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South Africa’s Air Defence In Crisis: Only Six Aircraft Operational - Foreign Affairs - Nairaland 1b352b

South Africa’s Air Defence In Crisis: Only Six Aircraft Operational (10138 Views)

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Botragelad: 8:35am On Mar 25
South Africa’s air defence capabilities have reached a critical low, with the South African Air Force (SAAF) reduced to just six operational aircraft out of a total fleet of 330.

This alarming situation has left the country’s skies virtually unprotected, raising serious concerns over national security and regional stability.

The remaining 324 aircraft—including fighter jets, helicopters, and transport planes—have been grounded due to severe maintenance backlogs, a shortage of spare parts, and a chronic lack of funding. This collapse in operational readiness has stripped the SAAF of any meaningful combat capability, leaving it unable to defend South Africa’s airspace or respond effectively to security threats.

Defence analysts attribute the crisis to years of budget cuts, corruption scandals, and poor strategic planning, which have systematically eroded the air force’s capacity. Once regarded as one of the most formidable air forces on the continent, the SAAF’s current state is emblematic of the broader decline in South Africa’s military infrastructure.

With only a handful of aircraft available—barely sufficient for training exercises, let alone actual combat missions—South Africa’s ability to project air power or ground forces in emergencies is virtually non-existent. The situation has sparked concerns among security experts, who warn that the country is now vulnerable to both internal and external threats.

The government has yet to outline a clear recovery plan for the air force, leaving uncertainty over whether South Africa can restore its aerial defence capabilities in the near future.

Source;
https://www.thezimbabwemail.com/world-news/south-africas-air-defence-in-crisis-only-six-aircraft-operational/

1 Like

Botragelad: 8:35am On Mar 25
These guys think leadership is about grandstanding and noise on social media, shouting "kill the Boer" slogan, criticizing Israel for defending itself, or pinning every problem on the West.
Now, how does South Africa plan to effectively defend itself against an invasion by Islamic terrorists or any external force with an air force in such a poor state? 🤷🏼‍

Look at Zimbabwe(forced land reform). Look at Niger, and Mali, these countries thought that bashing the West or leaning on military rule would magically fix everything. Well, it isn't. The real issue is deeper. Look inward, accept responsibility and fix the issue.

55 Likes 5 Shares

fuckingAyaya(m): 8:53am On Mar 25
Do we have any air defense system in Nigeria? Asking respectfully

20 Likes 1 Share

jaeyking(m): 9:04am On Mar 25
fuckingAyaya:
Do we have any air defense system in Nigeria? Asking respectfully

Yea
We actually have in Nigeria

18 Likes 1 Share

Xisnin(m): 9:10am On Mar 25
fuckingAyaya:
Do we have any air defense system in Nigeria? Asking respectfully
Yes, we do.
We are number 3 in Africa Air power ranking.

17 Likes 3 Shares

Burruchaga71(m): 9:11am On Mar 25
I told many people that very soon South Africans will be running to Zimbabwe for hustling just like we left Zimbabwe to hustle in Souty.
South Africa is going down day by day.

31 Likes 2 Shares

Dotherightthing: 9:14am On Mar 25
Chai embarassed
Whitecoal711: 9:23am On Mar 25
Hackers from.you know
the.aircraft parts where looted during the xenophobic bruhaha

1 Like

osuofia2(m): 9:24am On Mar 25
They should ask Hamas,hesbolla and Iran for Professional services and advice

24 Likes 5 Shares

Kizyte(m): 9:24am On Mar 25
South Africa na empty vessel. Of course, an empty vessel makes the greatest noise.

27 Likes 3 Shares

FutureFocus: 9:25am On Mar 25
They better import bats and edo birds 🦅 from Nigeria , witchcrafts and bird crafts can still be categorized as aircraft’.

All are AirPower

This would boost foreign trade and strengthen the Naira

Meanwhile, don’t forget to check my previous post for nice gadgets at giveaway prices

3 Likes

Makamatic: 9:25am On Mar 25
Nothing concern me and Sans aircraft problem .
Wetin man go chop this morning self .

