List of equipment of the South African Army

Last updated

This is a list of equipment of the South African Army . It includes equipment such as small arms, combat vehicles, explosives, missile systems, engineering vehicles, logistical vehicles, artillery, air defence systems, as well as future equipment. Due to how large and secretive the South African Army is, it is currently almost impossible to calculate all equipment in the army.

Contents

Infantry equipment

NameImageOriginTypeCalibreDetails
Handguns
Vektor Z88 [1] Vektor Z88 9mm.png Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Semi-automatic pistol 9×19mm Parabellum 15-round magazine. License-built Beretta 92F. Standard issue side arm since 1989 alongside the SP1.
Vektor SP1 VektorSP1.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Semi-automatic pistol 9×19mm Parabellum 15-round magazine. Standard issue side arm alongside the Z88 since 1992.
Submachine guns
Milkor BXP [2] Milkorbxp firearm.png Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Submachine gun 9×19mm Parabellum 22 or 32-round magazines. An indigenously designed 9mm submachine gun similar in appearance to the MAC-10. In service since 1984.
HK MP5 [3] HK MP5 noBG.png Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Submachine gun 9×19mm Parabellum 30 or 40-round magazines. Used by the SOSF and military police.
Assault rifles & Battle rifles
Vektor R4 [4] Vektor LM5 Feb 2008.jpg

Galil Cordova 18.png

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO 35-round or 50-round magazines. Standard Service rifle since 1980.

Many of the R4 and R5 rifles were modernized in 2010 throughout Project African Warrior for the South African Army's Soldier Modernization Programme.

The updated version of the rifle has a folding/collapsible stock, railed handguard, and side-mounted rail and comes equipped with the Trijicon ACOG TA11 or other optical sights, foregrips and grenade launchers. [5]

Vektor R5 [4] Galil Cordova 13.png Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Carbine rifle 5.56×45mm NATO 35-round magazine carbine version of the Vektor R4.
Vektor R1 [6] 20170405051006!FN-FAL belgian.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Designated marksman rifle 7.62×51mm NATO 20-round magazine. Former service rifle of the South African Army. Remaining rifles in service are used in and anti-poaching patrols and others made into designated marksman rifles. [7]
Precision rifles
Denel NTW-20 [8] NTW-20 rifle.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Anti-materiel rifle 20×82mm 14.5×114mm 3-round magazine. In service since 1998 by the South African Special Forces and Army Infantry sniper sections. Comes equipped with the 8 × 56 Lynx Telescopic sight.
Truvelo CMS [9] Truvelo CMS 12,7 x 99mm.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Sniper rifle .338 Lapua .50 BMG 7.62x51mm NATO CMS (Counter Measure Sniper Rifle).

Standard-issue sniper rifle in service since 2018 comes equipped with 5-round or 10-round magazines.

Shotguns
Stoeger SP312 [10] PEO Mossberg 590A1.jpg Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey Pump-action shotgun 12 gauge Used for crowd control.
Machine guns
Vektor SS-77 [11] MAG EP.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa General-purpose machine gun 7.62×51mm NATO Belt-fed GPMG in service since 1986 alongside the FN MAG.

100-round pear-shaped pouch in general use, 200-round rigid box. Can use both non-disintegrating DM1 and NATO M13 or R1M1 disintegrating link belts.

FN MAG [12] FN MAG white background.jpg Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium General-purpose machine gun 7.62×51mm NATO 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.

Browning MG4 [11] Browning M1919a.png Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Medium machine gun 7.62×51mm NATO M1919A4 Browning Medium Machine gun modified by Lyttleton Engineering Works, now Denel Land Systems, to fire the 7.62×51mm round.

It is Belt fed and generally fitted to armoured and infantry vehicles as well as certain helicopters as a secondary or tertiary armament.

