During the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) air-capability demonstration at the Roodewal bombing range last week, it became clear that the SAAF is going through some tough times. 

The SAAF showcased its military capabilities last Thursday at the bombing range, which falls under the command of Air Force Base (AFB) Makhado. The SAAF is, just like the other three arms of the country’s defence service, under severe budgetary pressure, which meant that the demonstration was downscaled greatly this year. The most noticeable display of air power that was missing was the Gripens from 2 Squadron.

Speaking at the event, the SAAF’s deputy chief, Major General Gerald Malinga, acknowledged that the downsizing of the event was due to severe budgetary constraints.  Malinga said that the SAAF command had a difficult time in taking the decision not to take part in any air shows, SAAF exercises or flybys until there was more funding.

He added, however, that the SAAF would continue to deliver, whatever the task. “But it will be extremely challenging, especially in terms of funding.” The SAAF already announced in March this year that 12 of South Africa's 26 Gripens had been placed in long-term storage. In the place of the Gripens, 85 Combat Flying School’s Hawk fighter training planes were used to fill in with bomb drops and cannon fire to support troops on the ground who were engaged in a simulated battle with the enemy “Charlie”.

Pathfinders, jumping 10 000 feet from an Oryx helicopter, had VIPs from the various South African and visiting defence forces, as well as the media, look on in wonder as they sailed over them, landing in the “war zone.”

The Oryx helicopters, from 17 and 19 Squadrons, showed their ability to insert and extract troops, land a Gecko ground vehicle, as well as an 81mm mortar team. The 120mm mortars were not demonstrated either, also due to budgetary constraints.

A pair of Rooivalk combat support helicopters from 16 Squadron also showcased their firepower. In addition to a number of rocket volleys, the nose cannons provided effective air support for the troops moving towards the enemy hiding in the bush and keeping them at bay.

A welcome addition to the air capability demonstration was a large screen, showing images collected by the Airborne Reconnaissance Ground Observation System (ARGOS) mounted on an orbiting 41 Squadron Cessna 208.

Questions put to AFB Makhado whether more of the Gripens, apart from the initial 12,  had been placed in storage were not answered by the time of going to press.