7 Likes 1 Share

macsika: 9:25am On Mar 25
They should pray that the Houthis or ISIS don’t them.

4 Likes

iamdocToyemi(m): 9:27am On Mar 25
The only countries with standing and functional Air force in Africa are Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Nigeria. I only added Nigeria because I'm Nigerian )))

6 Likes

FashionCookie(f): 9:27am On Mar 25
Africa and their wahala.
Luckysbab: 9:27am On Mar 25
Botragelad:
These guys think leadership is about grandstanding and noise on social media, shouting "kill the Boer" slogan, criticizing Israel for defending itself, or pinning every problem on the West.
Now, how does South Africa plan to effectively defend itself against an invasion by Islamic terrorists or any external force with an air force in such a poor state? 🤷🏼‍

Look at Zimbabwe(forced land reform). Look at Niger, and Mali, these countries thought that bashing the West or leaning on military rule would magically fix everything. Well, it isn't. The real issue is deeper. Look inward, accept responsibility and fix the issue.

Imagine the burden of scouring for negative news about perceived Israel's enemies. Sad life.

9 Likes

Bellotelli: 9:28am On Mar 25
Oya food don ready for the blood sucking Israelis. You can now sponsor terror against SA and pin it down on Islam.

2 Likes

Botragelad: 9:28am On Mar 25
Luckysbab:


Imagine the burden of scouring for negative news about perceived Israel's enemies. Sad life.
Shush. I'm just reporting the facts. Don't get aggressive. 🤷🏼

13 Likes

descartes400: 9:30am On Mar 25
Burruchaga71:
I told many people that very soon South Africans will be running to Zimbabwe for hustling just like we left Zimbabwe to hustle in Souty.
South Africa is going down day by day.

Your evil wishes and prayers against SouthAfrica will never ever come to . angry

South Africa will Prosper
Nigeria will Prosper
Peace will come to Congo and Sudan
Burkina faso will prosper

All Africa Countries will Prosper!

16 Likes 5 Shares

Xammie001(m): 9:30am On Mar 25
Leadership is no easy task. From the outside, it’s easy to analyze, strategize, and make plans, but once you're in that position, the reality hits differently.

Take a look at Ghana, Mali, Niger, and now South Africa—each facing significant challenges. Even the U.S. economy is on the brink of recession. Yet, here in Nigeria, we continue to push forward and remain resilient. However, some still fail to recognize and appreciate our progress.

3 Likes

IBB007: 9:32am On Mar 25
Lol…waiting for that SA guy to jump out and start abusing Nigerians….the guy knows about what’s happening in naija than we we dey naija sef

4 Likes

Ikpunekenwa(m): 9:32am On Mar 25
Botragelad:


Source;
https://www.thezimbabwemail.com/world-news/south-africas-air-defence-in-crisis-only-six-aircraft-operational/

Na them wan fight Israel abi on behalf of worthless islam?
Please continue.

5 Likes

franchasng: 9:32am On Mar 25
They should focus on killing their fellow blacks from other African countries while ing Hamas terrorists at the same time.....when the gods wants to destroy a man, they first make him mad lipsrsealed


Mandela and Lucky Dube will be turning in their graves right now shocked shocked

8 Likes 1 Share

Xammie001(m): 9:33am On Mar 25
iamdocToyemi:
The only countries with standing and functional Air force in Africa are Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Nigeria. I only added Nigeria because I'm Nigerian )))
Egypt – Egyptian Air Force
One of the largest and most advanced in Africa.

Operates a mix of U.S., Russian, and French aircraft, including F-16s, Rafales, and MiG-29s.

Strong combat and reconnaissance capabilities.

2. Algeria – Algerian Air Force
Well-funded and equipped with advanced Russian aircraft such as Su-30s and MiG-29s.

Strong aerial defense and surveillance capabilities.

