South African Air Force

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[[Image:250px-South African Air Force flag.png|right]]
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{| class="toccolours" style="float: right; font-size: 90%; text-align: left; width: 32em;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
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The '''South African Air Force''' (SAAF) is tasked with providing close air support, aerial reconnaissance, and transport support for the other services of the armed forces. Commanding the air force is Lieutenant General Abel Mawere. Each province holds at least one major SAAF base, and the SAAF's aircraft inventory is divided fairly evenly among the provinces.
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! cellpadding="2" colspan="2" style="text-align:center" style="background:#ccccff;" |<center>South African Air Force</center>
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|colspan=2 style="text-align: center"|[[Image:250px-South African Air Force flag.png|250px]]
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|-
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!Active
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|1912 -
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|-
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!Country
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|[[South Africa]]
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|-
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!Branch
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|[[:Category:Air forces|Air Force]]
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|-
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!Motto
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|''Per Aspera Ad Astra''
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|-
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! cellpadding="2" colspan="2" style="text-align:center" style="background:#ccccff;" |<center>Commanders</center>
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|-
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!Commander-in-Chief
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|State President Festus Mogae
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|-
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!Commander
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|Lieutenant General Abel Mawere
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|}
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The '''South African Air Force''' (SAAF) is the [[:Category:Air forces|air force]] of the [[South Africa|Republic of South Africa]]. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is ''Per Aspera Ad Astra'' (Through adversity to the stars).
 +
The SAAF is tasked with providing close air support, aerial reconnaissance, and transport support for the other services of the armed forces. Commanding the air force is Lieutenant General Abel Mawere.
 +
Currently, the SAAF employs over 75,000 regular uniformed personnel, augmented by about 3,000 civilians and 4,500 reserve personnel, and operates nearly 1,500 aircraft.
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==Units==
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{| border="1" align="center" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
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|- style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"
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! Squadron Number !! Base !! Type of Aircraft !! Versions !! Objective
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|-
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|1 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Atlas Carver || A/C || Air defense
 +
|-
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|2 Squadron || AFB Makhado || Saab JAS 39 Gripen || D || Air defense
 +
|-
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|3 Squadron || AFB Blantyre || Saab JAS 39 Gripen || C || Air defense
 +
|-
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|4 Squadron || AFB Francistown || Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 || M2, LUH || Transport
 +
|-
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|5 Squadron || AFB Livingstone || CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, IAI Arava || IAI 202 || Light transport
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|-
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|6 Squadron || AFB Gaborone || Atlas Oryx, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Agusta A109, Aérospatiale Super Frelon || M2, BK 117A, LUH, SA 321L || Transport
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|-
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|7 Squadron || AFB Oshakati || Denel AH-2 Rooivalk || AH-2A || Ground attack
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|-
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|8 Squadron || AFB Bloemspruit || Saab JAS 39 Gripen || C || Air defense
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|-
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|9 Squadron || AFB Lusaka || Saab JAS 39 Gripen || C || Air defense
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|-
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|10 Squadron || AFB Maseru || Transall C-160, Britten-Norman Islander, IAI Arava || C-160Z, BN-2A, IAI 202 || Light transport
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|-
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|11 Squadron || AFB Harare || Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 || M2, LUH || Transport
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|-
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|12 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Denel AH-2 Rooivalk || AH-2A || Ground attack
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|-
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|13 Squadron || AFB Walvis Bay || Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 || M2, LUH || Transport
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|-
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|14 Squadron || AFB Blantyre || MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Aérospatiale Super Frelon || BK 117A, SA 321L || Transport
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|-
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|15 Squadron || AFB Durban || Atlas Oryx, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Agusta A109, Aérospatiale Super Frelon || M2, BK 117A, LUH, SA 321L || Transport
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|-
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|16 Squadron || AFB Harare || Denel AH-2 Rooivalk || AH-2A || Ground attack
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|-
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|17 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 || M2, LUH || Transport
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|-
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|18 Squadron || AFB Gaborone || Denel AH-2 Rooivalk || AH-2A || Ground attack
 +
|-
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|19 Squadron || AFB Hoedspruit || Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 || M2, LUH || Transport
 +
|-
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|20 Squadron || AFB Walvis Bay || Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules || C-130J Super Hercules || Medium transport
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|-
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|21 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Boeing Business Jet, Cessna Citation II, Dassault Falcon 50, Dassault Falcon 900 || 737-7ED, 900B || VIP transport
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|-
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|22 Squadron || AFB Ysterplaat || Atlas Oryx, Westland Lynx || M2, Super Lynx 300 || Transport, maritime attack
 +
|-
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|23 Squadron || AFB Oshakati || Transall C-160, IAI Arava || C-160Z, IAI 202 || Light transport
