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1 South African Tank Regiment Thwarts Cross-Border Explosives Smuggling Attempt
While illegal border crossings remain a persistent challenge, a recent incident near the Beitbridge Point of Entry has highlighted a more dangerous trend involving high-risk smuggling operations. This shift was exposed on 02 January 2026 when a routine patrol uncovered the illicit transport of commercial explosives across the South Africa–Zimbabwe border. Members of 1 South African Tank Regiment operating under the command of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo were conducting a routine foot patrol
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
![[WATCH] China condemns Philippine ships at scarborough shoal](https://defencenetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/22-sept-china-phillipines-dn.jpg)
France Rolls Out First BR71 Mk II Corvette for Angolan Navy
The first of three BR71 Mk II corvettes ordered by the Angolan Navy has been rolled out of the assembly dock at CMN’s shipyard in Cherbourg France. The development was confirmed by CMN on its official LinkedIn page. The vessel has now entered the final outfitting phase with specialists installing key systems including masts sensors and the 76-mm main gun mount. The BR71 Mk II is an evolution of the Baynunah-class corvettes previously
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
22 Squadron Delivers Critical Aerial Support in Western Cape Wildfire Battle
22 Squadron, based at Air Force Base Ysterplaat in the Western Cape, played a vital role in combating the recent wildfires over the weekend of 10 and 11 January 2026, which continue to threaten the Hermanus and Stanford areas. With fast-spreading flames endangering communities and natural reserves, the Squadron’s Oryx helicopter was rapidly deployed to provide critical aerial firefighting support. The mission was flown by an experienced and dedicated crew, with Major Warren
Libya’s Air Power Leap: Pakistan Arms the LNA with JF-17 Block III and Super Mushshak Aircraft
In late December 2025, the Libyan National Army (LNA) secured a major defence deal with Pakistan, reportedly valued at over $4 billion, for the acquisition of 16 JF-17 Block III multi-role fighter jets and 12 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. This transaction is significant not only for its scale but for its strategic implications in a conflict zone that has seen protracted fragmentation and foreign interference for over a decade. The LNA, under the
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
Alpine Armoring rolls out next-Gen Pit-Bull VXT tactical truck
Egypt Confirms Deployment of Chinese HQ-9B Long-Range Air Defence System
France Rolls Out First BR71 Mk II Corvette for Angolan Navy
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