This is a list of the military equipment of South Africa, including the Army, Air force, and Navy.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vektor Z88 | Semi-automatic pistol | Z88 | - | Current standard-issue sidearm. [1] | ||
Vektor SP1 | Semi-automatic pistol | SP1 | - | Current standard-issue sidearm alongside the Z88. | ||
Milkor BXP | Submachine gun | - | - | 22 or 32-round magazines. | ||
Vektor R4 | Assault rifle | - | - | Standard Issue assault rifle. [2]
| ||
Vektor R5 | Carbine rifle | - | - | Lightweight carbine version of the Vektor R4. [3] | ||
Vektor R1 | Designated marksman rifle | - | - | Former service rifle of the South African Army, now used as a designated marksman rifle. | ||
NTW-20 | Anti-material rifle | - | - | A unique anti-material rifle that comes in calibers such as 20mm, the NTW-20 is used by the South African Army for long-range engagements and against vehicles or fortified targets. [4] | ||
Truvelo CMS | Sniper rifle | CMS 7.62 CMS .338 CMS .50 BMG | - | Entered service in 2018, standard-issue sniper rifle alongside the NTW-20. [5] [6] | ||
SP 312 | Shotgun | SP 312 | - | Used for riot control. [7] | ||
Vektor SS-77 | General-purpose machine gun | SS-77 | - | Belt-fed GPMG in service since 1986 alongside the FN MAG. 100-round pear-shaped pouch in general use, 200-round rigid box. [8] | ||
FN MAG | General-purpose machine gun | - | Belt-fed GPMG. Main automatic weapon of dismounted infantry sections. 100-round pear-shaped pouches in general use and 200-round disintegrating link metal belts. Can be mounted on a Tripod as well as vehicles. [9] | |||
MG4 Browning | Medium machine gun | - | M1919A4 Browning Medium Machine gun modified by Denel Land Systems, fires the 7.62×51mm round. [10] | |||
M2 Browning | Heavy machine gun | - | Belt fed machine gun mainly mounted on Tripods, armoured and infantry vehicles. [11] | |||
Y3 AGL | Grenade machine gun | - | - | Can either be mounted on a tripod, or can be mounted on a vehicle. Has a nominal rate of fire of 320 rounds per minute. Electronic indirect sight and Aim point direct sight can be mounted. [12] | ||
Milkor MGL | Grenade launcher | Y2 Standard Y4 SuperSix | - | Y2 MK-1 in service since 1983, the latest Y4 SuperSix variant entered service in 2019. 6-round revolving, swing out-type cylinder. [13] | ||
RPG-7 | Rocket-propelled grenade launcher | RPG-7V2 | - | Some RPG-7s in service use an upgraded South African warhead manufactured by Denel Dynamics. To be replaced in the coming years most likely by the AT4 and Gustaf M4. [14] | ||
FT5 | 100 mm anti-tank rocket launcher | - | An indigenous reusable anti-tank weapon primarily used to penetrate modern main battle tanks and fortifications. [15] | |||
AT4 | 84 mm smoothbore recoilless rifle | - | Replacement for RPG-7. [16] | |||
Carl Gustaf M4 | 84 mm smoothbore recoilless rifle | - | Replacement for RPG-7. [17] | |||
ZT3 Ingwe | Anti-tank guided missile system | ZT3A2 | - | A modern multi-role long-range beam-riding precision guided missile (ATGM) in service. The missile is used by the Armoured Corps and the Mechanized infantry battalions. [18] | ||
MILAN ER | Anti-tank guided missile system | - | 46 Milan ADT (Advanced Digital Technology) launchers as well as 300+ Milan ER (extended range) SACLOS missiles are in service since 2007. To be replaced by the ZT3 Ingwe. [19] | |||
M40 recoilless rifle | 105 mm recoilless rifle | 171 | A direct-fire, crew served weapon issued in units of six to the motorised and airborne infantry anti-tank platoons. [20] | |||
M26 grenade | Fragmentation hand grenade | - |
Utility and logistics vehicles: 21,073+
Armoured personnel carriers: 545+
MRAPs: 2,170+
Infantry fighting vehicles: 1,051
Main battle tanks: 215
Tank destroyers: 292
Towed artillery: 134
Self-propelled artillery: 49
Rocket artillery: 101
The South African Army's tank fleet, while smaller compared to some other nations, plays a crucial role in its armoured and mechanized forces, providing heavy firepower, protection, and mobility on the battlefield.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olifant | Main battle tank Armoured recovery vehicle Armoured bridge layer | MK1A/1B/MK2 | 195 18 2 | A heavily modified and modernized Centurion tank. The MK1A tanks were commissioned in 1985, MK1Bs were commissioned in 1991 and the MK2 tanks were commissioned in 2007. [21] | ||