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|-
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|24 Squadron || AFB Mbabane || Denel AH-2 Rooivalk || AH-2A || Ground attack
 +
|-
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|25 Squadron || AFB Lobamba || CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna 185 || || Light transport
 +
|-
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|26 Squadron || AFB Blantyre || Atlas Oryx, Denel AH-2 Rooivalk || M2, AH-2A || Transport, ground attack
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|-
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|27 Squadron || AFB Makhado || McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender || || Air-to-air tanker
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|-
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|28 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules || C-130J Super Hercules || Medium transport
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|-
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|29 Squadron || AFB Ysterplaat || English Electric Canberra || Canberra B(I) 12 || Ground attack
 +
|-
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|30 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Blackburn Buccaneer || Buccaneer S.50 || Ground attack
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|-
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|31 Squadron || AFB Hoedspruit || CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Transall C-160 || C-160Z || Light transport
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|-
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|32 Squadron || AFB Lusaka || English Electric Canberra, Blackburn Buccaneer || Canberra B(I) 12, Buccaneer S.50 || Ground attack
 +
|-
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|33 Squadron || AFB Mbabane || CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna 185 || || Light transport
 +
|-
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|34 Squadron || AFB Gaborone || Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules || C-130J Super Hercules || Medium transport
 +
|-
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|35 Squadron || AFB Ysterplaat || Douglas C-47 Skytrain || C-47TP Turbo Dakota || Maritime patrol, transport
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|-
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|36 Squadron || AFB Bulawayo || Cessna 208 Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Beechcraft King Air || 200C Super King || Light transport
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|-
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|37 Squadron || AFB Francistown || English Electric Canberra, Blackburn Buccaneer || Canberra B(I) 12, Buccaneer S.50 || Ground attack
 +
|-
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|38 Squadron || AFB Lobamba || Atlas Oryx, Denel AH-2 Rooivalk || M2, AH-2A || Transport, ground attack
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|-
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|39 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender || || Air-to-air tanker
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|-
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|40 Squadron || AFB Maseru || Denel AH-2 Rooivalk || AH-2A || Ground attack
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|-
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|41 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Cessna 208 Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Beechcraft King Air || 200C Super King || Light transport
 +
|-
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|42 Squadron || AFB Harare || Aermacchi AM.3 || AM.3CM Bosbok || Observation, reconnaissance
 +
|-
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|43 Squadron || AFB Walvis Bay || Denel AH-2 Rooivalk, Westland Lynx || AH-2A, Super Lynx 300 || Ground attack, maritime attack
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|-
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|44 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna 185 || || Light transport
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|-
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|45 Squadron || AFB Gaborone || Aermacchi AM.3 || AM.3CM Bosbok || Observation, reconnaissance
 +
|-
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|46 Squadron || AFB Francistown || Saab JAS 39 Gripen || C || Air defense
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|-
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|47 Squadron || AFB Maseru || Cessna 208 Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Beechcraft King Air || 200C Super King || Light transport
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|-
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|48 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Aermacchi AM.3 || AM.3CM Bosbok || Observation, reconnaissance
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|-
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|49 Squadron || AFB Hoedspruit || Saab JAS 39 Gripen || C || Air defense
 +
|-
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|50 Squadron || AFB Walvis Bay || Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules || C-130J Super Hercules || Medium transport
 +
|-
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|59 Squadron || AFB Bulawayo || Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules || C-130J Super Hercules || Medium transport
 +
|-
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|60 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || Airbus A400M || || Long-range transport
 +
|-
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|80 Air Navigation School || AFB Ysterplaat || Douglas C-47 Skytrain, Cessna 208 Caravan, Pilatus PC-7 || C-47TP Turbo Dakota, Mk II Astra || Navigation training
 +
|-
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|85 Combat Flying School || AFB Makhado || BAE Hawk || Mk.120 LIFT || Jet-flight training
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|-
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|87 Helicopter Flying School || AFB Bloemspruit || Atlas Oryx, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Agusta A109 || M2, BK 117A, LUH || Helicopter flight training
 +
|-
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|Central Flying School || AFB Langebaanweg || Pilatus PC-7 || Mk II Astra || Ab initio flight traing
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|-
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|Test Flight and Development Centre || AFB Overberg || various || || Test flight and evaluation
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|-
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|SA Air Force College || Various locations || || || ||
 +
|-
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|SAAF Museum Historic Flight || AFB Swartkop || various || ||
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|-
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|Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre || AFB Waterkloof || || || Air intelligence and counter-intelligence training
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|-
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|101 Squadron || AFB Hoedspruit || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|102 Squadron || AFB Makhado || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|103 Squadron || AFB Blantyre || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|104 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|105 Squadron || AFB Durban || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|106 Squadron || AFB Bloemspruit || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|107 Squadron || AFB Bloemspruit || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|108 Squadron || AFB Port Elizabeth || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|109 Squadron || AFB Bulawayo || || || Light transport (reserve)
