List of aircraft of the South African Air Force

The South African Air Force (SAAF) has operated a wide range of aircraft since its establishment in 1920. The fleet's core capabilities are built around its fighter, transport, maritime patrol, helicopter, and training aircraft. Key operational types include the JAS 39 Gripen, BAE Hawk, C-130 Hercules, Oryx and AW109 helicopter fleets, supported by various light transport, liaison, and VIP airframes.

Historically, the SAAF operated one of the largest and most capable fighter fleets in the Southern Hemisphere. Notable past aircraft include the 68 Atlas Cheetahs—South Africa's indigenous modernised variant of the Mirage III—and the 48 Mirage F1s, both of which formed the backbone of the country's air combat capability from the late 1970s through the early 2000s. Earlier eras also saw extensive fleets of Mirage III variants, Impalas, Sabres, Buccaneers, and Canberras.

The following is a list of current and historic aircraft of the South African Air Force.

Current aircraft

The South African Air Force operates a diverse mix of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Fleet total refers to the number of airframes that remain in the SAAF inventory, while in service refers to those that are currently operational or can be made airworthy. Aircraft listed as not in service include airframes of the same type that have been placed in long-term storage pending possible reactivation or sale, or airframes that were damaged in accidents but remain in inventory awaiting repair or disposal. The SAAF's current aircraft holdings are as follows:

  • Aircraft (As per November 2025):
    • Fleet total: 275
    • In service: 199
    • On order: 5

Fixed-wing aircraft

Aircraft Image Origin Type Introduced Fleet total In service Notes
JAS 39C/D Gripen  Sweden Multi-role fighter 2008 26[1] 25[1]
  • Service: 17 Gripen C and 9 Gripen D taken into service between 2008 and 2012, with one C variant written off and taken out of service following an accident in 2021 during maintenance.[2]
BAE Hawk Mk.120  United Kingdom Lead-in fighter and advanced trainer 2006 24[1] 22[1]
  • Service: 24 taken into service between 2006 and 2008, with two aircraft taken out of service amid safety concerns following light accidents.
Pilatus PC-7  Switzerland Primary trainer 1994 (Mk I)

2010 (Mk II)

60[3] 35[1]
  • Service: Only 35 upgraded PC-7 Mk II Astra variants are in service, 25 older PC-7 Mk I variants are held in long-term storage due to limited pilot training.
Lockheed C-130BZ Hercules  United States Medium tactical airlifter 1963 7[4] 6[1]
  • Service: Initially 9 C-130B taken into service and upgraded to BZ-standard in the late 1990s as part of Project Ebb.[5] Two aircraft have been lost following crashes, with another cannibalised for parts.[4]
CASA C-212 Aviocar  Spain Light tactical airlifter 1994 4[6] 3[1]
  • Service: Inherited in 1994 from the air wings of the former Transkei (2) and Venda (2) defence forces.
Douglas C-47-TP Turbo Dakota  United States Naval patrol aircraft 1943 39[7] 5[1]
  • Service: Initially 47 taken into service, following the end of the Border War, the number of squadrons operating the Dakota was reduced, along with the disposal of some airframes. Some remaining 39 aircraft were modernised and converted in the 1990s with new PT6A Turboprop engines and modern avionics as part of Project Felstone.
Cessna 208 Caravan  United States Signals intelligence aircraft 1988 8[1] 8[1]
  • Service: Initially 12 aircraft were taken into service. 11 airframes were converted and fitted with a Argos 410-Z day/night reconnaissance system as part of Project Koiler. 4 out of the 12 aircraft have been written off and disposed of following crashes.[8]
Pilatus PC-12  Switzerland Passenger and cargo aircraft 1997 1[1] 1[1]
  • Service: The SAAF has a single PC-12 for use as a passenger and light-cargo transport aircraft. The aircraft has been employed primarily on liaison flights, personnel movement, and small-load logistics missions.
Super King Air  United States Passenger and cargo aircraft 1981 4[9] 2[1]
  • Service: Super King Air aircraft remain in service supporting light transport missions, medical evacuation, training, and general utility tasks. Some airframes were withdrawn from service following structural fatigue and sustainment challenges.
Boeing 737 (BBJ)  United States VIP transport aircraft 2001 1[1] 1[1]
  • Service: The sole Boeing 737 BBJ entered service in 2001 as the SAAF's long-range VIP transport aircraft. It supports presidential and ministerial flights, regional diplomatic missions, and strategic long-distance travel.
Cessna Citation II  United States VIP transport aircraft 1983 2[1] 2[1]
  • Service: Two Citation aircraft were introduced into service in 1994 to provide short-to-medium range VIP transport capability fulfilling staff transport, liaison, and executive travel roles.
Dassault Falcon 50  France VIP transport aircraft 1982 2[1] 2[1]
  • Service: Two Falcon 50 aircraft were acquired for long-range VIP and government transport duties.
Dassault Falcon 900  France VIP transport aircraft 1992 1[1] 1[1]
  • Service: The SAAF's single Falcon 900 were acquired to supplement the VIP fleet. The aircraft is used for high-priority governmental travel and diplomatic missions.

