SAAF PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT FOR 2010

By Amn Nwabisa V. Dlevu, Amn Tebogo E. Kekana and photos by 5ASU

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, reiterated on 29 January 2010 to thousands of SAAF members and air-show spectators at Swartkop Airfield, Valhalla (southern Tshwane), that she was pleased with the current strength and preparedness of the armed forces.

The Minister, who attended the SAAF 90th birthday celebrations, also said that the Department of Defence (DOD) had intensified its efforts to promote security during the 2010 Soccer World Cup and beyond.

“We are planning to invite members of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and cabinet members to showcase our readiness for the forthcoming World Cup,” said Ms Sisulu. The Swedish-made Gripen light fighter aircraft were the highlight of the day.

Acting Secretary of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Tsepe Motumi
 escorted by SSO Corp Com, Col Portia More
 

The new Gripen aircraft are fitted with several unique components. These include air-to-air and ground-refuelling abilities. These technical contraptions are ideally suited for deployment on the African landscape. For instance, their take-off and landing distances have been shortened. The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides support on rough locations.

The Gripen, which is the star fighter aircraft of the SAAF fleet, boasts highly lethal IRIS-T missiles and an unrivalled performance capability. Furthermore, when coupled with a helmet-mounted display, the Gripen can fight against air threats in the rear quarter of the aircraft. Its ability has been pre-tested in many World Cup 2010 operational theatres. It will also operate as an airborne command and control and sensor platform for all other participating aircraft.
 

Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla
escorted by Brig Gen Lungi Sitshongaye (DHRS)
 

After the Gripen had done a fly-past over the show grounds, it landed to display its new fighter capability. The SAAF and the South African Police Services (SAPS) simulated a hijacking scenario involving a minibus and a hostile aircraft. The key aim in this context was to illustrate the potential for swift cooperation among the security forces during the forthcoming World Cup 2010.

The Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, announced that he was proud of the Gripen acquisition because it fitted well into the SAAF operational strategy. “To date, nine Gripen D dual seater aircraft have been accepted by the SAAF and are operational. Seventeen of the Gripen C single seater are expected for delivery before 2012 and the first of these should be received next month,” said Gen Gagiano.
 

Minister of Justice, Mr Jeff Radebe
 escorted by Brig Gen Yoliswa Mavumbe-Melapi (DCSS)
 

He further revealed that a project to change the configuration of the present avionics of the Pilatus Astra (PC7) aircraft, which has been in progress for some time, was now yielding results. “The prototype of an upgraded avionics system was successfully tested in Switzerland during November 2009. The consequent upgrading of the first two of the other PC 7s has already begun at Air Force Base (AFB) Langebaanweg.”

Moreover, he reckoned, with the 2010 Soccer World Cup attracting the lion’s share of the press limelight, certain SAAF missions received less publicity than they deserved. Amongst these were the routine provision of mobility for SANDF peacekeeping operations, humanitarian operations such as CASEVACS, firefighting and support to communities during floods, and assistance to the government of Mozambique during their elections.

These missions were carried out despite the shortage of skilled manpower and huge financial constraints. Such inputs, which were greatly appreciated by the SANDF, have attracted little notice.
 

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu
escorted by Brig Gen Zakes Msimang (DHS)

Lt Gen Gagiano told the gathering that the SAAF had once more outsourced aviation safety training. During the third quarter of the financial year 2009/10, SAAF members and learners from several Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states attended training opportunities at AFB Waterkloof and Ysterplaat.

The ab initio pilot training of SAAF students on rotary wing aircraft was outsourced to Starlight, whilst the side-by-side ab initio of the pilot training in less busy cockpits was done at the Babcock Central Flying Academy. The first group of SAAF students to undertake this course is expected to qualify in February 2010. Side-by-side training has proved to enable better interaction between instructor and student and the less expensive C172 is thought to be adequate for this elementary training. This arrangement has brought about a significant relief to the SAAF operating budget.

As in previous years, the SAAF Reserve members again made a valuable contribution towards the achievement of Air Force objectives during 2009. Reserve Force personnel and aircraft compensated to a significant extent for shortages of Regular Force aircrew and low SAAF aircraft availability. This was particularly evident in the VVIP environment where previous charter costs were materially reduced by the use of Air Force Reserve Squadron aircrew and aircraft as alternative options,” concluded Gen Gagiano.

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