Picture: for illustration purposes
South Africa's air security presents a worrisome picture, with information disclosing that a staggering 85% of the South African Air Force's (SAAF) aircrafts are not operational. Minister of Defence, Thandi Modise publicly acknowledged this concerning situation, bringing to light the vulnerability of our nation's air security.
The fleet, consisting of 388 aircraft, cannot be entirely relied upon if a major security crisis were to arise. Kobus Marais, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Shadow Minister for Defence and Military Veterans, further outlined the implications of this glaring crisis in his conversation with Lester Kiewit. He pointedly noted that the lack of functional aircraft and vessels means that South Africa's economic ocean resources are at risk.
The DA released a statement underscoring the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for action. The party highlighted that the burgeoning national crisis could invite conventional threats into the country if not addressed immediately. The statement further nudged the ruling ANC government to stop making mere promises and take decisive action to restore the SAAF.
"The present situation reflects the fallout of Treasury's budget cuts," Marais said. He stressed that the economic constraints have left no resources for the maintenance and upgrading of the prime mission equipment, leaving South African air borders not only unprotected but "absolutely vulnerable."