`Only 6 of 330 SA Air Force aircraft currently operable': "It's a critical situation" – analyst

CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit interviews Kobus Marais, a defence and political analyst.

Listen below:

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is currently operating only six out of its 330 aircraft, according to a News24 report.

It says this includes one helicopter, two fighter jets and three fighter jet trainers. While the others are not being repaired because of budget constraints.

Marais highlights that the Oryx helicopter has been a crucial asset, serving as a workhorse for the SAAF.

"Back at home, we still have a very dire situation."

- Kobus Marais,  defence and political analyst

Marais also emphasises the severe gaps in South Africa’s defense capabilities, noting that the country’s airspace is inadequately protected, the naval forces are under-equipped, and the Rooivalk helicopters have been grounded for several years.

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He stresses the urgent need for upgrades to both the Oryx and Rooivalk helicopters to address these critical shortfalls.

"It is certainly a critical situation at the moment...We've got a constitutional obligation to protect the integrity of our country and secure the safety of our people and we cannot do that at the moment."

- Kobus Marais, defence and political analyst

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.