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|-
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|110 Squadron || AFB Ysterplaat || || || Light transport (reserve)
 +
|-
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|1 Air Servicing Unit || AFB Thaba Tshwane || || || Maintenance and support
 +
|-
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|2 Air Servicing Unit || AFB Ysterplaat || || || Maintenance and support
 +
|-
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|3 Air Servicing Unit || AFB Makhado || || || Maintenance and support
 +
|-
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|4 Air Servicing Unit || Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing || || || Maintenance and support
 +
|-
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|5 Air Servicing Unit || AFB Waterkloof || || || Maintenance and support
 +
|-
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|6 Air Servicing Unit || AFB Lusaka || || || Maintenance and support
 +
|-
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|7 Air Servicing Unit || AFB Hoedspruit || || || Maintenance and support
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|-
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|10 Air Depot || AFB Thaba Tshwane || || || Logistics support services
 +
|-
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|68 Air School || TEK Base || || || Technical aviation training
 +
|-
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|18 Deployment Support Unit || Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing || || || Logistics support services
 +
|-
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|92 Tactical Airfield Unit || Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing || || || Logistics support services
 +
|-
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|140 Squadron || Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing || || || Air defense
 +
|-
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|141 Squadron || Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing || || || Air defense
 +
|-
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|500 Squadron || Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing || || || Security services
 +
|-
 +
|501 Squadron || Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing || || || Security services
 +
|-
 +
|502 Squadron || TEK Base || || || Security services
 +
|-
 +
|503 Squadron || Valhalla || || || Security services
 +
|-
 +
|504 Squadron || AFB Waterkloof || || || Security services
 +
|-
 +
|505 Squadron || AFB Ysterplaat || || || Security services
 +
|-
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|525 Squadron || AFB Overberg || || || Security services
 +
|-
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|526 Squadron || AFB Langebaanweg || || || Security services
 +
|-
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|Air Force Gymnasium || Valhaala || || || Basic training
 +
|-
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|Bushveld Airspace Control Sector || Other || || || Training (Air defense)
 +
|-
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|Lowveld Airspace Control Sector || AFB Hoedspruit || || || Training (Air defense)
 +
|-
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|Mobile Communications Unit || Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing || || || Providing operationally deployable communications for the SAAF
 +
|-
 +
|Rapid Deployment Air Operations Team 43 || Wonderboom || || || Logistics support services
 +
|-
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|Rapid Deployment Air Operations Team 46 || Johannesburg || || || Logistics support services
 +
|-
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|Air Publications Service Centre || AFB Thaba Tshwane || || || Custodian for the master and key copies of all SAAF documentation and publications in terms of aviation regulations and acts
 +
|-
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|SA Air Force Band || Valhaala || || || Parades, performing as marching band
 +
|-
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|Command and Control School || AFB Waterkloof || || || Training
 +
|-
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|School of Cookery || Valhaala || || || Training for chefs and waiters in the SAAF
 +
|-
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|Fire Training School || Valhaala || || || Training for firefighters in the SAAF
 +
|-
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|Air Force Command and Control School || AFB Hoedspruit || || || Provides courses in command and control, airspace control, and telecommunications
 +
|-
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|Airspace Control Unit || AFB Swartkop || || || Logistics support services (Air defense)
 +
|-
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|Central Photographic Institute || AFB Waterkloof || || || Provision of photographic services
 +
|-
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|Combined Auction Centre || Other || || || Logistics support services
 +
|-
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|Ellisras Reporting Post || Other || || || The Ellisras Reporting Post is an early warning radar installation
 +
|-
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|SAAF Police || Other || || || Security services
 +
|-
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|SAAF Telecommunications Centre || AFB Waterkloof || || || Logistics support services
 +
|-
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|Electronic Warfare Centre || AFB Waterkloof || || || Logistics support services
 +
|}
 +
 +
===Reserves===
 +
====Air Force Conventional Reserves====
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A pool of reserve posts were created to serve the SAAF and augment regular units as and when needed. All trades in the SAAF are represented in the reserves, e.g. pilots, security squadron personnel, etc.
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 +
====Air Force Territorial Reserve====
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Currently consists of eighteen squadrons of privately owned aircraft operated by reserve pilots on behalf of the SAAF.
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 +
These squadrons fulfill a very valuable role in light transport and observation, especially due to low direct operating costs.
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==Equipment==
 +
===Aircraft===
 +
*Aermacchi AM.3CM Bosbok observation/reconnaissance aircraft
 +
*Aérospatiale SA 321L Super Frelon heavy transport helicopter
*Agusta A109LUH utility helicopter
*Agusta A109LUH utility helicopter
*Airbus A400M transport aircraft
*Airbus A400M transport aircraft
-
*Atlas Cheetah D fighter
+
*Atlas Carver A/C stealth multirole fighter
-
*Atlas Oryx utility helicopter
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*Atlas Oryx M2 utility helicopter
-
*BAE Hawk 120/LIFT trainer
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*BAE Hawk Mk.120 LIFT trainer
-
*Beechcraft Super King Air 200 utility aircraft
+
*Beechcraft Super King Air 200C utility aircraft
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*Blackburn Buccaneer S.50 strike aircraft
*Boeing 737-7ED BBJ VIP transport
*Boeing 737-7ED BBJ VIP transport
 +
*Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander light utility/transport aircraft
*CASA C-212 Aviocar transport aircraft
*CASA C-212 Aviocar transport aircraft
*CASA CN-235 transport aircraft
*CASA CN-235 transport aircraft
*Cessna 185A/D/E light utility aircraft
*Cessna 185A/D/E light utility aircraft
*Cessna 208 Caravan utility aircraft
*Cessna 208 Caravan utility aircraft
-
*Cessna 550/551 Citation II utility aircraft
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*Cessna 550/551 Citation II VIP transport
-
*Dassault Falcon 50 transport
+
*Dassault Falcon 50 VIP transport
-
*Dassault Falcon 900B transport
+
*Dassault Falcon 900B VIP transport
*Denel AH-2A Rooivalk attack helicopter
*Denel AH-2A Rooivalk attack helicopter
-
*Douglas DC-3/C-47 Skytrain III & IV transport
 
