November - Department of Defence

Demonstrating air powerBy Lebohang LetaoanaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwanaAir poweris not onlyfirepower...The SA Air Force hosted thebiannual air power capabilitydemonstration at the RoodewalBomb Range outsideMakhado, formerly LouisTrichardt, on 25 August 2004.The demonstration wasaimed at providing a window on thecore capabilities of the SA Air Forceand at the same time the SA Army'sjoint contribution in demonstrating itsvital capabilities in terms of armour,personnel, equipment (both land andair) and the readiness of the SANDF todeal with emergency situations.Local residents came in numbers towitness this spectacular event. Theopening was done by 2 Squadron (twoCheetahs in a simulated attack on athird Cheetah). The best moment ofthe air capability demonstration waswhen 16 Squadron did a flyingdemonstration in a Rooivalk.The aerobatic display was carriedout by a Pilatus Astra, an Impala and aCheetah. They were supported by theSpecial Forces and the SA ArmyArtillery Formation, which wereresponsible for the 120 mm mortarcargo sling and 120 mm motar firing.Air power is not only firepower; itis many faceted and includes not onlythe classical air combat characterisedby fighters, bombers, attack helicoptersand more recently, evenunmanned air vehicles. It alsoincludes the elements of air mobility,which usually take a back seat to firepower,but which are just as important16 Squadron in a Rooivalk flying demonstration.in the campaign as a force multiplierfor ground forces."The recapilitisation programme ofthe SA Air Force is designed to replacethe offensive capability of 250 fighterswith only fifty. As unbelievable as thismay sound, the quality of the newequipment and the capability of thereplacement aircraft will enable the SAAir Force to meet the political anddefence imperatives of Vision 2012,"said Brig Gen Des Barker, OfficerCommanding Makhado AFB. "Airpower is a national asset and the SAAir Force is the proud custodian ofthis asset on behalf of the nation."N O VEMBER 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R39