Rotary-wing aircraft

Aircraft Image Origin Type Introduced Fleet total In service Notes
Denel AH-2 Rooivalk  South Africa Attack helicopter 2011 11[1] 11[1]
  • Service: 12 taken into service between 2011 and 2012 with one aircraft damaged in an accident and written off upon delivery.
Atlas Oryx  South Africa Medium helicopter 1990 49[10] 37[1]
  • Service: Initially 51 aircraft were taken into service. In 2006, Project Drummer II upgraded 39 airframes, with only these modernised examples remaining in service and the rest in long-term storage. In 2025, two airframes were written off following crashes.
AgustaWestland AW109  Italy Utility helicopter 2003 24[11] 24[1]
  • Service: Initially 30 aircraft were taken into service under Project Flange, with 25 assembled in South Africa and 5 in Italy. In recent years, some airframes have been written off following crashes.
MBB/Kawasaki BK 117  Germany Japan Utility helicopter 1994 8[1] 8[1]
Westland Super Lynx 300 Mk.64  United Kingdom ASW helicopter 2007 4[13] 4[1]

UAVs

Aircraft Image Origin Type Introduced Fleet total In service Notes
Milkor 380  South Africa MALE UCAV — (+5) On order Status: 5 on order to be delivered by the end of 2025.[14] Production is set to double from 8 systems per year by up to 16 per year starting by 2026.[15]

