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Minister Motshekga Joins President Ramaphosa on Vietnam State Visit
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, accompanied President Cyril Ramaphosa on his State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 23 to 24 October 2025. This marks the second leg of the President’s three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, highlighting South Africa’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and defence ties in the region. The visit comes at a strategic time, reaffirming the importance South Africa places on its bilateral relationship
Armscor Responds to Misleading Article on Armoured Vehicle Tender
Armscor notes with concern the article published by a newspaper on 22 October 2025, titled “SANDF armoured vehicle tender raises red flags.” The headline and content are misleading, inaccurate, and not based on verified facts. The article suggests that Armscor is under scrutiny for delays and changes in the SANDF’s armoured vehicle procurement process. These claims are unfounded and reflect the opinions of certain industry participants who do not possess the full context
SA Army Prepares for Exercise Vuk’uhlome 2025 at CTC Lohathla
The South African Army is gearing up for Exercise Vuk’uhlome 2025, a large-scale, division-level exercise held at the SA Army Combat Training Centre (CTC) in the Northern Cape. Scheduled to run from 7 September to 30 November, the exercise will see troops arriving from across the country from September, with the main operational phase planned for November. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, preparations are well underway, including stabling parades for
Lockheed Martin Awarded U.S. Army IFPC 2nd Interceptor Agreement
The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin an Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) 2nd Interceptor Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Project Agreement to advance its air and missile defence network. The multi-year agreement, expected to span 15 years, marks a major step forward in strengthening layered defence against evolving aerial threats. The IFPC 2nd Interceptor program aims to close the capability gap between short-range air defense systems and the Patriot air and missile defense
![[WATCH] China condemns Philippine ships at scarborough shoal](https://defencenetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/22-sept-china-phillipines-dn.jpg)
Nigerian-French Forces Test Amphibious Operations in Crocodile Lift 2025
Nigerian and French naval forces recently concluded Exercise Crocodile Lift 2025, a multinational operation aimed at enhancing maritime security and joint operational capability in the Gulf of Guinea. The exercise culminated in a full-scale amphibious assault simulation at Takwa Bay beachfront, testing interoperability against regional maritime threats. The scenario involved a fictional Pirate Action Group hijacking, tasking the combined forces with rescuing 16 kidnapped crew members and dismantling a simulated pirate camp. The
SAS ADAM KOK III Commissioned, Commander Lindeni Jane Xakane Takes Command
A historic moment unfolded at Simon’s Town on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, as the South African Navy (SAN) officially commissioned its third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), SAS ADAM KOK III, and entrusted Commander Lindeni Jane Xakane with command. The ceremony, presided over by Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, was attended by senior Naval Command Council members, representatives from Damen Shipyards—builders of the vessel—and invited dignitaries. The commissioning
Saab Secures Additional Order for Swedish A26 Submarines
Saab has received a new order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) covering the final phase of production as well as additional material and services for the two previously ordered Blekinge-class (A26) submarines. The contract is valued at approximately SEK 9.6 billion with the majority of deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2032. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, commented: “Saab is currently building the world’s most advanced conventional submarines for Sweden.
Virginia-Class Submarine Massachusetts Completes First Sea Trials
Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) announced on 7 October that Virginia-class attack submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) has successfully completed its initial sea trials. The testing included submerging the submarine for the first time and conducting high-speed manoeuvres both on the surface and underwater. Further testing will continue before delivery to the US Navy. “Our team at Newport News Shipbuilding understands the importance of delivering capability to our fleet,” said NNS President
Canberra 457 Begins New Chapter with Restoration at Hangar 13
A significant milestone in South Africa’s aviation heritage preservation has been achieved with the successful relocation of English Electric Canberra B(I)12 No. 457 to Hangar 13 at the Mobile Deployment Wing, Swartkop — formerly Air Force Base Swartkop — where it will undergo a full restoration. The move marks the beginning of a long-anticipated project to return one of the South African Air Force’s iconic Cold War-era bombers to pristine static display condition.
NAF Strengthens Airspace Security with Graduation of Anti-UAV Radar Operators
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved another milestone in its drive for technological advancement and enhanced airspace protection with the graduation of personnel trained to operate the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Radar System. The ceremony, held on 17 October 2025 at the Headquarters Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, Borno State, underscored the Service’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s air defence architecture against emerging aerial threats. Representing the Chief of
Egypt Expands Rafale Capability as F3R Deliveries Resume
Egypt’s Air Force has expanded its Dassault Rafale fleet with the arrival of a second batch of F3R-standard fighters in early October 2025, marking the resumption of deliveries after an eight-year hiatus. The latest shipment comprises three aircraft—two single-seat Rafale EMs (EM10 and EM11) and one dual-seat Rafale DM (DM21)—all of which completed acceptance flights in France before transiting to Gebel El Basur Air Base. The milestone forms part of Egypt’s broader effort
Sudan–Pakistan Defence Deal Scaled Down Amid Chinese Block and Sanctions Pressure
In mid-August 2025, Sudan signed a US$1.5 billion defence contract with Pakistan — one of the largest arms export deals in Sudan’s modern history. The agreement underscored Pakistan’s rising stature as a global arms supplier and reflected Khartoum’s determination to intensify its military campaign in the ongoing civil war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, the ambitious deal quickly stalled due to Chinese intervention. Beijing refused to supply key components essential to
Egypt Confirms Deployment of Chinese HQ-9B Long-Range Air Defence System
New SA Navy hydrographic survey vessel on track for march launch
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