3. South Africa – South African Air Force
Highly trained personnel with advanced aircraft like Gripen fighters.

Focus on peacekeeping, defense, and humanitarian missions.

4. Nigeria – Nigerian Air Force
One of the largest in West Africa, actively engaged in counterterrorism operations.

Operates JF-17 Thunder, Super Tucanos, and Alpha Jets for air and surveillance.

5. Ethiopia – Ethiopian Air Force
Historically strong, with Su-27s and MiG-23s.

Plays a key role in national defense and regional stability.

6. Morocco – Royal Moroccan Air Force
Equipped with F-16s, Mirage F1s, and modernized helicopters.

Strong air defense and reconnaissance capabilities.

7. Angola – Angolan Air Force
Operates MiG-21s, Su-30s, and attack helicopters.

One of the stronger air forces in Central Africa.

8. Sudan – Sudanese Air Force
Uses a mix of Chinese, Russian, and Western aircraft.

Involved in various internal and regional conflicts.
According to chatgpt
i bet your information bank is not as huge as chatgpt

2 Likes

mbahdi(m): 9:34am On Mar 25
Useless country same as Nigeria

2 Likes

masterfactor(m): 9:35am On Mar 25
Xenophobic people with all the noise has a weak air force, Nigeria no be una mate

4 Likes

easiest(m): 9:35am On Mar 25
Wetin this one dey talk again. You no read am before you post am or what?
Botragelad:
These guys think leadership is about grandstanding and noise on social media, shouting "kill the Boer" slogan, criticizing Israel for defending itself, or pinning every problem on the West.
Now, how does South Africa plan to effectively defend itself against an invasion by Islamic terrorists or any external force with an air force in such a poor state? 🤷🏼‍

Look at Zimbabwe(forced land reform). Look at Niger, and Mali, these countries thought that bashing the West or leaning on military rule would magically fix everything. Well, it isn't. The real issue is deeper. Look inward, accept responsibility and fix the issue.
femi4: 9:35am On Mar 25
infofta(m): 9:36am On Mar 25
This news is fake.
I saw 4 jets flying together last month.
Does it mean it was 2 jets left on the ground.

1 Like

D00msDay(m): 9:36am On Mar 25
nairalanda1:
There is a bible verse I like so much. 1 Samuel 13 vs 19-20.

At one point in their history, ancient Israel was at war with the Philistines (sea people's or greeks who migrated to Cannan and absorbed cannanite culture). The verse states that Israel had no sword and no blacksmits to make the swords...if they had to do anything about that, they had to go to philistine blacksmiths, based in Philistia.

South Africa is in the same problem. And before you shout white people, the whites are also partly to blame

1. During arphateid, the whites spent money disproportionately on defence and other things, at the expense of the blacks

2. Also, during arphateid, the whites brought about something called Bantu education, which essentially denied blacks a lot of decent enough vocational and technical education, which would have enabled SA have a more vibrant defence industry....not the limited one they had.

Also

1. SA's economy is like Nigeria, based on resources they sell. Not on industries.

2. SA's economy is also beset with corruption


3. Foreign equipment , especially army ones, costs a lot of money.


All these means that when SA wants to sharpen their swords...they have to go to the Philistines...and the modern day philistines set high prices...because it is in their interest to do so.

And then

4. Since 1994, SA has been commited to bringing a lot of black people out of poverty...which limits the money that can be spent on defence and a host of other stuff.

See the problem...and see why SA is just a richer version of Nigeria, with white people. grin.

And keep in mind that this is the same thing happening in most sub saharan african countries. Keep in mind also that the Philistines are not cheap people.

Till we get our own blacksmiths.

But all of us want to live on imported stuff. We do not want to develop our own blacksmiths. We want to go to Philistine blacksmiths, who charge high prices...and can also report on us to the leadership.

U failed to include ur signature in ur writeup. It's strange.
nairalanda1(m): 9:37am On Mar 25
D00msDay:


U failed to include ur signature in ur writeup. It's strange.

Wut signature?

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