M2 Browning [11] M2 Browning, Musee de l'Armee (cropped).jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Heavy machine gun .50 BMG Belt fed machine gun mainly mounted on Tripods, armoured and infantry vehicles.
Grenade launchers
Milkor MGL [13] [14] Milkor MGL.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Grenade launcher 40×46 mm Variants used by the Army include the Milkor Y2 which was in service since 1983 and the Y4 SuperSix in service since 2019. 6-round revolving, swing out-type cylinder. Comes equipped with optical sights.
Denel Y3 AGL [13] Y3 AGL.JPG Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Grenade machine gun 40×53 mm HV A belt-fed, high velocity, long-recoil, open-breech automatic grenade launcher in service with a fire rate of 360 to 425 rounds per minute.

Ideally used as a tripod-mounted support weapon for infantry or mounted on a vehicle. Electronic indirect sight and Aim point direct sight can be mounted.

Anti-tank weapons
RPG-7 [15] RPG-7V1 grenade launcher - RaceofHeroes-part2-22.jpg Flag of the Soviet Union.svg  Soviet Union Rocket-propelled grenade launcher40 mmLarge numbers of RPG-7s were captured during the mid-1970s and are used as the primary infantry anti-armour rocket launcher and is deployed at section level for use against armoured vehicles.

Currently the Army is looking for a replacement for this ageing system.

AT4 [16] AT4 CS.jpg Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 84 mm smoothbore recoilless rifle 84 mmIn testing as replacement for RPG-7.
Carl Gustaf M4 [16] M3E1.jpg Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 84 mm recoilless rifle 84 mmIn testing as replacement for RPG-7.
M40 recoilless rifle [15] 2013.5.13 haebyeongdae 1sadan 2yeondae M40A2 106mm mubandongcong sagyeog A Recoilless Rifle Fire Drill of Republic of Korea Marine Corps 1st Division (8737281428).jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States 105 mm recoilless rifle 105 mmA direct-fire, crew served weapon issued in units of six to the motorised and airborne infantry anti-tank platoons.
MILAN ER [17] Tag der Bundeswehr Jagel 2019 HJL 13 noBG.png Flag of France.svg  France Wire-guided anti-tank missile system 115 mm46 Milan ADT (Advanced Digital Technology) launchers as well as 300+ [18] [19] Milan ER (extended range) SACLOS missiles are in service since 2007 [20] with the Army’s airborne and motorised infantry battalions as well as with the Special Forces Brigade. Soldiers train on the four simulators acquired from MBDA.

All systems are equipped with Video output devices and 15 launchers are equipped with Thermal imaging systems.

ZT3 Ingwe [21] Ingwe ATGM.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Beam-riding anti-tank guided missile system 152 mmMultipurpose long-range jam-resistant beam-riding guided missile similar to the American BGM-71 TOW and Russian 9M133 Kornet.

The missile is launched from a ground-based launcher and can also be launched from a triple launcher atop a Ratel ZT3 or other vehicles.

The ZT3 Ingwe is operated by the Armoured Corps and the Mechanized infantry battalions.

Grenades
M26 [22] M-61Grenade.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Fragmentation hand grenade N/AManufactured by Rheinmetall Denel Munitions, based on a US design. In service with the South African Army Infantry Formation.
RDM Illuminating Hand Grenade [23] No image availableFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Hand grenade N/AA grenade which consists of an aluminium case containing the illuminating composition, to which is fitted a conventional fly-off lever striker mechanism. The illuminating grenade provides sufficient light for target identification and attack. The grenade

can also be used as a light source for emergency conditions when other pyrotechnic light sources are not available.

M854 Smoke Grenade [23] No image availableFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Smoke grenade N/AA grenade which consists of a cylindrical tinplate body containing the smoke composition, a spring-loaded striker mechanism of the fly-off lever type and a pyrotechnic igniter/delay system. The fly-off lever is retained by a conventional safety pin and pull ring. The grenade has a variety of signalling applications and may also be used for screening and for

training exercises in riot control.

