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Russia expresses readiness to supply South Africa with Mi-17 helicopters
(Image from Russian Embassy in South Africa Telegram Post) According to an announcement made by Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Alexander Kozlov, on October 27, 2026, South Africa will be supplied with aviation equipment by Russia, including the Soviet-designed Mi-17 military helicopter – in addition to plans to supply equipment for the modernisation of rail infrastructure in the country. The supply of the Mi-17 helicopter – which was announced at a
Paramount introduces new light armoured modular vehicle – Mbada
(Image: Paramount Group) Leading manufacturer of armoured vehicles, and global aerospace and defence company, Paramount, has launched its latest 4X4 light armoured modular vehicle (LAMV) for modern armed forces that require a lightweight armoured vehicle for an array of defence and security force missions across Africa, India, South Asia and international markets. According to a press release from Paramount, the Mbanda LAVM – which was first showcased at the Africa Aerospace and Defence
Angola becomes first African and southern hemisphere operator of Aero Vodochody’s L-39 Skyfox
The National Air Force of Angola (FAN) has placed an order for up to four Aero Vodochody L-39 Skyfox latest-generation jet trainer aircraft. The landmark agreement marks a major milestone for the Czech aerospace manufacturer, positioning Angola as the launch customer for the Skyfox on the African continent and the first nation in the Southern Hemisphere to operate the advanced aircraft type. “We are very pleased to have confirmed our first customer from
The historical evolution of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD)
1975: The Birth of AAD The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo traces its origins to the civilian “Aviation Africa” exhibition, which debuted at Lanseria Airport in October 1975. Initiated by the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA) and World Airnews, the event combined a trade exhibition for commercial aviation vendors with a public air show. Over time, this foundation merged with the DEXSA military exhibition to form the modern AAD Expo.
![[WATCH] China condemns Philippine ships at scarborough shoal](https://defencenetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/22-sept-china-phillipines-dn.jpg)
Namibian Navy Marks Milestone with Marine Graduation and Naval Training School Anniversary
The Naval Training School (NTS) marked a historic milestone by hosting the graduation ceremony of the 10th Marine Formation Course alongside its 10th anniversary at Tashia Nakada Barracks in Walvis Bay. The dual celebration highlighted a decade of dedicated professional military education within the Namibian Navy, bringing together senior defence officials, family members and military personnel to observe the passing out of the service’s newest marine recruits. The intensive 10th Marine Formation Course
Ivory Coast Navy Commissions Two Chinese-Donated Patrol Vessels to Boost Coastal Security
The Navy of Ivory Coast has officially commissioned two new patrol vessels donated by China during a formal military ceremony at the Plateau Naval Base in Abidjan. The arrival of the ships marks the latest step in a progressive fleet reconstruction strategy that the West African nation has pursued since the mid-2010s to secure its territorial waters and combat rising maritime security threats in the region. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by
Moroccan and Senegalese Vessels Join U.S. International Naval Review 250
The Royal Moroccan Navy frigate RMNS Mohammed VI and the Senegalese Navy offshore patrol vessel Niani have officially arrived in New York waters to participate in the historic International Naval Review 250. Held from 3 to 8 July 2026 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the high-profile maritime gathering features a distinct and highly visible combat-capable presence from African nations. The deployment of these hulls highlights the expanding operational
Chinese Destroyer Tangshan Makes Historic Stop in Seychelles
Marking a significant milestone in Indian Ocean diplomacy, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122) arrived at Port Victoria for a five-day friendly visit. The visit serves as a highly visible celebration of two major diplomatic anniversaries and underscores Beijing’s evolving naval outreach strategy in Africa. The arrival of the Tangshan, which is currently deployed with the 48th Chinese naval escort taskforce, was precisely timed. This year marks
Russia expresses readiness to supply South Africa with Mi-17 helicopters
(Image from Russian Embassy in South Africa Telegram Post) According to an announcement made by Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Alexander Kozlov, on October 27, 2026, South Africa will be supplied with aviation equipment by Russia, including the Soviet-designed Mi-17 military helicopter – in addition to plans to supply equipment for the modernisation of rail infrastructure in the country. The supply of the Mi-17 helicopter – which was announced at a
Denel Reaffirms Commitment to Turnaround and South Africa’s Sovereign Defence Capability
Denel reports a 15.8% revenue increase and an opportunity pipeline exceeding R30 billion as it continues efforts to stabilise operations and strengthen financial controls. By African Pilot Picture: Tim Homan – African Pilot Magazine Denel’s ability to stabilise its finances and convert its opportunity pipeline into funded programmes has direct implications for South Africa’s defence and aerospace industrial base. The group retains capabilities across aeronautics, missiles, systems integration, testing, manufacturing and specialist engineering
The historical evolution of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD)
1975: The Birth of AAD The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo traces its origins to the civilian “Aviation Africa” exhibition, which debuted at Lanseria Airport in October 1975. Initiated by the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA) and World Airnews, the event combined a trade exhibition for commercial aviation vendors with a public air show. Over time, this foundation merged with the DEXSA military exhibition to form the modern AAD Expo.
Saab Showcases Full-Scale Uncrewed Combat Aircraft Concept
A3-001 concept explores the future of crewed-uncrewed combat aviation Saab has unveiled a full-scale concept model of a future uncrewed combat air system at the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, Sweden. Designated A3-001, the concept provides a glimpse into Saab’s vision for the evolution of combat air capabilities, where crewed and uncrewed aircraft operate together as part of an integrated system. The concept is being developed around
Zutari coordinates global project efforts for MeerKAT radio telescope array
Comprehensive Reform and Institution Building: 90 Years of the FDRE Air Force
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