*Douglas C-47TP Turbo Dakota transport
*Douglas C-47TP Turbo Dakota transport
-
*Lockheed C-130B Hercules transport
+
*English Electric Canberra B(I) 12 bomber
-
*Lockheed C-130BZ Hercules transport
+
*Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport
*MBB/Kawasaki BK 117A utility/transport helicopter
*MBB/Kawasaki BK 117A utility/transport helicopter
 +
*McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender air-to-air tanker
*Pilatus PC-7 Mk2 Astra trainer
*Pilatus PC-7 Mk2 Astra trainer
*Pilatus PC-12 utility aircraft
*Pilatus PC-12 utility aircraft
*Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen multirole fighter
*Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen multirole fighter
-
*Westland Super Lynx maritime attack helicopter
+
*Transall C-160Z transport aircraft
 +
*Westland Super Lynx 300 maritime attack helicopter
-
 
-
*Aeritalia AM.3C Bosbok observation aircraft
 
-
*Atlas MB-326M Impala I trainer
 
-
*Atlas MB-326K Impala II attack aircraft
 
-
*Atlas Cheetah C fighter
 
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*Beechcraft B80 Queen Air utility aircraft
 
-
*Boeing 707 VIP transport
 
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*Dassault Mirage IIIBZ/IIIDZ/IIID2Z interceptor
 
-
*Dassault Mirage IIIEZ multirole/strike fighter
 
-
*Dassault Mirage IIIRZ/IIIR2Z reconnaissance aircraft
 
-
*Dassault Mirage F1AZ/CZ attack aircraft
 
-
*English Electric Canberra B(I) 12 bomber
 
-
*English Electric Canberra T Mk 4 trainer
 
-
*Hawker Siddeley HS-125 400B Mercurius trainer
 
-
*Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S Mk50 attack aircraft
 
-
*Lockheed C-130F Hercules tanker transport
 
-
*Pilatus PC-6 Porter utility aircraft
 
-
*Piper PA-23 Aztec 250 utility aircraft
 
-
*Piper PA-28 Cherokee 140 utility aircraft
 
-
*Sud Aviation SE-3160/B Alouette III light utility helicopter
 
-
*Sud Aviation SA-321L Super Frelon heavy transport helicopter
 
-
*Sud Aviation SA-330C/H/L Puma utility helicopter
 
-
*Transall C-160Z transport
 
-
*Vickers Armstrong 781D Viscount transport
 
-
*Westland Scout light utility helicopter
 
-
*Westland Wasp HAS 1 ASW helicopter
 
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==Organization==
 
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* South African Air Force Central Command
 
-
** Aerial Support Command
 
-
** Long-Range Aviation Command
 
-
** [[South African Air Force#Air Defense Forces|Air Defense Forces]]
 
-
** Military Transport Aviation Command
 
-
** Support Command
 
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** Reserve and Cadre Training Command
 
-
 
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===Frontal Aviation Command===
 
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The Frontal Aviation Command is responsible for providing tactical support to the other branches of the armed forces. It is tasked with defending ground forces from aerial attack, providing close air support, and interdicting enemy forces.
 
-
 
-
===Long-Range Aviation Command===
 
-
The Long-Range Aviation Command is an intercontinental nuclear strike force which provides South Africa's strategic nuclear threat.
 
-
 
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===Air Defense Forces===
 
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The Air Defense Forces are charged with defense against enemy air attack. The Air Defense Forces include missile, air force, and radio-technical units and an air defense army. There are a total of 30 ADF battalions.
 
-
 
-
===Military Transport Aviation Command===
 
-
The Military Transport and Aviation Command provides transportation for the other services of the armed forces. It operates a large variety of aircraft to accomplish this mission.
 
-
 
-
===Support Command===
 
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Support Command provides the facilities on which the other commands operate, as well as support in such areas as maintenance and engineering. It also provides support in the form of special operations, such as search and rescue missions.
 
-
 
-
===Reserve and Cadre Training Command===
 
-
The Reserve and Cadre Training Command is responsible for training personnel of the SAAF. It operates two training regiments equipped with over 200 operational and training aircraft of various types.
 
-
 
-
==Aircraft==
 
-
===Fighters===
 
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* 4 squadrons of Saab JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighters
 
-
** 2 squadrons of JAS 39C fighters (NATO-compatible version)
 
-
** 1 squadron of JAS 39D fighters (two-seat variant)
 
-
** 1 squadron of JAS 39E fighters (increased fuel capacity, upgraded avionics, and other improvements)
 
-
* 2 squadrons of Dassault Rafale multirole fighters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Rafale B fighters (two-seat variant)
 
-
** 1 squadron of Rafale C fighters (single-seat version)
 
-
* 8 squadrons of Dassault Mirage 2000 multirole fighters
 
-
** 5 squadrons of Mirage 2000D fighter-bombers
 
-
** 3 squadrons of Mirage 2000N nuclear strike aircraft
 
-
* 4 squadrons of Atlas Cheetah fighters
 
-
** 3 squadrons of Cheetah C fighters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Cheetah E fighters
 