RDM Bullet Trap (BT) Rifle Grenades [24] No image availableFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Rifle grenade 54 mm (HE/AP), 60 mm (HE/DP)Second generation South African rifle grenades manufactured by Rheinmetall Denel Munitions (formerly Swartklip Products, a division of Denel). The grenade incorporates a bullet trap and deflector in the tail tube. This allows them to be fired without the need to unload the rifle of its ammunition. Bullet Trap rifle grenades available includes HE/AP (High Explosive/Anti-Personnel), Practice and HE/DP (High Explosive/Dual Purpose) grenades. The HE/DP type has a shaped charge warhead which can penetrate 150 mm of rolled homogeneous armour or 450 mm of reinforced concrete. Grenades can be fired from both 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles in the South African arsenal.
75 mm HEAT rifle grenade [23] No image availableFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Rifle grenade 75 mm HEATA shaped charge grenade, based on the Belgian ENERGA anti-tank rifle grenade and designed to be fired from most 7.62mm rifles. Can penetrate 275 mm of rolled homogeneous armour. Presumably largely phased out of South African service along with the large majority of 7.62mm R1 rifles. No longer in production.

Vehicles

NameImageOriginTypeQuantityDetails

Main battle tanks

Olifant [25] Olifant Mk2 AAD2014.JPG Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Main battle tank 70 (Active)

178 (Reserve)

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. [26]
  • ~ 178 MK1A
  • ~ 44 MK1B
  • ~ 26 MK2

The fleet is soon to be replaced by a new MBT in the future through project aorta. [27]

Tank destroyers

Rooikat [28] Rooikat Armoured Car (9686598433).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Tank destroyer 178 (Active)

62 (Reserve)

Armoured fighting vehicle used for reconnaissance, aggressive search-and-destroy, anti-armour operations, combat patrols, raids, day and night hot pursuit operations. [29]

The Rooikat is armed with a 76 mm or 105 mm anti-tank gun and also two 7.62mm machine guns, one co-axial to the main armament and one at the commander’s position providing both ground and aerial defence, its countermeasures are 2 x 81 mm smoke grenade launchers, mounted in a forward firing position on each side of the turret. [30]

Infantry fighting vehicles

Badger IFV [31] Badger-infanteriegevegsvoertuig, c, Waterkloof Lugmagbasis.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Infantry fighting vehicle 22(Active) [32]

228(On order)

The Badgers are a new generation of armoured fighting vehicles planned to partially replace the Army's current Ratel IFV fleet over the next decade. [33]

Variants to be fielded by the Army include:

  • Standard variant (armed with a Denel EMAK-30 30 mm high-explosive Cam Gun)
  • Fire support variant (armed with a Denel EMAK-30 30 mm high-explosive Cam Gun and 2 x ZT3 Ingwe ATGM launchers)
  • Mortar variant (armed with a 60 mm breech-loading gun-mortar with a high rate of fire
  • Tank destroyer variant (armed with 2 x ZT3 Ingwe ATGM launchers, can also be fitted with a 120 mm gun)

Originally 264 were ordered, but due to staff shortages at Denel, there have been numerous delays in completing the project so the number of vehicles being ordered had been reduced to 250 units.

Ratel IFV [34] Ratel IFV (853):

Afstandbeheerde geskuttoring op Ratel, b, Waterkloof Lugmagbasis.jpg

Ratel ZT3 (52):

RatelZT3 2.png

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Infantry fighting vehicle 550 (Active)

305 (Reserve)

Primary armoured fighting vehicle in service with the South African Mechanized infantry units. [35]

Variants in service include:

  • Ratel 20 (armed with a high explosive Denel GI-2 20 mm autocannon with a rate of fire of 700-750 rounds per minute)
  • Ratel 25 (armed with a 25 mm TRT-25 RCWS high-explosive autocannon similar to that of the Bradley IFV)
  • Ratel 60 (armed with a 60 mm breech-loading mortar gun)
  • Ratel 81 (armed with a 81 mm long range mortar gun)
  • Ratel 90 (armed with a 90 mm GT-2 low-velocity gun to provide additional anti-tank capability to the armoured corps)
  • Ratel ZT-3 Tank Destroyer (16 active and 36 in reserve armed with a triple ZT3 Ingwe Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) turret to provide additional Anti-Tank capability to the armoured corps) [36]

A total of 1,400 units were delivered to the army in all variants, 495 units from army reserve stocks were sold to other countries bringing the total down to 905 units as of 2024.