Rooikat | Armoured reconnaissance vehicle | MK1D | 240 | 8-Wheeled tank used for reconnaissance, aggressive search-and-destroy, anti-armour operations, combat patrols, raids, day and night hot pursuit operations. [22] |
The South African Army's fleet of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) is a key component of its mechanized infantry units, providing a combination of mobility, firepower, and protection for troops on the battlefield. These vehicles are designed to transport infantry while offering direct fire support and the ability to engage enemy forces.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ratel IFV | Infantry fighting vehicle | Ratel 20 Ratel 60 Ratel 81 Ratel 90 Ratel ZT3 | 1,025 | Primary infantry fighting vehicle in service with the South African Mechanized infantry units. 1,400 were originally in service, 355 were declared surplus to requirements and sold to foreign countries bringing the total down to 1,025. [23] [24]
| ||
Badger IFV | Infantry fighting vehicle | - | 26 (254) | The Badgers are a new generation of fighting vehicles planned to partially replace the Army's Ratel IFV fleet over the next decade under the Project Hoefyster awarded contract, this will significantly improve the mobility, firepower, and protection of the South African Army's Mechanized infantry units. There will be four versions, a standard variant, fire support variant, mortar variant and a tank destroyer. [25] [24]
|
The Protected Mobility fleet is essential for the South African Army's operations, particularly in regions where the threat of landmines and IEDs is high. These vehicles are not only crucial for domestic operations but also play a vital role in South Africa's contributions to peacekeeping missions on the African continent. The development and use of these MRAPs/APCs underscore South Africa's leadership in mine-protected vehicle technology, with some models being exported and used by other countries around the world.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mamba | Armoured personnel carrier, MRAP | MK2 MK3 | 538 | While primarily an APC, the Mamba is sometimes used in roles similar to an IFV, particularly in low-intensity conflicts or peacekeeping operations. It offers protection against small arms fire and landmines and can be equipped with machine guns as well as a 40 mm grenade machine gun for basic fire support. [26] [27] | ||
MAX 3 | Armoured personnel carrier, MRAP | 4x4 6x6 | 6+ | Delivered in April 2024. Mine-resistant APC with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire. One of the replacement vehicles for the Toyota Land Cruisers. [28] | ||
Casspir | Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP | MK3 | 2,170+ | Multi-purpose mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire. Equipped with 3 × 7.62 mm MG, M2 Browning .50 cal MG, + optional 40 mm Denel Y3 Grenade machine gun, can also replace the M2 Browning with a 20 mm autocannon) | ||
RG-31 Nyala | Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP | MK5E | Unknown | Similar to the Mamba but better protected. Equipped with a 20 mm remote controlled weapon station, can also be fitted with a 40 mm Denel Y3 Grenade Machine gun, overall armor protection of the vehicle exceeds NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2. [31] [32] | ||
Husky VMMD | Vehicle mounted mine detection system, MRAP | 2G | Unknown | A system designed to clear routes of mines, usually they operate in pairs one after the other. [33] |
The South African Army's utility and logistics fleet is crucial to the SANDF, ensuring the transport and supply of essential resources across diverse terrains. It includes a range of vehicles, from heavy-duty trucks to specialized equipment, delivering ammunition, fuel, food, and medical supplies. The exact number of military trucks/utility vehicles in the South African Army is unknown due to how large the fleet is, but under Project Thusano, an estimate of more than 10,000 "Samil" military trucks alone had been refurbished in 2021 and put back into service enhancing the army’s ability to respond to both domestic and regional challenges. [34]
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Land Cruiser | Light armoured utility vehicle | 435 | Used for border patrol. To be phased out and replaced by 500 APC / MRAPs throughout 2024-2025. [35] | |||
