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M23 Rebels Capture Uvira, Triggering Mass Displacement
M23 rebels have seized Uvira, a key city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) near the Burundi border, prompting widespread panic and displacement. The capture undermines a recent peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and Qatar. The offensive, launched on December 1, involved intense artillery attacks leaving at least 74 people dead—mostly civilians—and 83 others hospitalized. Residents report that M23 forces also captured Luvungi and
SANDF Honours Excellence at 2025 Chief of the Defence Force Prize Giving Ceremony
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) hosted its annual Chief of the Defence Force Prize Giving Ceremony at St George’s Hotel in Irene, Pretoria, on 5 December 2025. The event followed the earlier daytime programme and concluded the year’s calendar by recognising the outstanding achievements of SANDF members across fitness, culture, sport and service. Senior leadership and invited guests gathered to celebrate excellence within the organisation, with the Chief of the SANDF,
Junior Command and Staff Course Celebrates Its Graduates
The Junior Command and Staff Course marked its successful conclusion with a certificate ceremony held at the Military Health Training Formation, presided over by Lieutenant General N.P. Maphaha, Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). During the ceremony, Lieutenant General Maphaha presented certificates to the students who successfully met all course requirements, formally recognising their achievement. He commended the graduates for their dedication, discipline, and resilience throughout the demanding training
EDEX 2025 Opens With Strong Focus on Local Defence Production
The Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2025) opened on 1 December at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo, bringing together more than 450 companies from over 80 countries and an estimated 40,000 military and industry professionals. In its fourth edition, EDEX marks a major milestone: for the first time the event is being fully managed by Egyptian institutions. A committee from the Ministry of Military Production, the Armed Forces and the Arab Organisation
![[WATCH] China condemns Philippine ships at scarborough shoal](https://defencenetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/22-sept-china-phillipines-dn.jpg)
SAS Adam Kok III Completes First Operation CORONA (Maritime) Patrol
The SAS Adam Kok III (AMKK) has completed its maiden Operation CORONA (Maritime) deployment after departing Simon’s Town on 21 November 2025 under the Joint Tactical Headquarters Western Cape. Declared combat-ready in October, the vessel conducted maritime border-safeguarding patrols along South Africa’s West Coast with a focus on deterrence, surveillance and joint law-enforcement operations alongside the SANDF, SAPS and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. While the ship patrolled offshore, the SA
Department of Defence Responds to SA Navy Chief’s Remarks
The Department of Defence has expressed concern regarding comments made by Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, during the SA Navy Gala Dinner held over the past weekend. Vice Admiral Lobese, a senior member of the Military Command, reportedly made statements that were viewed as casting aspersions on the leadership of government. In response, the Minister of Defence described the remarks as inappropriate, disingenuous and unfortunate, particularly given that
China Commissions Third Aircraft Carrier
China officially commissioned its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Type 003 Fujian into the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) on 5 November 2025. The ceremony held at a naval port in Sanya, Hainan Province was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Fujian marks a major milestone as China’s first fully domestically designed and constructed aircraft carrier, underscoring the country’s accelerating military modernisation and its ambition to build a blue-water navy
Production of Ten PV43-M Patrol Vessels Begins for Egyptian Navy
NVL Egypt has begun production of ten PV43-M patrol vessels for the Egyptian Navy, marking a major milestone in the country’s naval modernisation and shipbuilding capability. The programme follows the establishment of Naval Vessels Lürssen Egypt (NVL Egypt), a joint venture between NVL Group, Abou Quir Ports Construction & Management Company (APCM) and Magnom Industries. Production started on schedule in September 2025, with all vessels being built entirely in Egypt in cooperation with
Rooivalk Trio Returns Home: 16 Squadron Marks a Historic Milestone
A golden Free State sunset greeted a powerful and symbolic reunion at Air Force Base Bloemspruit as Rooivalk 671, Rooivalk 672 and Rooivalk 674 stood together again on home soil. For the first time in years all three airframes of South Africa’s iconic combat support helicopter were back at their home unit 16 Squadron. Their return marks the successful conclusion of one of the most notable recent chapters in South African military aviation.
Uganda Strengthens Border Surveillance with Delair UX11 Drones
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has acquired six Delair UX11 fixed-wing drones, enhancing wide-area monitoring along the country’s 2,700-kilometre borders. Finalised in late 2025, the deal supports Uganda’s layered intelligence strategy against groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Weighing just 1.4 kilograms, the UX11 is portable and modular, assembled in under five minutes. It launches by hand at a 30-degree angle and lands via automated low-speed belly recovery, eliminating the need
NAF Alpha Jet Crash: Pilots Eject Safely During Test Flight Emergency
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed an in-flight emergency involving an Alpha Jet during a post-inspection functional check flight at NAF Base Kainji. The two pilots, demonstrating exceptional skill and composure, safely ejected after the aircraft developed a critical malfunction shortly after take-off. The pilots manoeuvred the aircraft away from populated areas before executing the ejection, preventing potential civilian casualties. Both crew members are undergoing routine medical evaluation. Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin
Botswana to Receive New AW189K Presidential Helicopter Next Month
Botswana is set to enhance its presidential air transport capability with the arrival of a new AW189K helicopter, expected to be delivered to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) next month. According to reports from HeliHub.com, the aircraft has been acquired from Italian aerospace manufacturer Leonardo and is currently undergoing final test flights in Italy. The AW189K is the high-performance variant of Leonardo’s successful AW189 multirole helicopter family. It is equipped with two powerful
SpaceX to retire dragon fleet amid political turbulence and strategic realignment
DA calls for court‑martial over SANDF chief’s remarks in Iran
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