Branch of the South African National Defence Force
South African Air Force
Emblem of the South African Air Force
Founded
1 February 1920; 104 years ago (1920-02-01)
Country
South Africa
Type
Air force
Role
Aerial warfare Aerial defence Air supremacy
Size
12,815 active personnel 1000 reserve personnel 230 aircraft
Part of
South African National Defence Force
Garrison/HQ
Pretoria
Motto(s)
Latin: Per aspera ad astra "Through hardships to the stars"[1]
Engagements
World War I
World War II • East African Campaign • North African Campaign • Madagascar • Italy • Balkans
Korean War
South African Border War
Angolan Bush War
Website
af.mil.za
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief
President Cyril Ramaphosa
Chief of the Air Force
Lieutenant general Wiseman S Mbambo[2]
Sergeant Major of the Air Force
Colin Stanton-Jones
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Ensign
Aircraft flown
Attack
BAE Hawk
Electronic warfare
Oryx EW, C-47TP ELINT
Fighter
JAS 39 Gripen
Attack helicopter
Rooivalk
Multirole helicopter
Atlas Oryx, Lynx 300
Trainer helicopter
Agusta A109
Utility helicopter
Agusta A109
Patrol
C-47TP
Trainer
Pilatus PC-7, BAE Hawk
Transport
C-130, CASA C.212, Cessna Caravan
Military unit
The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air warfare branch of South African National Defence Force, with its headquarters in Pretoria. The South African Air Force was established on 1 February 1920. The Air Force saw service in World War II and the Korean War. From 1966, the SAAF was involved in providing infantry support in the low-intensity Border War in Angola, South-West Africa and Rhodesia. As the war progressed, the intensity of air operations increased, until in the late 1980s when the SAAF were compelled to fly fighter missions against Angolan aircraft in order to maintain tactical air superiority. On conclusion of the Border War in 1990, aircraft numbers were severely reduced due to economic pressures as well as the cessation of hostilities with neighbouring states.
^"South African Air Force". Corporate Identity. Archived from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
^"Curriculum Vitae of Lieutenant General Wiseman S Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force". 4 June 2021.
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