Armoured personnel carriers

MAX 3 [37] SVI engineering max 3 (cropped).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Armoured personnel carrier, MRAP Several unitsAn undisclosed number of 4x4 and 6x6 MAX 3s were acquired from South African Defence Contractor SVI Engineering in early 2024 and delivered to the Joint Operations Division of the SANDF.

These are one of the APCs that will replace the Toyota Land Cruisers used for border patrol. The army is looking to order R500 million worth of APC's / MRAP's from multiple South African armoured vehicle companies to boost its border patrol capabilities and its defence industry by the end of April 2024. [38]

Mamba [39] 2014 05 24 Attack On Somalia Parliament-5 (14072818760) (cropped).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Armoured personnel carrier, MRAP 540 (Active)Mine-resistant APC with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire.

Mamba Mk2 and Mk3 variants are used by the Army with an undisclosed number of Mamba's in reserve/storage.

Around 100 Mamba APC's in reserve were refurbished and brought back into service at the end of 2023 and assigned to the light modern brigade increasing the amount of active Mamba's from 440 to 540. [40] [41]

Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles

Casspir [42] [43] 2014 05 24 Attack On Somalia Parliament-5 (14072818760) (cropped 2).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP 370+ (Active)

1,800(Reserve)

Infantry mobility vehicle with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire.

More than 2,800 Casspirs were built in South Africa in multiple variants, around 600 of these were sold to foreign countries.

The Army uses the Casspir Mk3 variant and has around 370 Casspirs in its active inventory, further 1,800 Casspir's are in reserve/storage and an undisclosed number of those vehicles are being operated by the South African Police and Internal security forces.

Variants such as armoured personnel carrier, ambulance, light cargo vehicle, tanker, a fire support team vehicle (FISTV), a light recovery vehicle and a mine clearing vehicle are in use.

At the end of 2023 an unspecified number of the Casspir's in reserve were refurbished and added to South African Army active inventory. [44]

RG-31 Charger [45] [46] International Defence Industry Exhibition 2009 (03).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP UnknownInfantry mobility vehicle with significant small arms fire and mine blast protection.
Husky [47] [48] USMC-090120-M-8478B-004.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Vehicle mounted mine detection system, MRAP UnknownA system designed to clear routes of mines, usually they operate in pairs one after the other.

The leading vehicle acts as a Mine Detection Vehicle (MDV) and is designated as "Meerkat".

The second Husky in the system tows a trailer called a "Duisendpoot" and is known as a towing /mine detection vehicle (T/MDV). The latest version of the Husky, the 2G, has high sensitivity low metal content detectors, ground penetrating radar, powerful air blowers and a robotic arm.

Engineering and Logistics vehicles

NameImageOriginTypeQuantityDetails
Olifant Armour Recovery [49] SANDF Olifant Tank Recovery.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Armoured recovery vehicle18
Olifant Armour Bridge Layer [49] No image availableFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Armoured vehicle-launched bridge2
Toyota Land Cruiser Utility [50] No image availableFlag of Japan.svg  Japan

