Gripens over Cape Town

Gtx Gaming said:
Can't believe the airforce still has working jets? Maybe they borrowed some from russia.
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The Gripens were all grounded in 2021, but the service contracts were renewed somewhere in late 2022. I don't know how many are in active service, but they are all supposedly serviceable, but in 2023 it was alleged that only two Gripens are available.

This also applies to the Hawks, which are arguably more important as they also serve as our advanced trainers in addition to the PC-7s. The PC-7 service contract I think is also about to come to a closure...

There is this article:

www.defenceweb.co.za

Most SAAF aircraft maintenance contracts only partially funded - DefenceWeb

State defence materiel agency Armscor has maintenance contracts in place for most South African Air Force (SAAF) aircraft, but most of these are only
www.defenceweb.co.za www.defenceweb.co.za

Most SAAF aircraft maintenance contracts only partially funded​

...

Combat jets

Both Hawk and Gripen jets have maintenance contracts in place, but not for the entire fleets. Saab as the original equipment manufacturer of the Gripen has an airframe support contract in place from September 2022 to end August 2025, worth R650 million (of which R476 million is funded). After delays, Armscor placed a support contract with GKN Aerospace for the maintenance of the Gripen engines, running from August 2023 to end July 2026. It is worth R327 million, of which R145 million is currently funded. Armscor originally aimed to have the engine support contract in place with GKN by 1 December 2022.

Due to the SAAF’s tight budget, the support contract with Saab covers 13 Gripens over three years – the SAAF had 26 Gripen C/Ds, but one was written off following a ground incident. The remaining 12 will remain in storage.

The other jet combat aircraft in SAAF service, the Hawk Mk 120 lead-in fighter-trainer, also has maintenance contracts in place. OEM BAE Systems was awarded the airframe maintenance contract, valid from September 2021 to end August 2024. This is worth R250 million, of which R221 million is funded. Armscor said the order is progressing well, with 90% of the material supply already delivered. “The product support contract (PSC) strategy has proven to be effective for the Hawk maintenance and support,” Arsmcor told the PCDMV.
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Fulcrum29 said:
The Gripens were all grounded in 2021, but the service contracts were renewed somewhere in late 2022. I don't know how many are in active service, but they are all supposedly serviceable, but in 2023 it was alleged that only two Gripens are available.

This also applies to the Hawks, which are arguably more important as they also serve as our advanced trainers in addition to the PC-7s. The PC-7 service contract I think is also about to come to a closure...

There is this article:

www.defenceweb.co.za

Most SAAF aircraft maintenance contracts only partially funded - DefenceWeb

State defence materiel agency Armscor has maintenance contracts in place for most South African Air Force (SAAF) aircraft, but most of these are only
www.defenceweb.co.za www.defenceweb.co.za
Click to expand...
Sadly, just because these aircraft are flying doesn't mean that they are fully operational.

The first Gripen was delivered in 2006, but the only weapons acquired have been a small number of IRIS-T missiles, GBU-12s and dumb bombs. It's questionable whether these are available/maintained and if the pilots/ground crews/ maintenance staff, are adequately trained to use them given the very limited flying hours available.

You really have to wonder what's happening in the SANDF and what the long terms plans are. Looking at how the navy is acquiring new ships while they can't afford to maintain their existing vessels or put to sea, it seems like they don't really have a plan at all.
 
And they up!
At the office today and saw one take off. Currently somewhere deep south.
 
Brawler said:
And they up!
At the office today and saw one take off. Currently somewhere deep south.
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Nice. Just got my first sighting for the day. Did a nice turn giving a view of the top.
 
saor said:
Nice. Just got my first sighting for the day. Did a nice turn giving a view of the top.
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Also heard it big time. Flew directly over my office and then did a loop before landing. Got a lekker video.
Nice 1 hr flight.
 
I see the the Hawks and the Gripens are both busy today! Never seen the Hawks fly with the Gripens outside of airshows.
 
We had a flyover late yesterday afternoon (wed) was quite dramatic. We all rushed out to see and the kids were ecstatic. Was just one plane but really loud.
Hopefully we can time it next time and see it from our balcony when they do it for SONA tonight.
I probably missed the other flyovers during the day as I had my noise canceling earphones on, once or twice I had a confusing rumble and couldn't figure it out.
 
Fulcrum29 said:
That might just be our entire combat 'ready' air force in one picture.
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I'm genuinely surprised there was enough funds for the fuel...

A retired SANDF colonel recently told me the last weapon cache audit revealed that the total SANDF mortar stock, scattered around the country, is enough to sustain a 13-minute mortar attack. The SANDF in its current shape has zero purpose in our country apart from putting a strain on the economy... but hey some people "need to eat".

I miss the glory days of our Recce's, Rooivalk Attack helicopters and various SA made armored vehicles. All of that has turned to dust. Sad, sad, sad.
 
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