-
* 4 squadrons of Dassault Mirage F1 fighters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Mirage F-1A ground attack fighters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Mirage F-1E all-weather multirole fighers
 
-
** 1 squadron of Mirage F1CR reconnaissance fighters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Mirage F1CT tactical ground attack fighters
 
-
* 2 squadrons of Dassault Mirage III interceptor aircraft
 
-
* 2 squadrons of Dassault Mirage IV supersonic strategic bombers
 
-
* 1 squadron of Impala I ground attack aircraft
 
-
* 1 squadron of SEPECAT Jaguar ground attack aircraft
 
-
 
-
===Transport aircraft===
 
-
* 1 squadron of Boeing KC-777 tanker transports
 
-
* 7 squadrons of Lockheed C-130 Hercules transports
 
-
** 5 squadrons of C-130B Hercules transports
 
-
** 2 squadrons of C-130J Super Hercules transports
 
-
* 2 squadron of Airbus A400M long-range military transports
 
-
* 5 squadrons of CASA CN-235 medium-range transports
 
-
* 6 squadrons of Transall C-160 transports
 
-
* 15 flights of Cessna 208 short-haul regional airliners
 
-
* 45 flights of Pilatus PC-12 passenger/cargo aircraft
 
-
* 1 VIP squadron
 
-
** 4 Cessna 550/551 Citation II business jets
 
-
** 10 Dassault Falcon 900B business jets
 
-
 
-
===Helicopters===
 
-
* 3 squadron of Aérospatiale Alouette III light utility helicopters
 
-
* 3 squadron of Aérospatiale Puma utility helicopters
 
-
* 4 squadrons of Agusta A109 search and rescue/utility helicopters
 
-
** 2 squadrons of A109LUH light utility helicopters
 
-
** 1 squadron of A109 A109A Mk.II MAX aeromedical evacuation helicopters
 
-
** 1 squadron of A109K2 search and rescue/air ambulance helicopters
 
-
* 5 squadrons of Atlas Oryx medium utility helicopters
 
-
* 4 squadrons of Bell 206 multipurpose utility helicopters
 
-
* 4 squadrons of Bell 412 multipurpose utility helicopters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Bell Griffin HT1 advanced training helicopters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Bell Griffin HAR2 search and rescue helicopters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Agusta-Bell AB 412 civil utility transport helicopters
 
-
** 1 squadron of Agusta-Bell AB 412 Grifone military utility transport helicopters
 
-
* 5 squadrons of MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 medium utility/transport helicopters
 
-
* 3 squadrons of CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift cargo helicopters
 
-
* 6 squadrons of Westland Scout general purpose light helicopters
 
-
 
-
===Utility aircraft===
 
-
* 4 squadrons of Beechcraft Super King Air 200 civil utility aircraft
 
-
* 2 squadrons of Cessna 185 light utility aircraft
 
-
* 2 squadrons of Cessna 208 turboprop utility aircraft
 
-
* 2 squadrons of Pilatus PC-6 STOL utility aircraft
 
-
 
-
===Training aircraft===
 
-
* 14 Aermacchi M-346 advanced trainers
 
-
* 114 Impala II two-seat jet trainers
 
-
* 24 BAE Hawk Mk 120 lead in fighter trainers
 
-
* 60 Pilatus PC-7 Mk 2 trainers
 
-
* 14 Atlas Cheetah D trainers
 
-
* 30 Beech Super King Air 350 multi-engine/navigation trainers
 
-
* 130 T-6 Texan II trainers
 
-
 
-
==Weapons==
 
===Missiles===
===Missiles===
====Surface-to-surface====
====Surface-to-surface====
-
* 5 squadrons of  RSA-I1 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (15 transporter erector launchers per squadron)
+
*BGM-71 TOW
-
* 10 squadrons of RSA-I2 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (15 transporter erector launchers per squadron)
+
*RBS-15
====Surface-to-air====
====Surface-to-air====
-
* Crotale
+
*Crotale
-
* FIM-92 Stinger
+
*Mistral
-
* M1097 Avenger
+
*SA-8 Gecko (9K33 Osa)
-
* MIM-23 Hawk
+
*SA-9 Gaskin (9K31 Strela-1)
-
* MIM-104 Patriot
+
*SA-13 Gopher (9K35 Strela-10)
-
* Mistral
+
-
* Umkhonto
+
====Air-to-surface====
====Air-to-surface====
-
* AASM
+
*AGM-65 Maverick
-
* AGM-65 Maverick
+
*AS.30
-
* AM 39 Exocet
+
*Ingwe
-
* MBDA Apache
+
*Mokopa
-
* RBS15
+
*Sea Eagle
-
* Storm Shadow
+
*Sea Skua
 +
*TAURUS KEPD 350
====Air-to-air====
====Air-to-air====
-
* AIM-9 Sidewinder
+
*A-Darter
-
* AIM-92 Stinger
+
*AIM-9 Sidewinder
-
* AIM-120 AMRAAM
+
*AIM-120 AMRAAM
-
* AIM-152 AAAM
+
*IRIS-T
-
* MBDA Meteor
+
*Python-3
-
* MBDA MICA
+
*R-Darter
-
* R550 Magic
+
===Bombs===
===Bombs===
-
* AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon
+
*GBU-12 Paveway II
-
* AGM-62 Walleye
+
*Mark 82
-
* CBU-100 Cluster Bomb
+
-
* CBU-107 Passive Attack Weapon
+
-
* CBU-24
+
-
* CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition
+
-
* CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon
+
-
* GBU-37 GPS-Aided Munition
+
-
* GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb
+
-
* GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb
+
-
* Mark 82 General-Purpose Bomb
+
-
* Mark 83 General-Purpose Bomb
+
-
* Mark 84 General-Purpose Bomb
+
-
* Paveway IV Laser-Guided Bomb
+
-
 
