South African Air Force Faces Crisis as 85% of Fleet Is Inoperative Due to Budget Constraints

• 85% of the South African Air Force fleet is grounded due to no spares and financial constraints, leaving the country vulnerable to threats
• DA MP Kobus Marais posed a question to Defence Minister Thandi Modise, who then shone a light on the dire situation
• Marais is concerned that over half of the Air Force cannot be deployed in the event of a national security crisis

SOUTH AFRICA - A staggering 85% of the South African Air Force's fleet is currently grounded due to a lack of spares and budget cuts. The inactivity of the majority of the aircraft fleet leaves the country vulnerable to outside threats.

DA Member of Parliament Kobus Marais said South Africa has a lengthy coastline and it is imperative to protect the country's coastlines and economy from outside threats, reported eNCA. He said:

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"We have to protect our borders from outside threats. Defence is like an insurance policy. If you are not prepared to defend your country and your people and you get attacked, then you are just too late.

"In terms of our maritime, we are being robbed daily of enormous amounts of money and goods from our oceans, we are also responsible for safety and security, and certain rescue for this whole maritime area around South Africa down to Antarctica."

In a statement issued by the DA, Marais said the 233 aircraft grounded mean that in the unfortunate event of a national security crisis, more than half of our air force cannot be deployed to protect the country.

South Africans voice their concerns

Commenting on a post by eNCA on X, netizens expressed deep concern over the news. Below are some of the reactions:

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@Bazothise expressed worry:

"Something tells me that we should prepare for something tragic."

@SALEM_WORD had this to say:

"What did you expect? This government has been cutting the SANDF budget for the past 10 years. We have been saying the damage being caused by underfunding the SANDF will come to bite us and will take too long to fix."

@SowetoMafia commented:

"Comrades in action. Thandi Modise couldn’t even manage a pig farm, so this is not a surprise."

@Makwe_GVN said:

"The only thing that’s still operationally intact in this country is Mamelodi Sundowns fela."

@Motheo2009 posed the question:

"When are we clipping their salaries' wings?"

@HenryFcuks expressed anger by saying:

"It makes sense. They are busy looting the money instead of dealing with security measures."

Milkor 380 to change SA Air Force

Previously, Briefly News reported on the successful testing of the Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Milkor 380 being the largest drone of its kind to be developed in Africa is set to be a game-changer in the South African Air Force with its multiple functions.

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The drone boasts the capability of a continuous flight of up to 35 hours, a range of up to 2 000km, and a maximum altitude of 9 000m. The drone paves the way for the strengthening of our air force.

Source: Briefly News