed by the SANDF, but no order yet
The Leguan Armoured Bridge Layer is a modern combat engineering system capable of deploying a 26-meter bridge within minutes to support mechanized forces. Mounted on a Leopard 2 chassis for international users, the South African version is primarily integrated onto a wheeled platform for mobility and rapid deployment, 1 variant is mounted on an Olifant tank chassis.[137]
The Olifant ABL is an engineering variant of the Olifant MBT designed to deploy armoured bridges rapidly across rivers, trenches, and other obstacles in combat zones. Built on the Olifant MBT platform, it provides protected mobility solutions for mechanized forces.
The Olifant ARV is a dedicated armoured recovery vehicle based on the Olifant main battle tank (MBT) chassis. Designed to recover damaged or disabled armoured vehicles from the battlefield, it is equipped with a crane, winch, and repair tools while retaining heavy armour protection.
The Gemsbok is a specialized variant of the Casspir mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle configured as a logistics support platform. Built on the same proven V-shaped hull design as the Casspir, it retains multi-role MRAP capabilities with modifications for engineering support.
Construction engineering
The South African Army's Engineer Formation operates a wide range of militarised construction, bridging, earthmoving, and geospatial systems to support combat operations, mobility, and infrastructure development.
Pantile (MOEMS) Earthmoving Fleet As part of a twenty-year modernization project, the SANDF received militarised earthmoving platforms—including tractor-loader backhoes (TLBs), skid-steer excavators, tracked and wheeled bulldozers, graders, trailers, wheeled loaders, and bulldozer simulators—between 2015 and 2017 under the Militarised Operational Earthmoving System (MOEMS) programme. This equipment is assigned to the Engineer Support Regiment for both national and continental tasks.[140]
Tracked and Wheeled Dozers, Graders, Dump Trucks, Loaders The engineering corps operates Japan-origin wheeled dozers (Komatsu), US-made full tracked bulldozers (Caterpillar, Michigan), SAMAG and Nissan Diesel dump trucks, road graders (such as US-made Cat Wright and Galion), and front-end loaders—all maintained for construction, roadworks, and obstacle generation tasks.
Vlakvark Tractor-Loader Backhoe ("Battle Tractor") A militarised tractor-loader backhoe designed for combat engineering roles, the Vlakvark is employed for trenching, excavation, construction, and fortification work. It is capable of operating in hostile environments and provides versatile battlefield engineering support.
Heavy-Duty Transport and Logistics The Engineer Formation makes use of heavy-duty haulers and lowbeds (primarily MAN and Mercedes-Benz), utility dump trucks, and articulated or rigid haulage vehicles for transporting construction and combat engineering equipment.
Bridging Systems – Modular Bailey Bridges The South African Army's Engineer Formation maintains modular Bailey bridging systems, which can be rapidly deployed to restore mobility in combat zones or disaster-relief environments. These modular steel bridges are capable of supporting both wheeled and tracked vehicles.[141]
Mobile Operational Geographic System (MOGS) The MOGS provides mobile geographic intelligence, mapping, and terrain-analysis capabilities essential for operational planning and combat support.
Combat Support Engineering Equipment Additional systems include the Plofadder rocket-propelled minefield-clearing system (capable of clearing 160 m × 8 m lanes using explosive line charges), MMD Mark 3 metal detectors, Waterbuffel mobile water purification and pumping systems, and various trailers and conveyors for engineering support.
Unmanned ground vehicles (UGV's)
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has shown ongoing interest in deploying unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to support reconnaissance, border security, logistics, and demining operations.[142] A number of indigenous and collaborative systems have been developed or offered for evaluation, including the locally designed DCD Testudo, a multi-role combat UGV,[143] and the B-Cat Pathfinder, designed for amphibious and combat support roles,[142] while Denel is currently developing a new UGV platform.[144] In addition, the Rheinmetall Mission Master, a modular, rocket-launcher combat UGV, has been showcased in South Africa, with members of the South African Special Forces observed alongside it during trials.[145]
Future equipment on order
Equipment in development and financed by the SANDF, but no order yet
The Digital Vanguard-S UGV is a compact, remotely operated system optimized for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and counter-IED roles. Similar in concept to Western designs such as the Dragon Runner, it is small enough to be deployed quickly in urban or confined terrain. The Vanguard-S is fitted with cameras, sensors, and a manipulator arm to identify, handle, and neutralize hazardous devices without exposing personnel to direct danger. It has been observed in limited use with the South African Army, but the extent of its operational deployment remains undisclosed.
Aircraft
The South African Army operates only unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and surveillance. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, including jets, are operated exclusively by the South African Air Force (SAAF). The Army's airborne and paratrooper units make use of SAAF assets: airborne infantry are deployed by SAAF helicopters, while paratroopers rely on C-130 Hercules aircraft for airlift. For a full list of aircraft, see: List of aircraft of the South African Air Force.
Unmanned aerial vehicles
The South African Army operates and has access to several unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms for reconnaissance, surveillance, and support missions.
Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance
4
Atleast 4 were acquired under Project Klooster. The Vulture is used for target acquisition, fall-of-shot detection and fire correction in support of Towed and Self Propelled Gun Howitzer Systems of the SA Army Artillery Formation.[147]
The CSIR Indiza is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It is operated by the South African Army since atleast 2018 and is primarily used for tactical surveillance and reconnaissance missions.[148]
Under Project Dominate, the SANDF is accquiring 16 quadcopter UAVs (R16 million) and two long-range UAVs (R24 million), likely the Milkor 780 long-range UCAVs currently in development.[149]TheAir Force has also received over five Milkor 380 UCAVs since 2023, the largest UAVs of their kind in Africa, with the newer 780 expected to surpass them in size and capability when development is completed.
1 2 Venter, Dewald (22 May 2018). "Badger". Tank Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
↑ "Weapon Systems: Armour - Rooikat". Army.mil.za. RSA Dept of Defence. 13 December 2010. Archived from the original on 1 February 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
↑ "Vehicles - Gecko". Army.mil.za. SA Army: SA Dept of Defence. 13 December 2010. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
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