

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.
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MONUSCO Expresses Gratitude as South Africa Withdraws Remaining Troops
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has formally acknowledged South Africa’s decision to withdraw its remaining military contingents and personnel from the mission following notification from the United Nations Secretariat. The announcement, made on 8 February 2026, marks the conclusion of South Africa’s long-standing participation in MONUSCO and reflects a significant transition in the country’s involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Central Africa. MONUSCO

Innovative South African Electronics Systems Make Overseas Debut at WDS2026
Pretoria-based Etion Create is showcasing a range of innovative solutions, including advanced cybersecurity and navigation systems, at the third edition of the World Defence Show (WDS2026) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At the forefront is the company’s Cheetah tactical router, making its international debut. ITAR-free and NGVA-compliant, the Cheetah is ideal for tactical applications and built on the new VNX+ platform with a clear growth path into mission computer systems. “It can be upgraded

Relentless Fight Against Rhino Poaching in Kruger National Park
In a relentless fight against illicit wildlife crime including rhino poaching, South African National Parks (SANParks) confirms two recent anti-poaching incidents in the Kruger National Park, underscoring the bravery of our rangers. Rangers came into contact with suspected poachers on Thursday, 5 February 2026, in the Malelane section of the park. While no arrests were made, a high-caliber rifle and bags were recovered at the scene. The seizure of these items represents a

South African National Defence Force Hosts Armed Forces Day 2026 Media Launch in Thohoyandou
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) hosted a Media Launch on the 4th February in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, as part of the build-up to the 2026 Armed Forces Day (AFD) celebrations. The launch took place at the Thulamela Main Auditorium near Thavhani Mall, ahead of the main Armed Forces Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony scheduled for 21 February 2026. Addressing members of the media were the Chief of the SANDF, General

Kenya Navy Flags Off Exercise JITEGEMEE XXVII
The Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, on 3 February 2026 flagged off Exercise JITEGEMEE XXVII at the Kenya Navy Fleet, Mkunguni Jetty, Mombasa. The deployment, conducted aboard KNS JASIRI and KNS SHUPAVU, continues the Navy’s longstanding tradition of preparing Junior Officers Under Training through rigorous seagoing evolutions. These exercises reinforce the theoretical and simulation-based instruction provided at the Kenya Naval Training College. Addressing officers and crew during the flag-off ceremony, Major

Board of Inquiry Established to Examine Allegations Surrounding Exercise Will for Peace 2026
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans has announced the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to investigate serious allegations relating to the President’s instruction on the conduct of Exercise Will for Peace 2026, with particular focus on the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. The decision follows a series of reports alleging that the President’s directives regarding the exercise may not have been carried out as intended, were misrepresented or

Paramount Deploys Rapid Humanitarian Support to Flood-Affected Communities in Mozambique
Global aerospace and defence company Paramount has deployed urgent humanitarian assistance to flood-affected communities in Mozambique, providing a rapid-deployable rescue boat supported by highly experienced paramedics specialising in disaster medicine. The deployment follows severe flooding that has left large areas inaccessible, displacing communities and cutting off access to essential services. Paramount’s rescue team has been operating on the ground for more than a week, working in close coordination with the Mozambican Navy to

SAS Amatola Heads Overseas – First SA Navy Deployment in a Decade
The South African Navy (SAN) has marked a historic milestone with the departure of frigate SAS Amatola on 25 January for India, the first foreign deployment by the SA Navy in ten years. The deployment underscores South Africa’s renewed focus on naval diplomacy and international engagement after years of budget constraints and operational challenges. During her voyage, SAS Amatola will participate in two major Indian Navy-hosted events in Visakhapatnam: the International Fleet Review

NAF Super Puma Returns to Service as CAS Charges Personnel to Boost Operational Readiness
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recorded a significant operational boost on 4 February 2026 with the commissioning of a reactivated Super Puma helicopter NAF 565 at 205 Rotary Wing in Ikeja Lagos. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke described the aircraft’s return to service as a clear demonstration of the Service’s resolve to sustain decisive airpower in defence of the nation. Addressing personnel at the event Air

SAAF Marks 106 Years of Service
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has marked 106 years of protecting the nation’s skies and supporting communities in times of crisis. Speaking at the annual Prestige Parade at the SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing in Swartkop, Chief of the Air Force Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo paid tribute to the men and women who have upheld the Air Force’s mandate for more than a century. January was a demanding period for the SAAF with

Nigeria Eyes Acquisition of 12 Kawasaki KV-107 Helicopters from Saudi Arabia
By early 2026, Nigeria is reportedly preparing to receive 12 Kawasaki KV-107 helicopters from Saudi Arabia, a move that would significantly enhance the country’s heavy-lift and logistical capabilities. The news emerged via Honourable Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi, Special Adviser to the Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. While no official confirmation has been issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Air Force or Saudi authorities, Gebi’s track record

SA Air Force to Host Annual Prestige Parade at Mobile Deployment Wing
The South African Air Force (SAAF) will host its annual Prestige Parade on Friday, 30 January 2026, at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing parade ground, commencing at 10:00. The event commemorates the Air Force’s years of service and recognises the dedication of its personnel. Air Force bases, units and squadrons will compete across multiple categories, including flying, training, maintenance, support, protection, human resources and servicing. The week of celebrations begins with the
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