+
-
==Air Defense Forces==
+
-
===Units===
+
-
1st Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>2nd Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>3rd Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>4th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>5th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>6th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>7th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>8th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>9th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>10th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>11th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>12th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>13th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>14th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>15th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>16th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>17th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>18th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>19th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>20th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>21st Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>22nd Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>23rd Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>24th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>25th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>26th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>27th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>28th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>29th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>30th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
====List of units by province====
+
-
=====Cape Province=====
+
-
1st Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>2nd Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>25th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>26th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>27th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
=====Orange Free State=====
+
-
3rd Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>4th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>20th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>21st Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>22nd Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
=====Transvaal=====
+
-
5th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>6th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>16th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>17th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>18th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
=====Natal=====
+
-
7th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>8th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>9th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>10th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>12th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
=====South-West Africa=====
+
-
23rd Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>24th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
=====Rhodesia=====
+
-
11th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>19th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
=====Botswana=====
+
-
14th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>29th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
=====Lesotho=====
+
-
13th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>15th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
=====Swaziland=====
+
-
28th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
<br>30th Air Defense Forces Battalion
+
-
 
+
-
===Equipment===
+
-
====Individual weapons====
+
-
* R4 assault rifle
+
-
** R5 carbine
+
-
** R6 mini-assault rifle
+
-
* Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle
+
-
* Vektor SS-77 general purpose machine gun
+
-
* BXP submachine gun
+
-
* FN Minimi light machine gun
+
-
* Milkor MGL semi-automatic grenade launcher
+
-
* RBS 70 MANPADS
+
-
* Armsel Striker shotgun
+
-
* Vektor Z88 pistol
+
-
* Denel NTW-20 20mm sniper rifle
+
-
* Galat'z designated marksman rifle
+
-
* Accuracy International Arctic Warfare folding sniper rifle
+
-
* Starstreak lightweight multiple launcher
+
-
 
+
-
====Armored vehicles====
+
-
* ERC 20
+
-
* CV9040 AAV
+
-
* M6 Linebacker
+
-
* Wiesel 2 BF/UF
+
-
* Wiesel 2 AFF
+
-
* Wiesel 2 Ozelot
+
-
* LAV-AD
+
-
* Sisu XA-181
+
-
* M1097 Avenger Self-Propelled Surface-to-Air Missile System
+
-
* MIM-72/M48 Chaparral Self-Propelled Surface-to-Air Missile System
+
-
* Air Defense Anti-Tank System
+
-
 
+
-
====Artillery====
+
-
* M167 Vulcan air defense gun
+
-
* Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft gun
+
-
* Oerlikon 35mm anti-aircraft gun
+
-
* Skysweeper 75mm anti-aircraft gun
+
[[Category:Air forces]]
[[Category:Air forces]]
[[Category:South African Defence Force|Air Force, South African]]
[[Category:South African Defence Force|Air Force, South African]]

Current revision as of 09:30, 18 June 2012

South African Air Force
Active 1912 -
Country South Africa
Branch Air Force
Motto Per Aspera Ad Astra
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief State President Festus Mogae
Commander Lieutenant General Abel Mawere

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air force of the Republic of South Africa. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra (Through adversity to the stars).

The SAAF is tasked with providing close air support, aerial reconnaissance, and transport support for the other services of the armed forces. Commanding the air force is Lieutenant General Abel Mawere.

Currently, the SAAF employs over 75,000 regular uniformed personnel, augmented by about 3,000 civilians and 4,500 reserve personnel, and operates nearly 1,500 aircraft.

