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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
Ivory Coast – European Union Partnership: Strengthened FACI Operational Mobility
On Tuesday, January 3, 2026, forty vehicles—including thirty-four IVECO troop transport vehicles, three IVECO tow trucks and three double-cab Land Cruiser pick-ups—were officially handed over to the Armed Forces of Ivory Coast (FACI) by H.E.M. Irchad Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Côte d’Ivoire. The ceremony took place at the General of the Army Corps Ouattara Paul Thomas d’Aquin of the Galliéni camp, under the chairmanship of Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of
Egypt Confirms Operational Deployment of Thales GM403 Radar
The Egyptian Air Defence Forces (EADF) have formally confirmed the operational integration of the Thales Ground Master 403 (GM403) long-range surveillance radar into their national air defence network. The announcement came during the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2025 in Cairo, ending years of speculation following unofficial reports of the acquisition in 2021. The EADF displayed the GM403 at a strategic site overlooking the Nile, operating alongside the BAE Systems Commander SL, another S-band
CSIR and Denel formalise strategic partnership to advance South Africa’s aerospace and military technologies
Recently, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Denel have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration aimed at advancing research, technology development, innovation, knowledge sharing and technology commercialisation. The signing ceremony was held on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at the CSIR, which was attended by the chief executives of the CSIR and Denel. The MoU reflects the shared vision of both organisations and marks a significant milestone
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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
ASELSAN delivers world’s most advanced MEKO-Class Frigate upgrade with TCG ORUÇREİS modernisation
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