Various cars and light trucks | - | 4x4 utility vehicles | Unknown | Various civilian utility vehicles are utilized by the army for light transport/patrol purposes (primarily Ford, Toyota and Land Rover vehicles). | ||
Gecko ATV | All-terrain utility vehicle | 100 | Used by the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces. [36] | |||
Samil 20 | 4x4 military truck | Several thousand's | Comes in multiple variants such as general cargo/fuel/troop transport variants, artillery fire control posts, variants with office and workshop bodies, a battery charger variant, a light recovery variant. [37] [38] | |||
Samil 50 | 4x4 military truck | Several thousand's | Samil 50 trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, field repair and maintenance vehicles, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles. [39] [40] | |||
Samil 100 | 6x6 military truck | Several thousand's | Samil 100 Trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles, dry canteen vehicles, field repair and maintenance vehicles, UAV launchers, UAV recovery vehicles and gun tractors (for towed artillery pieces). [41] | |||
SHE Cavallo | 8x8 heavy military truck | 3,200+ | Locally produced in South Africa. Comes in several variants, a heavy recovery vehicle, tank transport and bridge layer, also a variant used to mount the Army's ground-based Umkhonto missile defence system. [42] [24] [43] | |||
MAN 8x8 | 8x8 heavy military truck | Several thousand's | Primarily utilised as prime movers, firefighting vehicles and low-bed transporters. [44] | |||
Giraffe | 8x8 heavy military truck | Unknown | Designated as "Giraffe". Used as a cargo/vehicle transporter. [45] | |||
Toyota Dyna | Medium-duty truck | Unknown | Designated as "Wildebees". [46] | |||
Scania Busco | Personnel transport bus | Unknown | These buses are used to ferry personnel to and from bases. [47] |
The South African Army's artillery fleet is a critical component of its overall combat capability, providing long-range firepower, support for ground forces, and the ability to engage enemy positions and fortifications. The artillery fleet includes a mix of towed and self-propelled guns, multiple rocket launchers, and mortars, which together offer a flexible and potent fire support system.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Max Range | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bateleur FV2 | 127 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 40 km | 25 | 127 mm standard multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) of the South African Army Artillery Formation. 40 launch tubes mounted on an armoured Samil 100 6×6 truck. [48] | ||
Valkiri | 127 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 40 km | 76 | 127 mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). 24 launch tubes. [49] | ||
G6 Rhino | 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer | 76 km | 43 | The G6 Rhino is one of the most capable self-propelled howitzers, known for its exceptional mobility, firepower, and crew protection. With a 155 mm gun and a range of up to 76 km using rocket-assisted munitions, it delivers long-range fire support while its 6x6 wheeled chassis provides superior off-road mobility, ideal for rapid shoot-and-scoot tactics. making it one of the best artillery systems for rugged terrains and mobile warfare. [50] | ||
T5-52 | 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer | 60+ km | 6 | New South African Self-propelled howitzer that entered service in 2018. In testing by the South African Army before any more additional T5-52 howitzers are ordered to operate alongside the GV6 Rhino fleet. [51] | ||
G5 Leopard | 155 mm Towed howitzer | 60+ km | 72 | Basically a towed version of the G6 Rhino. [52] | ||
G4 Howitzer | 155 mm Towed howitzer | 30 km | 32 | Replaced by the G5, remaining G4's are kept in the army reserves. [53] | ||
G1 Howitzer | 87 mm Towed howitzer | 12 km | 30 | A small number are still maintained and used on ceremonial occasions. Replaced by the M5 mortar system. [53] | ||
M5 Mortar | 120 mm heavy mortar | 8 km | 146+ | Primary long-range, indirect fire, artillery weapon of the Steve Biko Artillery Regiment (formerly Light Regiment). The M5 mortar system is also air deployable. [54] | ||
M3 Mortar | 81 mm medium mortar | 5 km | 1,190+ | Provides medium-range fire support to infantry, particularly in light or mechanized units. Around 1,190 mortars are in service with the South African Army Infantry Corps. [55] | ||