Contents

[edit] Units

Squadron Number Base Type of Aircraft Versions Objective
1 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Atlas Carver A/C Air defense
2 Squadron AFB Makhado Saab JAS 39 Gripen D Air defense
3 Squadron AFB Blantyre Saab JAS 39 Gripen C Air defense
4 Squadron AFB Francistown Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 M2, LUH Transport
5 Squadron AFB Livingstone CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, IAI Arava IAI 202 Light transport
6 Squadron AFB Gaborone Atlas Oryx, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Agusta A109, Aérospatiale Super Frelon M2, BK 117A, LUH, SA 321L Transport
7 Squadron AFB Oshakati Denel AH-2 Rooivalk AH-2A Ground attack
8 Squadron AFB Bloemspruit Saab JAS 39 Gripen C Air defense
9 Squadron AFB Lusaka Saab JAS 39 Gripen C Air defense
10 Squadron AFB Maseru Transall C-160, Britten-Norman Islander, IAI Arava C-160Z, BN-2A, IAI 202 Light transport
11 Squadron AFB Harare Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 M2, LUH Transport
12 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Denel AH-2 Rooivalk AH-2A Ground attack
13 Squadron AFB Walvis Bay Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 M2, LUH Transport
14 Squadron AFB Blantyre MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Aérospatiale Super Frelon BK 117A, SA 321L Transport
15 Squadron AFB Durban Atlas Oryx, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Agusta A109, Aérospatiale Super Frelon M2, BK 117A, LUH, SA 321L Transport
16 Squadron AFB Harare Denel AH-2 Rooivalk AH-2A Ground attack
17 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 M2, LUH Transport
18 Squadron AFB Gaborone Denel AH-2 Rooivalk AH-2A Ground attack
19 Squadron AFB Hoedspruit Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109 M2, LUH Transport
20 Squadron AFB Walvis Bay Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules C-130J Super Hercules Medium transport
21 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Boeing Business Jet, Cessna Citation II, Dassault Falcon 50, Dassault Falcon 900 737-7ED, 900B VIP transport
22 Squadron AFB Ysterplaat Atlas Oryx, Westland Lynx M2, Super Lynx 300 Transport, maritime attack
23 Squadron AFB Oshakati Transall C-160, IAI Arava C-160Z, IAI 202 Light transport
24 Squadron AFB Mbabane Denel AH-2 Rooivalk AH-2A Ground attack
25 Squadron AFB Lobamba CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna 185 Light transport
26 Squadron AFB Blantyre Atlas Oryx, Denel AH-2 Rooivalk M2, AH-2A Transport, ground attack
27 Squadron AFB Makhado McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender Air-to-air tanker
28 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules C-130J Super Hercules Medium transport
29 Squadron AFB Ysterplaat English Electric Canberra Canberra B(I) 12 Ground attack
30 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Blackburn Buccaneer Buccaneer S.50 Ground attack
31 Squadron AFB Hoedspruit CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Transall C-160 C-160Z Light transport
32 Squadron AFB Lusaka English Electric Canberra, Blackburn Buccaneer Canberra B(I) 12, Buccaneer S.50 Ground attack
33 Squadron AFB Mbabane CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna 185 Light transport
34 Squadron AFB Gaborone Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules C-130J Super Hercules Medium transport
35 Squadron AFB Ysterplaat Douglas C-47 Skytrain C-47TP Turbo Dakota Maritime patrol, transport
36 Squadron AFB Bulawayo Cessna 208 Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Beechcraft King Air 200C Super King Light transport
37 Squadron AFB Francistown English Electric Canberra, Blackburn Buccaneer Canberra B(I) 12, Buccaneer S.50 Ground attack
38 Squadron AFB Lobamba Atlas Oryx, Denel AH-2 Rooivalk M2, AH-2A Transport, ground attack
39 Squadron AFB Waterkloof McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender Air-to-air tanker
40 Squadron AFB Maseru Denel AH-2 Rooivalk AH-2A Ground attack
41 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Cessna 208 Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Beechcraft King Air 200C Super King Light transport
42 Squadron AFB Harare Aermacchi AM.3 AM.3CM Bosbok Observation, reconnaissance
43 Squadron AFB Walvis Bay Denel AH-2 Rooivalk, Westland Lynx AH-2A, Super Lynx 300 Ground attack, maritime attack
44 Squadron AFB Waterkloof CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna 185 Light transport
45 Squadron AFB Gaborone Aermacchi AM.3 AM.3CM Bosbok Observation, reconnaissance
46 Squadron AFB Francistown Saab JAS 39 Gripen C Air defense
47 Squadron AFB Maseru Cessna 208 Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, Beechcraft King Air 200C Super King Light transport
48 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Aermacchi AM.3 AM.3CM Bosbok Observation, reconnaissance
49 Squadron AFB Hoedspruit Saab JAS 39 Gripen C Air defense
50 Squadron AFB Walvis Bay Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules C-130J Super Hercules Medium transport
59 Squadron AFB Bulawayo Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules C-130J Super Hercules Medium transport
60 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Airbus A400M Long-range transport
80 Air Navigation School AFB Ysterplaat Douglas C-47 Skytrain, Cessna 208 Caravan, Pilatus PC-7 C-47TP Turbo Dakota, Mk II Astra Navigation training
85 Combat Flying School AFB Makhado BAE Hawk Mk.120 LIFT Jet-flight training
87 Helicopter Flying School AFB Bloemspruit Atlas Oryx, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Agusta A109 M2, BK 117A, LUH Helicopter flight training
Central Flying School AFB Langebaanweg Pilatus PC-7 Mk II Astra Ab initio flight traing
Test Flight and Development Centre AFB Overberg various Test flight and evaluation
SA Air Force College Various locations
SAAF Museum Historic Flight AFB Swartkop various
Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre AFB Waterkloof Air intelligence and counter-intelligence training
101 Squadron AFB Hoedspruit Light transport (reserve)
102 Squadron AFB Makhado Light transport (reserve)
103 Squadron AFB Blantyre Light transport (reserve)
104 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Light transport (reserve)
105 Squadron AFB Durban Light transport (reserve)
106 Squadron AFB Bloemspruit Light transport (reserve)
107 Squadron AFB Bloemspruit Light transport (reserve)
108 Squadron AFB Port Elizabeth Light transport (reserve)
109 Squadron AFB Bulawayo Light transport (reserve)
110 Squadron AFB Ysterplaat Light transport (reserve)
1 Air Servicing Unit AFB Thaba Tshwane Maintenance and support
2 Air Servicing Unit AFB Ysterplaat Maintenance and support
3 Air Servicing Unit AFB Makhado Maintenance and support
4 Air Servicing Unit Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Maintenance and support
5 Air Servicing Unit AFB Waterkloof Maintenance and support
6 Air Servicing Unit AFB Lusaka Maintenance and support
7 Air Servicing Unit AFB Hoedspruit Maintenance and support
10 Air Depot AFB Thaba Tshwane Logistics support services
68 Air School TEK Base Technical aviation training
18 Deployment Support Unit Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Logistics support services
92 Tactical Airfield Unit Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Logistics support services
140 Squadron Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Air defense
141 Squadron Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Air defense
500 Squadron Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Security services
501 Squadron Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Security services
502 Squadron TEK Base Security services
503 Squadron Valhalla Security services
504 Squadron AFB Waterkloof Security services
505 Squadron AFB Ysterplaat Security services
525 Squadron AFB Overberg Security services
526 Squadron AFB Langebaanweg Security services
Air Force Gymnasium Valhaala Basic training
Bushveld Airspace Control Sector Other Training (Air defense)
Lowveld Airspace Control Sector AFB Hoedspruit Training (Air defense)
Mobile Communications Unit Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Providing operationally deployable communications for the SAAF
Rapid Deployment Air Operations Team 43 Wonderboom Logistics support services
Rapid Deployment Air Operations Team 46 Johannesburg Logistics support services
Air Publications Service Centre AFB Thaba Tshwane Custodian for the master and key copies of all SAAF documentation and publications in terms of aviation regulations and acts
SA Air Force Band Valhaala Parades, performing as marching band
Command and Control School AFB Waterkloof Training
School of Cookery Valhaala Training for chefs and waiters in the SAAF
Fire Training School Valhaala Training for firefighters in the SAAF
Air Force Command and Control School AFB Hoedspruit Provides courses in command and control, airspace control, and telecommunications
Airspace Control Unit AFB Swartkop Logistics support services (Air defense)
Central Photographic Institute AFB Waterkloof Provision of photographic services
Combined Auction Centre Other Logistics support services
Ellisras Reporting Post Other The Ellisras Reporting Post is an early warning radar installation
SAAF Police Other Security services
SAAF Telecommunications Centre AFB Waterkloof Logistics support services
Electronic Warfare Centre AFB Waterkloof Logistics support services

