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Defence seeks new aircraft, army systems and more industry input

7th June 2013

By: Keith Campbell

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

  

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The South African Air Force (SAAF) will acquire one or more new ‘VVIP’ aircraft during the current financial year. And a number of acquisition programmes for the army will be pushed forward. The Department of Defence also wants to play a direct role in the restructuring of the local defence industry. This was all announced by Defence and Military Veterans Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in her departmental budget speech on May 23.
“In November 2011, Cabinet approved the acquisition of VVIP aircraft,” she said. “We have since consulted with the National Treasury and funding has now been approved for the acquisition of this capability in this financial year.” The Minister gave no indication of the number or size of the aeroplanes to be bought, or whether they would fulfil more than one role.
Statements and reports dating from 2011 suggest that two aircraft will be obtained. In the middle of last year, media reports stated that the SAAF would receive a Boeing 777 wide-body airliner fitted as a VVIP aircraft for use on intercontinental missions, and a Bombardier Global Express 6000 large and long-range business jet. Both of these would have been dedicated VVIP aircraft.
The SAAF’s current VIP fleet, operated by 21 squadron at Air Force Base Waterkloof, in Pretoria, is composed of one Boeing BBJ (a VIP version of the 737 airliner), two Dassault Falcon 900Bs, two Dassault Falcon 50s and two Cessna Citations. Media reports last year stated that the BBJ would be kept in service after the delivery of the new aircraft.
Regarding the army, she stated: “I am concerned that, despite expressed commitment to improve the landward defence capability, and despite funds being allo- cated in the past, very little progress has been made. This year, we have ensured that decisions on key projects are finalised and we are currently at contracting stages for the acquisition of various landward defence capabilities.” Again, she gave no indication of what specific projects she was referring to.
The army has a number of pending and planned projects – Project Hoefyster, for a new infantry fighting vehicle, is one. Although the Badger vehicle, based on the Patria AMV but using a Denel Land Systems turret, was selected for this requirement, and a development contract signed, back in 2007, it seems that a production contract has still not been signed.
Another example is Project Vistula, which entails the purchase of new cross-country tactical logistical and support trucks to replace the Samil series. It could involve anything from 2 500 to 5 000 vehicles, in the 4 × 4, 6 × 6 and 8 × 8 categories, but the project has been significantly delayed. There are many others, aimed at modernising the armour, infantry, engineers, air defence, logistics and other support units and capabilities.
“The support for a viable and competitive defence industry is an integral part of our mandate,” asserted Mapisa-Nqakula. “It is a matter of concern that, over the years, South Africa is gradually losing its influential position as one of the industry leaders in defence innovation. It is for this reason that the department must play a direct role in the restructuring of the defence industry to ensure that it focuses primarily on the requirements of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).”
Explicitly referring to recent SANDF losses in the Central African Republic (CAR) and in accidents, she affirmed: “[In] the aftermath of these events, the department has had to conduct deep introspection and review, the result of which will have serious implications for the work and organisation of our armed forces, particularly during this financial year . . . The lessons drawn, in particular in relation to the CAR, are already assisting us in the planning, force preparation and deployment to current and future operations.”
The Minister reported that the defence budget for the 2013/14 financial year was R40.243-billion. This represents 3.8% of total government expenditure and 1.1% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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