M8 Mortar | 81 mm medium mortar | 7 km | 700 | Upgraded version of the M3 mortar with improved range and accuracy. [24] [55] | ||
M6 Mortar | 60 mm light mortar | 6 km | 102+ | Unknown number ordered under the Project Acrobat contract. An estimate of 102 M6 long-range mortars were successfully delivered to the South African Army Infantry Corps in 2011, this is sufficient to equip 12 infantry battalions. Its lightweight make it suitable for rapid deployment, fast-moving operations and airborne. [56] [57] | ||
M4 Mortar | 60 mm light mortar | 2 km | Unknown | Uses the M-61 series of bombs in High Explosive, Smoke, Illumination and Practice versions. In use with the Special Forces and Airborne Infantry. Upgraded in 2016 with improved range and accuracy. [55] [58] |
The South African Army Air Defence Artillery (ADA) plays a critical role in protecting South African airspace from potential aerial threats. It uses a variety of weapon systems and radar technologies to provide both short-range and medium-range air defence.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Umkhonto | | Mobile surface-to-air missile/anti-ballistic missile system | In testing | Future ground-based air defence system for the South African Army. Can carry up to eight Umkhonto-R and Umkhonto-IR (Infrared) Mk II missiles. [59] | ||
Starstreak | | Manportable/Vehicle mounted surface-to-air missile | 178 launchers | In use with 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment. These missiles have a range of between 5–7 km. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute lists the number of Portable SAMs delivered as 96 for the GBADS phase 1 project with another order for 82. [60] | ||
Oerlikon GDF | 35 mm Radar-guided anti-aircraft autocannon | GDF-002 GDF-005 | 150 | Upgraded in 2016 by Rheinmetall AG to use oerlikon skyshield fire control systems capable of shooting down modern aerial threats. [61] | ||
ZU-23-2 Zumlac | 23 mm Twin anti-aircraft autocannon | 36 | 36 were captured during the South African Border War and are mounted on Samil 100 military trucks. [24] |
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ATE Vulture | Unmanned aerial vehicle | 4 | Acquired under Project Klooster. [62] | |||
Seeker | Unmanned aerial vehicle | 400 | 36 | Transferred from the Air Force to the Army. This UAV provides the South African military with real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for both combat and peacetime operations. [63] [24] | ||
LOCATS | Aerial target systems | Unknown | The LOCATS is an unmanned aerial target used to train Air Defence Artillery crews in gunnery. It is launched from a ramp fitted on the back of a flatbed truck and is recovered by parachute. [64] | |||
ESR 220 | Mobile battery fire control post and early warning radar system | 4 | Capable of tracking aircraft in a 120 km radius and can be fully operational within 10 minutes of arrival at the deployment site. The system also provides for a combined air picture derived from primary radar(through utilisation of Link-ZA, the SANDF's data link system), as well as a command and control system for effective air defence control. [65] | |||
Thales Squire | Battlefield surveillance radar | 14 | Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The radars are designed to plot a pedestrian at 10km, a vehicle at 21km, a tank at 28km, a helicopter at 21km, a boat at 12km and a ship at 48km. [66] | |||
Thales Sophie | Thermal imager | 65 | Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The Thales Sophie can spot humans at over 4 km, tanks at 10 km, helicopters at 12 km and jet fighters at 16 km. [67] |
The South African Navy operates four Valour-class frigates, which are its main surface combatants. Commissioned in the early 2000s, these frigates are modern, multipurpose warships designed primarily for air defence, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. As of 2024 they are expected to undergo periodic upgrades, focusing on their combat systems and other technologies to keep them in line with modern naval warfare demands. [68]
Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Valour class | 4 | Stealth guided-missile frigate | 3,759 tonnes | Multi-purpose and multi-capable frigate. The Valour class frigates include the general guided-missile anti-surface, anti-air role as well as the anti-submarine role. The Valour class frigates employ the use of advanced stealth technology making them hard to detect. [69] |