[edit] Reserves

[edit] Air Force Conventional Reserves

A pool of reserve posts were created to serve the SAAF and augment regular units as and when needed. All trades in the SAAF are represented in the reserves, e.g. pilots, security squadron personnel, etc.

[edit] Air Force Territorial Reserve

Currently consists of eighteen squadrons of privately owned aircraft operated by reserve pilots on behalf of the SAAF.

These squadrons fulfill a very valuable role in light transport and observation, especially due to low direct operating costs.

[edit] Equipment

[edit] Aircraft

  • Aermacchi AM.3CM Bosbok observation/reconnaissance aircraft
  • Aérospatiale SA 321L Super Frelon heavy transport helicopter
  • Agusta A109LUH utility helicopter
  • Airbus A400M transport aircraft
  • Atlas Carver A/C stealth multirole fighter
  • Atlas Oryx M2 utility helicopter
  • BAE Hawk Mk.120 LIFT trainer
  • Beechcraft Super King Air 200C utility aircraft
  • Blackburn Buccaneer S.50 strike aircraft
  • Boeing 737-7ED BBJ VIP transport
  • Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander light utility/transport aircraft
  • CASA C-212 Aviocar transport aircraft
  • CASA CN-235 transport aircraft
  • Cessna 185A/D/E light utility aircraft
  • Cessna 208 Caravan utility aircraft
  • Cessna 550/551 Citation II VIP transport
  • Dassault Falcon 50 VIP transport
  • Dassault Falcon 900B VIP transport
  • Denel AH-2A Rooivalk attack helicopter
  • Douglas C-47TP Turbo Dakota transport
  • English Electric Canberra B(I) 12 bomber
  • Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport
  • MBB/Kawasaki BK 117A utility/transport helicopter
  • McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender air-to-air tanker
  • Pilatus PC-7 Mk2 Astra trainer
  • Pilatus PC-12 utility aircraft
  • Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen multirole fighter
  • Transall C-160Z transport aircraft
  • Westland Super Lynx 300 maritime attack helicopter

[edit] Missiles

[edit] Surface-to-surface

  • BGM-71 TOW
  • RBS-15

[edit] Surface-to-air

  • Crotale
  • Mistral
  • SA-8 Gecko (9K33 Osa)
  • SA-9 Gaskin (9K31 Strela-1)
  • SA-13 Gopher (9K35 Strela-10)

[edit] Air-to-surface

  • AGM-65 Maverick
  • AS.30
  • Ingwe
  • Mokopa
  • Sea Eagle
  • Sea Skua
  • TAURUS KEPD 350

[edit] Air-to-air

  • A-Darter
  • AIM-9 Sidewinder
  • AIM-120 AMRAAM
  • IRIS-T
  • Python-3
  • R-Darter

[edit] Bombs

  • GBU-12 Paveway II
  • Mark 82
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