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa

Utility vehicle435Used for border patrol. R500 million will be spent in 2024/25 to replace these vehicles with new mine-resistant APCs.
SAMIL 20 [51] [52] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army Samil 20 Light Aid Detachment (32892449102).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 4×4 logistics truckSeveral thousandUpgraded Magirus Deutz 130M7FAL 4×4 2-ton (load) truck. The trucks serve as the primary off-road light general purpose truck of the SANDF and comes in several variants, each fulfilling a different role. These include general cargo/fuel/troop transport variants, artillery fire control posts, variants with office and workshop bodies, a battery charger variant, a light recovery variant (designated "Pegasus") and a variant with a Light General Repair(LAD) rear body.
SAMIL 50 [53] [54] Samil 50 water tanker (9676181654).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 4×4 military logistics truckSeveral thousandUpgraded Magirus Deutz 192D12AL 4×4 5-ton (load) truck. Trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, field repair and maintenance vehicles, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles (variant designated as "Springbok"), refuse collection trucks, mobile showers, mobile offices, bridge transporters, radio and technical bins and pantry vehicles(with refrigeration capability).
SAMIL 100 [55] South African Army SAMIL 100.JPG Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 6×6 military logistics truckSeveral thousandUpgraded Magirus Deutz 320D22AL 6×6 10-ton (load) truck. Trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles (variant designated as "Kameel"/Mine protected variant designated as "Withings"), dry canteen vehicles, field repair and maintenance vehicles (designated as "Waterbok"), UAV launchers, UAV recovery vehicles and gun tractors (for towed artillery pieces).
Kynos Aljaba Trucks [56] Kynos Aljaba 8x8 Ejercito Espanol.JPG Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 8×8 heavy military logistics truckSeveral thousandThe army employs several variants of this vehicle. The "Skimmel" is a heavy recovery vehicle which is fitted with a tow arm, a winch, a crane and various other equipment. The "Zebra" is a maintenance and repair variant of the truck. The "Kameelperd" version carries the Army Air Defence Artillery's ESR220 Thutlwa mobile battery fire control post and early warning radar. The trucks also have tank transport and bridge layer variants.
MAN Trucks [57] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - SAAF MAN 8X8 Tactical Mobile Radar Operation Pallet (32233116353).jpg Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 8x8 heavy military logistics truckSeveral thousandPrimarily utilised as prime movers, firefighting vehicles and low-bed transporters.
Giraffe [58] Iveco Trakker tractocamion Ejercito espanol.jpg Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 8x8 heavy military logistics truckUnknownDesignated as "Giraffe". Used as a cargo/vehicle transporter.
Toyota Dyna [58]

CTASD Toyota Dyna 200 20071006.jpg

Flag of Japan.svg  Japan

Medium-duty truckUnknownDesignated as "Wildebees"
Scania transport buses SANDF Scania Busco (14272249221).jpg Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden Personnel transport busUnknownThese buses are used to ferry personnel to and from bases.
Gecko 8×8 ATV [59] SADF-44Parachute-Gecko-001.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
All-terrain utility vehicle100Used by the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces.
Various cars and light trucks.No image availableFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Flag of the United States.svg  United States Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Light armoured utility vehiclesUnknownVarious civilian utility vehicles are utilized by the army for light transport/patrol purposes (primarily Ford, Toyota and Land Rover vehicles).

Artillery

NameImageOriginTypeQuantityMax RangeDetails

Rocket artillery

Bateleur MRL [60] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army Samil 100 MPV Valkiri MkII rocket launcher (32203261424).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 127 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 2540 km127 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.
Valkiri MRL [60] Vilkha MLRS final tests 2.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 127 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher 7640 km127 mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). 24 launch tubes mounted on a Unimog light 4×4 truck.

Self-propelled artillery

G6 Rhino [61] Denel G6-45 Ysterplaat Airshow 2006.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 155 mm self-propelled howitzer 4376 kmThe G6 Rhino also known as "GV6 Renoster" is a South African 155 mm long-range mine-resistant wheeled self-propelled howitzer and is the largest piece of artillery system in the South African Army arsenal; the army originally had 153 in service, but due to the lack of external threats and the end of the Cold War the fleet has been reduced to 43 units.

The G6 Rhino holds the world record of scoring the longest 155 mm artillery shot recorded at 76 kilometres, making it one of the most accurate artillery systems in the world. [62]

Denel was awarded a contract to modernize / upgrade the Rhino's to the latest G6-52 standard by 2024. [63]

T5-52 [64] [65] Denel T5 Truck-Mounted Artillery System.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 155 mm self-propelled howitzer 660+ kmThe T5-52 is a South African truck-mounted self-propelled howitzer and is the latest piece of South African Artillery that was launched in 2018.

6 units of T5-52 SPHs were received from Denel as a replacement for the 6 G5 towed howitzers sold to Saudi Arabia.