Historic aircraft no longer in service

Aircraft Origin Role Service period No. operated Notes
Aermacchi AM.3C Bosbok Italy/S. Africa Utility 1973–1992 40[16]
Aeronca KCA US Liaison ? ?
Aeronca 50C Chief US Liaison 1940-? 1[16]
Aeronca 65C Super Chief US Liaison ? ?
Aérospatiale SA365N Dauphin France Helicopter 1994–1998 1[16]
Aermacchi/Atlas MB.326 Impala Italy/S. Africa Trainer 1966–2005 251[16]
Aermacchi/Atlas C.4M Kudu Italy/S. Africa Utility 1976–1991 40[16]
Airco DH.4 UK Bomber 1919–1927 10[16]
de Havilland DH.9 UK Bomber 1919–1942 11[16] Airco DH.9 until 1920. Some had Bristol Jupiter engines as DH M′pala
Airspeed AS-6J Envoy UK Transport 1936–1940 7[16]
Airspeed AS-10 Oxford Mk.I & II UK Trainer 1940-1950 700[16]
Atlas Cheetah C, D, E South Africa Fighter 1986–2008 68[16]
Auster AOP-3, 5, 6 & 9 UK Liaison 1945-1967
Avro 504K & N UK Trainer 1919–? 31+[16]
Avro Avian UK Trainer ?-1936 21+[16]
Avro Tutor UK Trainer 1930–1938 59[16]
Avro Anson UK Trainer 1940–1947 750+[16]
Avro York C.1 UK Transport 1944–1952 1[16]
Avro Shackleton MR.3 UK Maritime Patrol 1957–1984 8[16]
Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor US Transport 1945 2[16]
Beechcraft B-80 Queen Air US Transport 1975–1992 2[16]
Boeing 707 US Transport 1986–2007 5[16]
Bristol Blenheim Mk.I, IV & V UK Bomber 1939–1943 10+[16]
Bristol Beaufort I, IA, II, IIA UK Bomber 1941–1944 58[16]
Bristol Beaufighter Mk.II, VI, X UK Attack 1943–1944 7+[16]
British Aircraft Double Eagle UK Liaison 1939–1940 1[16]
Britten-Norman Islander UK Transport 1994-? 2[16]
Bücker Bü 131A/B/D Jungmann Germany Trainer 1936–1939 ?
Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister Germany Trainer 1939-? ?
Canadair Sabre Mk.6 Canada Fighter 1956–1980 34[16]
CASA CN-235 Spain Transport 1994-2012 1[16]
Cessna C-34 Airmaster US Liaison ? 1[16]
Cessna 185A, D & E Skywagon US Liaison ? 45[16]
Cessna 320 US Transport 1965–1967 1[16]
Cessna Skymaster US Transport ? ?
Cessna 411 US Transport ? ?
Consolidated Catalina Mk.IB/III US Maritime Patrol 1943–1946 18[16]
Consolidated Liberator B.Mk.VI US Maritime Patrol 1944–1945 16[16]
Curtiss Mohawk US Fighter 1941–1942 159[16]
Curtiss Tomahawk, Kittyhawk & Warhawk US Fighter 1940–1948 210+[16]
Dassault Falcon 20 France Transport 1966 1[16]
Dassault Mirage III France Fighter 1963–1990 57[16]
Dassault Mirage F1AZ & CZ France Fighter 1975–1997 51[16]
de Havilland DH.60 Moth/Gypsy Moth/Moth Major UK Trainer 1939-? 28[16]
de Havilland DH.66 Hercules UK Transport 1934–1943 3[16]
de Havilland DH.80A Puss Moth UK Liaison 1939-? 1[16]
de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth UK Trainer 1939–1958 675[16]
de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth UK Transport 1939-? ?
de Havilland DH.84 Dragon UK Transport 1939-? 1[16]
de Havilland DH.85 Leopard Moth UK Liaison 1939–1943 7[16]
de Havilland DH.87B Hornet Moth UK Liaison 1939–1940 19[16]
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide/Dominie UK Transport 1939-? 21[16]
de Havilland DH.90 Dragonfly UK Transport 1939-? 3[16]
de Havilland DH-94 Moth Minor UK Trainer 1939-? ?
de Havilland DH-98 Mosquito UK Bomber 1943–1945 22+[16]
de Havilland DH.100 Vampire FB.5, FB.6 UK Fighter 1950–1978 56[16]
de Havilland DH.115 Vampire T.11, T.55 UK Trainer 1953–1978 27[16]
de Havilland DH.104 Dove 5 UK Transport 1949–1965 9[16]
de Havilland DH.114 Heron 2 UK Transport 1955–1962 2[16]
Desoutter Mk.II UK Liaison ? 1[16]
Dornier Do 27B Germany Liaison 1958–1975 2[16]
Douglas Boston Mk.III US Bomber 1941–1943 18[16]
Douglas Dakota US Transport 1943–? 149[16]
Douglas DC-4-1009, C-54 Skymaster US Transport 1966–1994 8[16]
English Electric Canberra B(1)12 UK Bomber 1963–1991 6[16]
English Electric Canberra T.4 UK Trainer 1964–1991 3[16]
Fairey Battle B, T, TT UK Trainer 1939–1942 340[16]
Fairchild F-24G, R Argus III US Liaison 1939-? 1[16]
Fieseler Fi 156C-7 Storch Germany Liaison 1946-? 1[16]
General Aircraft ST-4 II Monospar UK Transport ? 1[16]
General Aircraft ST-25 Universal UK Transport ? 1[16]
Gloster Gauntlet UK Fighter 1939–1943 6[16]
Gloster Gladiator Mk I & II UK Fighter 1939–1941 31[16]
Gloster Survey UK Transport 1933–1942 1[16]
Gloster Meteor F.3 UK Fighter 1946–1949 1[16]
Hawker Hartbees Mk.I UK Bomber 1935–1940 69[16]
Hawker Hart UK Bomber 1936–1944 320[16]
Hawker Audax UK Fighter 1937–1944 80[16]
Hawker Fury Mk.I & Mk.II UK Fighter 1936–1942 53[16]
Hawker Hurricane Mk.I & II UK Fighter 1939–1945 193[16]
Hawker-Siddeley HS-125 UK Transport 1970–1999 8[16]
Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.Mk.50 UK Bomber 1965–1991 16[16]
Farman HF.27 France Trainer 1915-?
Junkers A-50 Junior Germany Trainer ? ?
Junkers F.13 Germany Transport ?-1944 1[16]
Junkers Ju 52-3m Germany Transport 1939–1953 23[16]
Junkers Ju 86 Germany Transport 1939–1945 18[16]
Klemm Kl 25 Germany Trainer ? ?
Koolhoven F.K.46 Netherlands Trainer ? ?
Lockheed Super Electra US Transport ? 3[16]
Lockheed Lodestar US Transport 1940–1944 31[16]
Lockheed Hudson US Bomber 1940-? 1[16]
Lockheed Ventura GR.V US Maritime Patrol 1942–1960 395[16]
Lockheed C-130F Hercules US Transport 1997–1998 7[16]
Martin Maryland Mk.I & II US Bomber 1940-1942 148+[16]
Martin Baltimore US Bomber 1941-1945 26+[16]
Martin Marauder I, II & III US Bomber 1942-1945 56+[16]
Miles M.2H Hawk UK Trainer 1943-? 2[16]
Miles Sparrowhawk UK Trainer 1939–1941 1[16]
Miles Magister UK Trainer 1940-? 7[16]
Miles Master T.II UK Trainer 1941–1945 426[16]
Miles Falcon UK Trainer ? 1[16]
Nord C160Z Transall France Transport 1969–1993 9[16]
North American Harvard/Texan US Trainer 1942–1995 744[16]
North American Mustang IIIB, IV, IVA US Fighter 1945, 1951-1952 95+[16]
Northrop Nomad Mk.I US Trainer 1941–1944 57[16]
Percival Gull VI UK Trainer 1940-? 1[16]
Piaggio P166 Albatross Italy Transport 1969–1993 27[16]
Pilatus PC-6 Porter Switzerland Transport 1994–1998 1[16] from Bophuthatswana Air Force
Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer Switzerland Trainer 1994–1996 3 from Bophuthatswana Air Force, returned to Pilatus
Piper J-3 US Trainer ? ?
Piper J-4 Cub Coupe US Trainer ? 1[16]
Piper PA-23 Aztec 250 US Liaison 1981–1992 2[16]
Piper PA-28 Cherokee 140 US Liaison 1981–1992 1[16]
Rearwin Speedster US Liaison 1939-? ?
Rearwin Sportster US Liaison 1939-? 12+[16]
Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2c & e UK Reconnaissance 1915–1921
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5A UK Fighter 1919–1931 24[16]
Ryan ST-A US Trainer 1939-? 3[16]
Short Sunderland GR.V UK Maritime Patrol 1945–1957 16[16]
Sikorsky S-51 US Helicopter 1948–1968 3[16]
Sikorsky Whirlwind US Helicopter 1956–1968
Simmonds Spartan UK Trainer 1925 1[16]
Stinson HW-75 US Liaison ? ?
Stinson SR-5A & 10C Reliant US Liaison ? 2[16]
Sud Aviation Alouette II & III France Helicopter 1960–2006 126[16]
Sud Aviation SA-321L Super Frelon France Transport Helicopter 1967–1990 17[16]
Sud Aviation Puma SA330C, H, J, L France Transport Helicopter 1969–1997 109[16]
Supermarine Spitfire V, VIII, IX UK Fighter 1942–1954 205[16]
Supermarine Spitfire PR IXe UK Reconnaissance 1947–1954 ?
Swearingen Merlin IVA US Transport 1975–1985 7[16]
Taylorcraft BC/BL/BL-65 US Liaison 1939-? ?
Tipsy S.2 Trainer Belgium Trainer 1939-? 1[16]
Vickers Type 264 Valentia UK Transport 1940–1943 11[16]
Vickers Wellesley UK Bomber 1940–1941 ?
Vickers Wellington UK Bomber ?-? 24[16]
Vickers Warwick Mk.V UK Bomber 1945–1946 32[16]
Vickers 781D Viscount UK Transport 1958–1991 1[16]
WACO biplanes US Liaison ? ?
Westland Wapiti UK Bomber 1931–1943 31[16]
Westland Wasp HAS 1 UK Helicopter 1963–1990