The South African Navy operates three Heroine-class submarines, which form the backbone of its underwater warfare capabilities. These submarines, based on the German Type 209/1400mod design, are advanced diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth, endurance, and versatility. [70]
Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heroine class | 3 | Guided-missile attack submarine | 1,654 tonnes | The Heroine-class submarines replaced the three Daphné-class submarines, SAS Spear, SAS Assegaai and SAS Umkhonto of the South African Navy. [71] |
Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Warrior class | 3 | Multi-role patrol vessel | 1,031 tonnes | 3 Inshore patrol vessels are in service. A further 12 inshore patrol vessels and 15 larger offshore patrol vessels of this class are planned. [72] | ||
Warrior class | 1 | Offshore patrol vessel | 450 tonnes | 8 vessels retired, the final Warrior class OPV in service is soon to be replaced by the Warrior class multi-role patrol vessel. [73] | ||
T class | 3 | Inshore patrol vessel | 37 tonnes | Built by T-Craft International in Cape Town. [74] | ||
Namacurra-class | 26 | Inshore patrol vessel | 4 tonnes | Harbour patrol boats equipped with .50 cal machine guns. [75] |
Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
River class | 2 | Minesweeper | 390 tonnes | Minesweeper / Patrol vessel. [76] |
Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drakensberg class | 1 | Fleet replenishment ship | 12,500 tonnes | Commissioned in 1987. The largest and most sophisticated vessel to be constructed on the African continent. [77] | ||
Nelson Mandela class | 1 under construction | Hydrographic survey vessel | N/A | Will replace the Protea-class survey vessel, will be delivered at the end of 2023 or early 2024. The vessel will be equipped with the latest survey equipment. [78] | ||
Protea class | 1 | Hydrographic survey vessel | 2,750 tonnes | Specialist Hydrographic Survey Vessel. Built by Yarrow & Co Ltd, Glasgow, Scotland. Launched 1971. Replacement under construction. [79] | ||
Tugs | 5+ | Tug boats | N/A | Coastal and harbour tugs. [80] |
Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No image available | Lima class | 6 | Landing craft utility |
The South African Air Force (SAAF) operates a variety of combat aircraft designed for different roles, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and training.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JAS 39 Gripen | Multirole fighter | JAS 39C JAS 39D | 17 9 | The Gripen is the backbone of the SAAF’s combat capabilities, providing air superiority and strike roles. They were ordered to replace the 68 Atlas Cheetah multirole fighters used by the SAAF. [81] | ||
BAE Hawk | Fighter trainer | Mk 120 | 24 | Primarily used to train pilots for the Gripen but is also capable of light ground-attack missions, close air support, and reconnaissance. [82] | ||
Pilatus PC-7 | Basic flight trainer | Mk I Mk II | 21 35 | Though primarily a trainer, the PC-7 can be fitted with light weaponry, such as bombs and machine guns, for counterinsurgency and light ground-attack missions. Due to the lack of pilot training, the PC-7 Mk I variant has been placed in reserve. [83] [84] |
South Africa is also investing in the development of next-generation UAVs for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Milkor 380 | MALE UCAV | 5 | Entered service in 2024. The largest drone to be manufactured in South Africa and in Africa, it has an endurance of up to 35 hours of flight time and a payload capacity of 210 kg. [85] Production for the Milkor 380 is currently set at 6 systems per year with plans to increase it by up to 16 systems per year. [86] |
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C-130 Hercules | Tactical airlifter | C-130BZ | 9 | Three aircraft used for spares, the remaining 6 aircraft are undergoing upgrades. [87] | ||
Douglas DC-3 | Electronic warfare / Transport | 8 | The classic C-47 Dakota but upgraded with turboprop engines for extended range and performance. 5 aircraft provide maritime patrol. [88] | |||
Cessna 208 | Radar jamming / Transport | 7 | Used for coastal patrols and low-intensity operations. Its ruggedness and ability to operate in various environments make it suitable for South Africa’s diverse terrain. [89] | |||