The Army plans to acquire more T5-52s if funding is sufficient. The T5-52 is similar to that of the Israeli ATMOS 2000 or Swedish Archer Artillery System.

Towed artillery

G5 Leopard [66] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army G5 155mm howitzer (32892350632).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 155 mm towed howitzer 7250–60 kmThe G5 Leopard is a South African long-range 155 mm towed howitzer and is the primary piece of towed artillery in the South African Army.

Small amounts of artillery pieces are used by the School of Artillery to train gun crews from multiple regiments.

Denel was awarded a contract to modernize / upgrade the G5 Leopard to the latest G5-52 standard by 2024. [63]

G4 Soltam-M71 [67] M-71-cannon-deployed.JPG Flag of Israel.svg  Israel

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa

155 mm towed howitzer 3230 kmLong-range towed 155 mm howitzer.

32 units were received during the Cold War, and these howitzers are now most likely kept in army reserves.

GV1 [68] - Flickr - Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden (6).jpg Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 87 mm towed howitzer 3012 kmGV1 88 mm guns are still maintained in several reserve regiments such as the Cape Field Artillery regiment and the Transvaal Horse Artillery which they fire on ceremonial occasions. [68]

Mortars

M4 Commando Mortar [69] [70] 60mm mortar round being launch.JPG Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 60 mm light mortar 2300+2 kmUses 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. [71]

M3 Mortar [69] Mortier 81 LLR 03.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 81 mm medium mortar 18905 km1890 mortars in service with the South African Army Infantry Formation.
M5 Mortar Mortar-120mm-beyt-hatotchan-1.jpg Flag of Israel.svg  Israel 120 mm heavy mortar 366 km36 mortars are in service with 18 Light Regiment.

Air defence

NameImageOriginTypeQuantityDetails

Surface-to-air missiles

Umkhonto GBADS [72] Umkhonto gbads1 (cropped).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Surface-to-air missile system UnknownUp to 120 systems planned. The Umkhonto GBADS vertical launching system is being developed for the South African Army’s ground-based air defence system (GBADS) requirement. The Umkhonto GBADS can carry up to eight Umkhonto-R and Umkhonto-IR (Infrared) Mk II missiles.
Starstreak [73] Stormer vehicle fring a Starstreak High Velocity Missile (HVM) on Ex Javelin. MOD 45158838.jpg Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Manportable/Vehicle mounted surface-to-air missile 178(Active)

92(On order)

Eight Lightweight Multiple Launchers (LML), two 20 km-range Thales Page continuous-wave (CW) low-observable battery air defence local warning radars as well as about 100 VSHORAD (very short range air defence) high-velocity missiles were ordered in December 2002 and are 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 [74]

Anti-aircraft guns

Oerlikon GDF (Skyshield) [75] Indonesian Air Force Oerlikon Skyshield GBADS transported at Supadio AFB, West Kalimantan. March 2023.jpg Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany
Radar-guided 35 mm anti-aircraft autocannon 169169 acquired (along with 75 Super Fledermaus fire control units) These guns were upgraded by Rheinmetall AG in 2017 to use Oerlikon Skyshield fire control systems and Ahead airburst ammunition capable of shooting down modern aerial threats. [76]
ZU-23-2 Zumlac [77] Zu-23 30 M1-3 - InnovationDay2013part1-40.jpg Flag of the Soviet Union.svg  Soviet Union Twin 23 mm anti-aircraft autocannon36These guns were captured in the 1980s during the South African Border War and are mounted on armoured SAMIL 100 heavy trucks.