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab Teixeira, Ricardo; Wingrin, Dean (27 March 2025). "Setting the record straight on SAAF aircraft availability - defenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  2. ^ defenceWeb (11 June 2021). "Gripen in ground run incident at AFB Makhado - defenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  3. ^ Wingrin, Dean (14 July 2010). "SAAF receives first upgraded PC-7 MkII - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  4. ^ a b DefenceWeb (24 October 2025). "SAAF's C-130BZ Hercules 409 expected back in service mid-2026 - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  5. ^ "The South African Air Force". www.saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
  6. ^ Engelbrecht, Leon (26 August 2011). "SAAF keeps CASA fleet flying - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  7. ^ Wingrin, Dean (22 August 2025). "Although grounded, the SAAF's C47-TP Turbo Dakotas may live to fly again - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  8. ^ defenceWeb (20 January 2022). "Tenders out for support of two SAAF aircraft types - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  9. ^ defenceWeb (14 April 2025). "SAAF King Air light transport aircraft loses door - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  10. ^ defenceWeb (15 January 2016). "Final four Oryx being upgraded as part of Project Drummer - defenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  11. ^ Martin, Kim Helfrich/Guy (17 March 2025). "Helicopter remains anyone? - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 22 November 2025.
  12. ^ "The South African Air Force". www.saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  13. ^ "The South African Air Force". www.saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  14. ^ defenceWeb (25 November 2022). "First Milkor UAVs destined for South African use - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  15. ^ DefenceWeb (11 November 2025). "Milkor promotes 380 UAV as it continues development of larger 780 - DefenceWeb". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw cx cy cz da db dc dd de df dg dh di dj dk dl dm "South African Air Force". Aeroflight. 9 April 2016.
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