Armscor reveals majority of SAAF fleet grounded

A briefing by South Africa's Armscor defence procurement agency to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence on 16 February has revealed that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is facing even more problems due to underfunding than previously known, particularly the air force.

None of the South African Air Force's (SAAF's) 26 Gripen fighters are operational, having been grounded since the third quarter of 2021 in the absence of a support contract. In addition, two of the aircraft are classified as beyond economic repair.

Only three of the 24 Hawk lead-in fighter trainers are operational, with another four undergoing minor maintenance. Two are pending parts for undercarriage repairs, 12 are in long-term storage, and three are classified as beyond economic repair.

Four of 11 Rooivalk attack helicopters are operational, the remainder being grounded pending servicing and one has been grounded for some time pending possible repair after a hard landing.

The SAAF has 39 Oryx medium transport helicopters, 17 of which are operational, 18 are being serviced or waiting to be serviced, two are in long-term storage, and two are classified as beyond economic repair. It is unclear what happened to the rest of the 50 Oryx that were originally acquired, although at least two have been written off after accidents.

Only three of 30 AW109 light utility helicopters are operational, with 21 in or pending servicing, one being rebuilt, and five classified as beyond economic repair. Three of six BK 117 light utility helicopters are operational, two are being serviced, and one is unserviceable for unspecified reasons.

None of the four Super Lynx helicopters are operational, all pending servicing.

Two C-47TP maritime surveillance aircraft are operational, with seven out of service for maintenance.