Miscellaneous equipment

NameImageOriginTypeNumberDetails
Seeker 400 [78] Denel UAV Seeker 400 (10825858576).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Unmanned aerial vehicle 36The Seeker 400 is the latest variant of the Seeker UAVs manufactured by South Africa's Denel Dynamics. SANDF Took delivery of the first Seeker 400 in 2015, in 2021 a SANDF Seeker 400 crashed. [79]
ATE Vulture [80] Vulture Launcher System at Ysterplaat Airshow, Cape Town (1).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Unmanned aerial vehicle 4Acquired 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. It operates without a pilot or a runway and is deployable in 30 minutes in unprepared terrain. The UAV is launched from a catapult on the back of a SAMIL 100 truck. The Vulture is monitored on the ground via the Navigator and Observer screens in a Ground Control Station. A laser system is used for automated approach, an arrestor system for its capture and an inflatable airbag for its recovery.
ESR220 Thutlwa [81] SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army Skimmel 8X8 Thutlwa battery fire control post (32892489382).jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Mobile battery fire control post and early warning radar4Designated as "Kameelperd". The system uses an L-band 2D surveillance radar to provide early warning to air defence artillery troops in the field. This fully autonomous armoured system (with self-contained power plant)is transported by a Spanish-designed Kynos Aljaba 8×8 (“Skimmel” in SANDF service) truck. It is 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.
Thales Squire radar system [82] Thales Squire.jpg Flag of France.svg  France Battlefield surveillance radar14Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The radars are designed to plot a pedestrian at 10 km, a vehicle at 21 km, a tank at 28 km, a helicopter at 21 km, a boat at 12 km and a ship at 48 km. The radar system uses a frequency modulated continuous wave Doppler radar and is designed to be virtually undetectable by enemy electronic warfare equipment. All systems are in service with the SA Army Tactical Intelligence Corps.
Thales Sophie man-portable system [82] Sophie (c)B. Rousseau.jpg Flag of France.svg  France Thermal imager 65Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The Thales Sophie can spot humans at over 4 km, tanks at 10 km, helicopters at 12 km and jet fighters at 16 km. All systems are in service with the SA Army Tactical Intelligence Corps.
LOCATS [47] No image availableFlag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Low cost aerial target systemsUnknownThe 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.

Historical equipment

NameImageOriginTypeNumberDetails
Vehicles
Buffel [83] Sri Lanka Military 0196.jpg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP 2,4002,985 Buffels were built, after the South African Border War around 2,400 remained in service and were soon replaced by the new Mamba mine-protected armoured personnel carriers and the excess Buffels were put on sale.
Eland [84] Eland 90.png Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Armoured reconnaissance vehicle 1,268 Armoured car based on the Panhard AML. 1,600 were built, after the South African Border War 1,268 Eland-60s and Eland-90s remained in service and were soon replaced by the Rooikat tank destroyers and Ratel infantry fighting vehicles and excess Elands were put on sale.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denel Rooivalk</span> Attack helicopter by Atlas Aircraft Corporation, later Denel Aviation

The Denel Rooivalk is an attack helicopter manufactured by Denel Aviation of South Africa. Rooivalk is Afrikaans for "Red Falcon", which refers to the lesser kestrel. Development of the type began in 1984 by the Atlas Aircraft Corporation, its development is closely connected to the Atlas Oryx transport helicopter, both aircraft being based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma and having started development at the same time.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

1 South African Tank Regiment is an armoured regiment of the South African Army, based at the Tempe military base in Bloemfontein as part of the South African Army Armour Formation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">46 South African Brigade</span> Military unit

46 South African Brigade was established on April 1, 1999, as part of the restructuring process of the South African Army. Its initial function was to provide a formation headquarters for deployed reserve force elements and support 43 SA Brigade. 46 SA Brigade is a composite brigade consisting of a headquarters in Kensington, Johannesburg and a Brigade Administrative Area at Wallmansthal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denel Land Systems GI-2</span> Autocannon

The Denel Land Systems GI-2 is an autocannon manufactured by Denel Land Systems (DLS) and used by the South African Army, Navy, Air Force, Royal Thai Navy and Indonesian Navy.

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

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

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lindile Yam</span> South African Army officer

Lt General Lindile Yam is the former SANDF Chief of staff and former Chief of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern Province Command</span> Military unit

Eastern Province Command was a command of the South African Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">School of Armour (South Africa)</span> Military unit

The South African School of Armour is the training institute of the South African Armoured Corps located at Tempe, Bloemfontein.

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