"They Need More Training": SAAF Helicopter Extraction Drill Video Sparks Debate Among South Africans

• A TikTok clip of a South African Air Force special forces helicopter extraction drill went viral on 18 September 2026
• The footage showed armed soldiers clipping onto a rope and being hoisted by a hovering military helicopter at what appeared to be an airbase
• South Africans flooded the comments with divided opinions on whether the soldiers were fast enough for a real combat scenario

A video of what appears to be a South African Air Force helicopter extraction exercise has set the internet ablaze. Shared on TikTok by @craigeekhout on 18 September 2026, the clip captured armed soldiers clipping onto a rope beneath a hovering military transport helicopter before being lifted off the ground in unison.

The footage, filmed at Waterkloof Air Force Base outdoors against a backdrop of aircraft hangars and a control tower, showed a helicopter resembling a Puma variant hovering low while a group of soldiers attached themselves to a dangling rope and were extracted together.

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The video by @craigeekhout showed troops rushing to attach themselves to the helicopter. Their efforts drew a broad range of South Africans into the conversation, from those with apparent military knowledge to everyday viewers, all with an opinion on whether the country's defence forces are up to scratch. Watch the extraction exercise that got South Africa talking:

Mzansi reacts to SAAF exercise

South Africans in the comments section on TikToker @craigeekhout's clip had plenty to say:

@Maseko wrote:

"They need more training. They can't take so much time to hook themselves on the rope. No it can't be so long!"

@Bazooka said: "

"Too slow."

@Mongwe designs added:

"They are very slow 🐌"

@Tman noted:

"I believe they explained that those guys are still under training, not yet experts."

@philani Osborne responded:

"Y'all are watching too many movies"

@MYK asked:

"So I see people criticising and I see people defending. Can a real professional please tell us if our boys were fast enough or if they're cooked?"

@user8433190602398 shared:

"They were too slow. In a scenario like this, if they were under heavy fire, they would have been doomed, and the helo would have to leave them there since it would also be taking a lot of damage. Overall, there's room for improvement; after all, practice makes perfect."

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Other Briefly News stories about SANDF military drills

• TikTok clip posted by @tlotli69 went viral after showcasing a female SANDF Major leading a military parade in Port Elizabeth with exceptional vocal command and presence.
• Footage shared on TikTok showing a large-scale parade formation featuring personnel from SAPS, BMA, PRASA, EMS, and GTP sparked mixed reactions online.
• A TikTok video posted by @don_selassi captured a military unit performing a synchronised marching drill under the strict direction of a drill officer.

Source: Briefly News