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SA Army Prepares for Dual-Exercise Standby Readiness Ahead of 2026 Local Government Elections
The South African National Defence Force is advancing its operational readiness plans with the initiation of Exercise MATHA and Exercise PHIRIMA following the announcement by State President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa that 4 November 2026 has been declared the official date for South Africa’s Local Government Elections. In line with its constitutional mandate to support civil authorities when required, the South African Army has commenced structured planning to ensure a prepared and deployable standby
Long Weekend Operations Strengthen Safety in Table Mountain National Park
South African National Parks (SANParks) ranger teams recorded significant successes over the long weekend through coordinated operations across key areas of Table Mountain National Park. On 23 April 2026 the SANParks K9 Unit working alongside the Sea Air Mountain (SEAM) unit conducted a targeted night operation in the southern section of the park. The operation focused on suspected abalone poaching camps and intelligence gathering. During patrols between Smitswinkel and Black Rocks K9 units
South African Army strengthens defence ties with Malaysia at DSA 2026
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has reinforced its commitment to defence diplomacy and international cooperation during high-level engagements at the 19th Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition, held from 20 April 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In a key bilateral engagement, the Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, acting on behalf of the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, paid a courtesy call on the Chief of
Ethiopia expands armoured fleet with additional Calidus MCAV-20 deliveries from UAE
The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) has taken delivery of an additional batch of Calidus MCAV-20 armoured vehicles from the United Arab Emirates in early 2026, reinforcing ongoing efforts to modernise its motorised infantry and border security units. Military logistics movements observed in March 2026 indicate that newly manufactured vehicles were transported by rail from the Port of Djibouti to Addis Ababa. The shipment follows an earlier large-scale induction in July 2024, when
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SAS Amatola Returns Home After Landmark Indo-Pacific Deployment
The SAS Amatola has concluded a significant long-range deployment across the Indo-Pacific, marking a renewed demonstration of the South African Navy’s blue-water capability and strategic reach. Departing Simon’s Town on 25 January, the frigate sailed to Visakhapatnam to participate in the International Fleet Review 2026 on 18 February. The visit underscored South Africa’s continued engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners and its commitment to cooperative maritime security. This was followed by participation in Exercise
Cape Town to host strategic Oceans Economy Conference as global maritime tensions recast the importance of sea power and trade security
Cape Town, South Africa – At a time when escalating geopolitical tensions, disrupted shipping lanes and rising instability across key maritime corridors are reshaping global trade, South Africa’s maritime leaders will gather in Cape Town for the 2026 Oceans Economy Conference, hosted by the South African Navy. Under the theme “Moving from Maritime Security to Strategic Economic Security,” the conference will bring together senior government leaders, defence experts, economists, port authorities, investors and industry stakeholders to address the
US nuclear supercarrier transits Namibia’s waters
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs of Namibia has confirmed that a United States nuclear-powered supercarrier is currently transiting off the coast of Namibia within its exclusive economic zone under international maritime law. The vessel, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), is operating under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu confirmed that the carrier has not entered Namibia’s territorial waters
South African Navy Festival 2026 Concludes at Naval Base Simon’s Town
The South African Navy Festival 2026 has officially wrapped following three days of activity held from 16 to 19 April 2026 at Naval Base Simon’s Town. Despite persistent adverse weather conditions, the event was widely regarded as a success with thousands of visitors attending across the weekend. Although the final day saw disruptions to the arena programme and the cancellation of tugboat rides, public turnout remained strong. Visitors were still able to experience
Algeria Deploys Russian-Made Kronstadt Orion UAV in Live-Fire Exercise
The Algerian Ministry of National Defence has confirmed the operational deployment of the Russian-built Kronshtadt Orion (Inokhodets), marking its first official integration into the People’s National Army’s (PNA) operational order of battle. The announcement was made following a live-fire exercise in April 2026, where General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the PNA, oversaw the “Ouragan 2026” tactical drill in the Guezzam sector near Algeria’s southern border. During the exercise, the Orion-E conducted
UAE Delays Mirage 2000-9 Transfer to Morocco Amid Regional Security Escalation
The United Arab Emirates has postponed the planned transfer of 30 Dassault Mirage 2000-9 aircraft to Morocco, citing heightened regional instability and the need to preserve full operational combat capability within its air force inventory. The decision, made by Emirati military leadership in February 2026, reflects a broader reassessment of force readiness as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. The aircraft are now expected to remain in service with the UAE
Nigeria’s M-346FA Fleet Enters Flight Test Phase
One of the 24 Leonardo M-346FA (Fighter Attack) aircraft on order for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has entered the flight testing phase, marking a significant milestone in the programme. The aircraft has been sighted for the first time bearing full Nigerian Air Force markings, underscoring the advanced stage of production and the approaching delivery timeline. The M-346FA is a multi-role light combat aircraft derived from the proven M-346 advanced jet trainer. Designed
Milkor and LIG Defence & Aerospace Partner on UAV Systems
Milkor and South Korea’s LIG Nex1 have signed a collaboration agreement to integrate advanced mission payloads into the Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle strengthening cooperation in next-generation unmanned systems. The agreement was signed on 21 April at the Milkor stand during the Defence and Security Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. The partnership will focus on jointly developing unmanned reconnaissance platforms and mission systems while also pursuing global marketing efforts particularly
Operation Phakisa Targets Coastal Crime in Namakwa District
2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade bolsters partnership with Botswana Defence Forces
Saab to Develop Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for Sweden
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