Super King Air | Transport | 2 | It is versatile, capable of short takeoffs and landings on unimproved airfields, often used for short-haul missions. [90] | |||
C-212 Aviocar | Transport | 3 | Known for its ability to operate from short and unprepared runways, it is used in tactical airlift missions. [91] | |||
Pilatus PC-12 | Transport | 2 | Small business jet. [92] | |||
Boeing 737 | VIP presidential transport | BBJ | 1 | Presidential plane. [93] | ||
Citation II | VIP transport | 2 | A long-range business jet used to transport senior government officials and military personnel. [94] | |||
Falcon 50 | VIP transport | 2 | A long-range business jet used to transport senior government officials and military personnel. [95] | |||
Falcon 900 | VIP transport | 1 | More advanced than the Falcon 50, it offers longer range and more comfort for high-ranking officials during international travel. [96] |
The South African Air Force (SAAF) operates a variety of helicopters, fulfilling roles such as transport, search and rescue, anti-piracy operations, and battlefield support.
Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AH-2 Rooivalk | Attack helicopter | Mk1 | 11 | Equipped with a 20mm cannon, rockets, and anti-tank missiles. It is capable of night operations and has advanced avionics and targeting systems. Originally 36 Rooivalk Mk1 were planned to be procured but this had been reduced to only 12 units which were then all delivered in 2011. [97] A Rooivalk Mk2 variant is currently under development with a minimum of 24 Rooivalk Mk2 planned to be procured to make up a viable squadron for the air force. [98] | ||
Atlas Oryx | Transport utility | Mk2 | 39 | Based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, but upgraded by Denel. Can carry up to 20 troops or 6 stretchers, and has a maximum speed of about 278 km/h. [99] | ||
AW109 | Transport utility / SAR | 30 | Can carry up to 8 passengers, is highly maneuverable, and has a max speed of around 285 km/h. Fulfills the surveillance, transport, and search and rescue role of the SAAF. [99] | |||
BK 117 | Light attack / utility | 6 | Multirole helicopter. [99] | |||
Super Lynx | ASW/SAR | Lynx 300 | 4 | Used in naval operations. [99] |
The South African Air Force operates various weapon systems across its fleet to support air defense, combat operations, and other military roles. These weapon systems are integrated into aircraft like the SAAB JAS 39 Gripen, Denel Rooivalk, and other platforms. [100]
Type | Name | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
27 mm revolver cannon | Mauser BK-27 | Primary gun for the JAS 39 Gripen. | |
Gunship cannon | F2 20mm Cannon | Primary gun for the Rooivalk. | |
Air-to-Air missile | A-Darter | Mounted on Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 (Hawk integration in progress, not yet operational) | |
IRIS-T | Mounted on Gripen C, Gripen D | ||
Cruise missile | MUPSOW [101] | In development, to be mounted on the Gripen. | |
TORGOS [102] | Long-range, precision-guided strike missile. | ||
Reconnaissance / Targeting Pods | Litening III | Gripen C, Gripen D | |
Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod | Gripen C, Gripen D | ||
Vicon 18-601E | Hawk 120 | ||
Argos 410-Z | C208 Caravan, A109 | ||
Rocket Launcher | Type 159 Launcher | Rooivalk | |
Rocket | FZ90 70mm FFAR | Rooivalk | |
Laser-guided bomb | GBU-12 Paveway II | Gripen C, Gripen D | |
Precision-guided bomb | Umbani PGM | Hawk 120 | |
Free-fall bomb | 120 kg Fragmentation Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 | |
120 kg Low-Drag Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 | ||
145 kg Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 | ||
460 kg Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 |
The South African Army is the principal land warfare force of South Africa, a part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), along with the South African Air Force, South African Navy and South African Military Health Service. The Army is commanded by the Chief of the Army, who is subordinate to the Chief of the SANDF.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) comprises the armed forces of South Africa. The commander of the SANDF is appointed by the President of South Africa from one of the armed services. They are in turn accountable to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans of the Defence Department.
