The South African Air Force plans to relocate a number of its BAE Systems Hawk Mk120s lead in fighter trainers from 85 Combat Flying School, its sole fast jet and advanced fighter training unit, from Air Force Base Makhado in Limpopo to Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.
The announcement was made at a flypast in Pretoria on 1 September 2015 by the Chief of the Air Force, Lt Gen Fabian Msimang. An initial three aircraft will move to AFB Waterkloof on a more or less permanent basis, with more following should the deployment prove successful. The majority of the squadron, as well as all training, will remain at AFB Makhado.
AFB Waterkloof has provided a hardstand, office space, a hangar and accommodation for the aircraft and crew, but no additional infrastructure as the aircraft will return to AFB Makhado for major servicing and other needs.
The reasoning behind the move has not been made public and the Air Force had not responded to a request for more information at the time of publication, but sources within the Air Force have stated that it’s part of a broader set of changes and reorganisations, likely in response to the Defence Review’s recommendations.
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UPDATE – The initial version of this article wrongly claimed that 85 Combat Flying School would be relocating to AFB Waterkloof, a fact now known to be incorrect. We have amended the article to reflect the latest information and apologise for the error.
I can only think of the Defence Review mentioning a separate light attack squadron,
The fleet is large enough to split off a separate operational squadron, so there may be something to the idea. But basing at Waterkloof doen’t make much sense in that case.
Yep, the fleet was sized from the start to allow for an operational flight.
Not sure why Waterkloof either, it’s a very interesting move. Hoping to hear more on the reasoning.
How many aircraft are there and how many do they need for training purposes?
Why does it not make sense to base them in Waterkloof though?
24, not sure how many specifically are dedicated to training, I’d imagine it varies somewhat.
Also not entirely certain about the reasoning behind a Waterkloof detachment.
We’ll probably find out through the media or someone randomly saying why…
A fly past for his birthday ?can’t be worried about costs then ?
As I understand it, the aircraft were already airborne over the area on a training mission, so it was decided to make a courtesy detour. I don’t have the full details though.
Thank you Darren, did seem a bit extravagant even by their standards, did the Guptha’s give them permission to enter their air space ?? must have.
The SAAF is typically not prone to extravagance, anything that appears to be is usually an ordered task.
As I said though, I don’t know the full story behind it.
Is there any truth to the SAAF perhaps acquiring more BAE Hawks as well?
Is this part of the Defence Review to make some Hawks operational for a light air defence/attack/COIN role?
I’ve heard nothing about more Hawks being acquired, I suspect the rest of the SANDF would not be very supportive.
And yes, the plan has always been for the Hawks to be qualified for the combat role. That should be happening fairly soon and will probably include fitting the A-Darter to the Hawks to make them point-defence interceptors.
Why would the SANDF not be supportive?
Speaking of which, has there been any word on how many A-Darters the SAAF intends to acquire and when they will become operational?
Because they’re all clamouring for their own projects to be funded and, unlike transport aircraft, additional Hawks won’t necessarily be hugely beneficial to the Army, Navy and MHS. So there’ll be cross-service support for C-130BZ replacements, but probably not more Hawks.
No word as yet on how many A-Darters will be acquired, it’s possible the SAAF won’t make that public at any point. Expected entry into service is sometime next year, with production either already having begun or close to it.