The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is facing a defence crisis of unprecedented proportions, with its air force effectively crippled by budget constraints. Defence analysts warn that without urgent intervention, the country’s ability to defend its borders and participate in international peacekeeping operations will continue to deteriorate.
According to multiple reports, the South African Air Force (SAAF) has been reduced to a mere six operational aircraft, a shocking statistic that underscores the depth of the defence crisis. The fleet consists of only two Gripen fighter jets, one Oryx utility helicopter, and three Hawk trainer jets, leaving the nation exposed in the event of a security threat.
Defence analyst Kobus Marais described the situation as “very dire,” emphasising that South Africa lacks the air power to defend itself in a conventional war. “If we are attacked today in a conventional way, we’ve got major challenges,” he warned, adding that the country would have to rely on international partners, whose support has also diminished in recent years.
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No Air Support, No Defence
The defence crisis extends beyond the air force. The SANDF’s overall operational capacity is severely compromised, with more than 300 aircraft grounded and the navy struggling to maintain a single frigate. South African soldiers deployed in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are left without air support, making them vulnerable to enemy forces.
“We’ve seen what happened in the Congo,” said defence analyst Helmoed-Römer Heitman, in an interview with Salaamedia. “The force that was in was far too small, it had no air support, and it wound up surrounded by the enemy. We can’t get them out, we can’t reinforce them, we can’t supply them—so now what?”
The situation is exacerbated by the financial woes of Denel, the state-owned defence and technology company responsible for maintaining the SAAF’s aircraft. A shrinking budget has left Denel unable to sustain its aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, further crippling the air force.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga admitted that Denel is suffering from a “chronic shortage of funds” and a lack of skilled personnel, leading to the grounding of key aircraft such as the C-130BZ transport planes and the Rooivalk attack helicopters. Without adequate funding, South Africa’s ability to maintain its existing fleet—let alone modernise it—is virtually non-existent.
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A Nation Defenceless
The defence crisis is not just a military issue—it is a national security threat. Heitman warned that while the SANDF might still be able to respond to a serious security crisis on its borders, anything beyond that would be impossible.
“We simply need to put a lot of time and effort into bringing things back into service and closing capability gaps,” he said. “For instance, we have no maritime patrol aircraft and far too few ships, so we have very little idea of what goes on in our waters.”
The root of the problem, Heitman argues, is the “total mismatch between what Government is prepared to fund and what it wants to do”. As South Africa faces rising security threats both domestically and internationally, its military is left underfunded, under-equipped, and unable to fulfil its mandate.
Without immediate intervention, South Africa risks losing its ability to protect its sovereignty, support peacekeeping missions, and respond to emerging threats. The government must prioritise defence funding, restore operational capacity, and ensure that its military is equipped for the challenges ahead.
Picture: Lowvelder