The Vektor CR-21 is a South African bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. It was designed by Denel Land Systems as a possible replacement for the South African National Defence Force's Vektor R4, though Denel Land Systems has since shifted focus to offering an upgraded R4 rifle to the SANDF instead.
The Denel Dynamics Seeker is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufactured in South Africa by Denel Dynamics. The system is designed to perform tactical reconnaissance in real time and can conduct day and night surveillance in all threat environments.
1 Special Service Battalion is an armoured regiment of the South African Army and only one of two such in its regular force. The Regiment is based at Tempe near Bloemfontein.
The South African Army Artillery Formation is the controlling entity of all South African Army artillery units. It draws much of its history from the South African Artillery, established in 1934 but with roots that reach back to 1921. The formation consists of both regular and reserve units. There is a separate South African Army Air Defence Artillery Formation that directs army anti-aircraft warfare units.
The ZT3 Ingwe (Leopard) is a modern South African multi-role laser beam riding anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) manufactured by Denel Dynamics.
Lohatla is a training area of the South African National Defence Force. It is located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa and is home to the SA Army Combat Training Centre, which is part of the South African Army Training Formation.
The Umbani is a precision-guided bomb kit manufactured by Denel Dynamics in South Africa. It consists of a number of modules fitted to NATO standard Mk81, Mk82 or Mk83 low drag free-fall bombs to convert them into guided glide bombs.
1 South African Infantry Battalion is a mechanized infantry unit of the South African Army.
43 South African Brigade is a formation of the South African Army. It was established on 2 April 1997 at Wallmannsthal, Gauteng as 43 Mechanised Brigade and then changed to 43 South African Brigade in 1999. Administratively, the headquarters answers to the Chief of the Army. Operationally and for force training, the formation takes instructions from the Joint Operations Division. Units and subunits are attached as required for the task at hand. When not required, those units remain part of their respective type formations.
The Denel Dynamics Skua is a turbojet-engined target drone used to simulate fast-moving attack aircraft during surface-to-air and air-to-air training exercises and weapons tests. It is manufactured by the Denel Dynamics division of the South African state-owned Denel aerospace and defence conglomerate.
The South African Defence Review of 2012 was a policy review conducted by a panel of experts and chaired by retired politician and former Minister of Defence, Roelf Meyer. The review was commissioned by Lindiwe Sisulu the then Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, in July 2011. The review was motivated by the need to correct errors and shortcomings of the previous review.
8 South African Infantry Battalion is a mechanized infantry unit of the South African Army. The battalion is equipped with Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) used for fast transport and combat mobility across rough ground. Support weapons for mechanized infantry are also provided with motorized transport, or are built directly into these IFVs, in order to keep pace with the IFVs in combat. The battalion was raised at Upington in the Northern Cape on 01 October 1973 as part of the South African Infantry Corps, and since the change in structure, has been assigned to the Infantry Formation.
Lt General Lindile Yam is the former SANDF Chief of staff and former Chief of the South African Army.
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