June 2013 - Department of Defence

S A S O L D I E ReventsAir capability demonstrationreflects combat-readinessBy Sgt Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe SA Air Force capabilitydemonstration is meant toshowcase its operationalcapability, its readinessand its ability to exerciseinteroperability with otherServices of the SA National DefenceForce.This was clearly evident at theRoodewal Weapons Rangein Makhado where currentSA Air Force aircraftbombarded the range in asimulated battle on 9 May2013. Aircraft that took partincluded fixed wing, rotarywing and fighter jet aircraft.how the SA Air Forcecarries out this mandate,both autonomously incertain scenarios, andjointly with the SA Army,the Special Forces, the SANavy and the SA MilitaryHealth Service to executeour mandate.”Despite the budgetaryconstraints affecting theSA Air Force, Maj GenAlthough facing budgetaryconstraints, the Air ForceCommand Council optedto retain the capabilitydemonstration, but at amuch reduced capacity, andhad to take decisions not toparticipate in air shows andfly-pasts, and only take partin exercises until fundinglevels improved.The Deputy Chief of theSA Air Force, Maj GenGerald Malinga, said theService was maintaining acomprehensive defensivecapability to promotepeace, security and stabilityin the Southern AfricanDevelopment Community(SADC) region in support ofboth South Africa and theAfrican continent.Prior to the demonstrationsMaj Gen Malinga said:“Today you will witnessABOVE: An Oryx helicopter carrying a bambiebucket to extinguish fires.ABOVE: Maj GenGerald Malinga, theDeputy Chief of theSA Air Force, saysthat the only waythese economictough times can beovercome is throughgood joint leadership,vision and action.Malinga indicated thatthe flexibility, mobilityand firepower of theService’s aircraft werebeing maintained owingto the commitment anddedication of the SA AirForce personnel whoperform their duties withdiscipline and integrity.28 • J U N E 2 0 1 3