

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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SANDF Provides Operational Support for 2026 State of the Nation Address
The South African National Defence Force is fully deployed in support of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) held yesterday 12 February at Cape Town City Hall. In line with its constitutional mandate, the SANDF has implemented coordinated security, ceremonial and operational measures to ensure the safe and dignified execution of this key national event. Units are operating under established command structures in close coordination with civil authorities and other security

Morocco Evaluates South Korean K2 Black Panther Main Battle Tank
Reports from mid-January 2026 indicate that Morocco has entered a formal evaluation phase for the acquisition of up to 400 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks from South Korea. This follows a diplomatic visit to Seoul by Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour, who met with South Korean officials, including Trade Minister An Deok-geun and Economic Diplomacy Coordinator Kim Hee-sang. If approved, this acquisition would introduce South Korean heavy armour into

Cape Town CBD Comes Alive as SANDF Prepares for State of the Nation Address
Cape Town’s Central Business District stood proud as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) began rehearsals ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 12 February 2026 at the historic City Hall. Uniformed members, ceremonial formations and coordinated movements transformed the city centre into a living symbol of democracy in action reflecting the significance of the occasion. The rehearsals highlighted the SANDF’s professionalism, discipline and commitment to safeguarding key democratic

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

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

Department of Defence running out of money for salaries as it faces more cuts

SANDF Honours Excellence at 2025 Chief of the Defence Force Prize Giving Ceremony



Minister Motshekga Visits Denel Landward Systems to Review Progress and Innovation
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