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Saudi Arabia Unveils 8-Nation Coalition to Secure Bab el-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden Chokepoints
In a decisive move to recalibrate regional maritime security and safeguard global energy supply lines, Saudi Arabia has formally announced the establishment of a multinational maritime defence coalition spanning the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. Unveiled by the Saudi Ministry of Defence, the alliance unites eight littoral states across the Middle East and Africa in response to escalating maritime security threats and structural shipping disruptions that have
South African Army Chief Conducts Official Visit to Russia to Strengthen Defence Cooperation and Honour Fallen Heroes
Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, led a senior delegation on an official working visit to the Russian Federation to advance bilateral defence diplomacy and enhance professional military exchanges. The bilateral engagements focused on expanding cooperative frameworks between the South African Army and the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation across training, officer development and shared operational expertise. Upon arrival at the parade grounds,
Babcock and partners unveil concept for low cost USV-based maritime air defence
Babcock has announced a new partnership with Plymouth-based ACUA Ocean Technologies and Estonian defence company, Frankenburg Technologies to develop a low-cost maritime air defence capability based around uncrewed surface vessels. The collaboration reflects growing interest in persistent, affordable counter-drone and air defence systems as the Royal Navy plans to deploy increasing numbers of uncrewed vessels in future. The agreement, signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, will combine Babcock’s modular launcher system, Frankenburg’s low-cost
Defence Industry Lekgotla Sets Strategic Roadmap to Revitalize South Africa’s Sovereign Capabilities
The Department of Defence, in partnership with the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD), officially convened the Defence Industry Lekgotla at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre in Pretoria on 20 July 2026. The high-level, three-day engagement brings together government leadership, the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), defence industry executives, academia, organized labour and state institutions to establish a sustainable long-term framework for South Africa’s
![[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
South African Air Force Concludes Ground School 01/2026 at AFB Ysterplaat
Ground School 01/2026, designated “Sky Hackers,” has concluded at 80 Air Navigation School at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, marking the successful completion of foundational academic instruction for South African Air Force (SAAF) pupil pilots and student navigators. Running from January 19 to June 26, 2026, the rigorous six-month program served as the essential theoretical prerequisite before candidates advance to practical flight operations and advanced navigation training phases. The course cohort comprised nine primary
Washington and Port Louis Navigate Diplomatic Strains Over Diego Garcia and Chagos Archipelago Sovereignty
Strategic negotiations between Washington and Port Louis regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago and the long-term status of the Joint US-UK military facility on Diego Garcia continue to test diplomatic relations across the Indian Ocean region. The dispute centres on Mauritius’s longstanding territorial claim over the archipelago, countered by western security imperatives to maintain uninterrupted military operations at the critical naval and air logistics hub. Port Louis has intensified international legal and
Less than 50 Days to AAD 2026: Three Days of Critical Conversations Shaping Africa’s Defence Future
With just less than 50 days to go until the AAD 2026 Conference opens at Air Force Base Waterkloof, an extensive three-day programme is set to bring together military leaders, defence industry executives, technology specialists, policymakers and aviation experts to examine some of the most pressing issues shaping Africa’s defence and security future. Taking place from 16–18 September alongside Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026, the conference will deliver three days of strategic
Nigerian Air Force Formally Accepts Initial Batch of M-346 Fighter Attack Aircraft
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reached a critical milestone in its multi-year force transformation agenda following the successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for its first batch of three Leonardo M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) aircraft. Conducted at Leonardo’s Aircraft Division facility in Venegono Superiore, northern Italy, the formal acceptance marks the transition from procurement contract to operational delivery for Nigeria’s upcoming light combat fleet. The joint delegation—comprising senior representatives from the NAF and
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