

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has come under fire after it emerged that nearly 1,000 rifles have gone missing over the past decade.
The helicopter was returning from the scene of an earlier ambush near Kindu village in Shiroro in which 25 soldiers were killed and seven others wounded.
Stay informed. Stay connected.

MULTI-AGENCY OPERATION STRENGTHENS LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS IN GQEBERHA
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gqeberha has intensified its crime-fighting efforts through Operation Prosper, delivering significant operational successes within the Nelson Mandela Bay District. A multi-disciplinary compliance operation was conducted on 16 April 2026 in the Korsten Business Area bringing together SAPS, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the South African Air Force, Traffic Services, Metro Police and the Border Management Authority. The coordinated approach highlighted strengthened inter-agency cooperation aimed

SANParks Rangers Disrupt Major Abalone Poaching Operation in Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area
SANParks rangers have successfully disrupted a significant illegal abalone poaching operation within the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area (MPA) resulting in the arrest of two suspects, the recovery of large quantities of abalone and the seizure of diving equipment used in the illicit activity. The operation unfolded on 13 April 2026 at approximately 16:00 during a routine patrol conducted by rangers in the vicinity of the western side of the Bloukrans River near the

Operation PROSPER Joint Parade Targets Illegal Mining in Welkom
Security forces assembled in Welkom for an operational parade ahead of Operation PROSPER, a coordinated initiative aimed at addressing illegal mining activities in the Free State. Led by the Joint Tactical Headquarters of the Free State, the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to restore law and order in affected mining regions. The initiative brings together multiple security structures in a unified response to a growing national concern. The South African National Defence

Saab Secures SEK 2.6 Billion Order for Advanced Counter-UAS System from Sweden
Saab has received a major order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for a mobile and modular counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) designed to protect the Swedish Armed Forces and critical civil infrastructure from drone threats. The order, valued at approximately SEK 2.6 billion, covers deliveries scheduled for 2027–2028. The advanced system, developed in partnership with the Swedish Armed Forces and FMV, provides a cost-efficient layered defence against modern unmanned aerial threats. It

Armscor Dockyard Completes Dry Dock Refurbishment
The Selborne Dry Dock is a critical naval infrastructure asset responsible for vessel refitting, repair and modernisation. Central to its operation are two penstock doors that regulate the controlled flooding and dewatering of the dock ensuring safe and efficient docking procedures for South African Navy vessels. The refurbishment was initiated after one of the penstock doors failed during routine inspection and testing. The failure was linked to aged infrastructure and material breakdown at

SA Navy Festival Sets Sail for Simon’s Town with Warships, Air Displays and Family Activities
Cape Town’s most unique maritime open day is back as the 2026 SA Navy Festival takes over the East Dockyard at Simon’s Town Naval Base from Friday 17 April to Sunday 19 April. Entry is free and the event runs daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Billed as a premier maritime event on the national calendar the festival gives the public a rare opportunity to step inside one of South Africa’s most historic naval

Nigerian Navy, Spain Strengthen Maritime Security Through Exercise Coastal Grip
The Nigerian Navy and Spanish maritime forces have reinforced bilateral defence cooperation through the successful execution of Exercise Coastal Grip, a joint maritime security training activity aimed at improving interoperability, operational readiness and response to evolving threats in West African waters. The exercise brought together naval personnel from both nations to conduct coordinated operations focused on maritime domain awareness, anti-piracy tactics, boarding procedures and search-and-rescue scenarios. The collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on

French Jeanne d’Arc Naval Mission Strengthens Ties in Cape Town
The French Navy’s Jeanne d’Arc mission recently made a stop in Cape Town, reinforcing longstanding ties between France and South Africa. The Jeanne d’Arc mission is an annual deployment dedicated to training French naval officer cadets while combining operational experience with international engagement. On board the amphibious assault ship cadets continue their at-sea training programme, gaining exposure to maritime operations, navigation and joint exercises. The vessel also carried NH90 helicopters, providing operational capability

Morocco Expands Apache Fleet and Modern Strike Capability
Morocco has received a second batch of six Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, increasing its operational fleet to 12 aircraft. The delivery forms part of a 24-unit programme signed in 2020 and marks a key step toward building a sustained, modern attack aviation capability built around precision strike, networking and interoperability. The AH-64E Apache Guardian is among the most advanced attack helicopters in service. It combines sensors, secure data links and precision-guided weapons

Togo boosts air mobility with Polish helicopter acquisition
The Togo Air Force has taken delivery of new Polish-built helicopters now stationed at its base in Lomé strengthening the country’s ability to respond to internal security threats and counter-insurgency operations. The fleet includes at least one PZL W-3 Sokół and a modernised PZL Mi-2Plus both produced by PZL-Świdnik a subsidiary of Leonardo. Under the leadership of Agnidoufey Mamah the aircraft are already operational. These helicopters complement Togo’s existing Russian-built fleet including the

Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia Partner on MQ-28 for Germany’s CCA Programme
Rheinmetall AG and Boeing Defence Australia have announced a strategic partnership to offer the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as a solution for the Bundeswehr Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) requirement, with entry into service targeted by 2029. Developed in Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force and allied partners, the MQ-28 has already surpassed 150 test flights. Designed as an autonomous force multiplier, the platform is intended to operate alongside crewed aircraft, delivering enhanced combat

Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe: Leading the South African Air Force into a New Era
Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe has officially assumed command of the South African Air Force (SAAF), following a historic Change of Command parade at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing Swartkop on 31 March 2026. The ceremony marked the transition from outgoing Chief Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo to his successor, Lieutenant General Moatshe and drew a distinguished audience including the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, the Military Command Council, the Air

Military chopper crashes at Mogadishu Airport, diverts civilian flights




Armscor – Your strategic partner of choice for defence and security solutions.
Sign up for our newsletter
ABout The Defence Network.
Welcome to Defence Network, your ultimate source of information at the forefront of aerospace, maritime, and defense domains. Our platform is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and insightful coverage, ensuring you stay informed about the latest advancements, policy shifts, and strategic developments shaping these critical sectors.
Success is not a good teacher, failure makes you humble.
At Defence Network, we pride ourselves on being a beacon of knowledge and clarity in a complex world. Our team of seasoned experts is committed to providing you with accurate, up-to-date news, in-depth analysis, and thought-provoking commentary. We strive to empower you with the understanding you need to navigate the intricate intersections of technology, security, and global affairs.
Meet our sponsors


CONTACT US
- 011 467 3341
- info@defencenetwork.co.za
- 8 Sheldon Place, 5 Lone Cl, Lone Hill, Sandton, 2062
SUBSCRIBE
© Defence Network 2025. All rights reserved. Developed by Creative Space Media.
