

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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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

Saab Secures Major Trackfire RWS Order for Swedish Armed Forces
Saab has received a significant new order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, for its Trackfire Remote Weapon Station, RWS, reinforcing the company’s position as a key supplier to Sweden’s future land and amphibious combat forces. Valued at approximately SEK 1.5 billion, the order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2025 with deliveries scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2028. The systems will be delivered to the Swedish Army as

BDF Hosts Swedish Defence Attaché
Lieutenant General Joseph Eno Seelo, Deputy Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), hosted Colonel Patrick Aronsson, Swedish Defence Attaché to Botswana, for a courtesy visit at BDF Headquarters, Sir Seretse Khama Barracks in Mogoditshane. The visit provided a platform for meaningful discussions on strengthening military-to-military cooperation and exploring collaborative initiatives in training, technology development and research as well as jointly addressing emerging security challenges. General Seelo expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership

KDF Troops Escort UN Delegation on Humanitarian Assessment Mission in Somalia
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have successfully provided a joint security escort to a high-level United Nations delegation conducting a humanitarian assessment mission in southern Somalia. The operation was carried out by KDF personnel based in Sector Two, Dhobley in close coordination with the Jubaland Intelligence and Security Agency (JISA). The joint escort ensured the safe movement of the UN delegation

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

France Rolls Out First BR71 Mk II Corvette for Angolan Navy
The first of three BR71 Mk II corvettes ordered by the Angolan Navy has been rolled out of the assembly dock at CMN’s shipyard in Cherbourg France. The development was confirmed by CMN on its official LinkedIn page. The vessel has now entered the final outfitting phase with specialists installing key systems including masts sensors and the 76-mm main gun mount. The BR71 Mk II is an evolution of the Baynunah-class corvettes previously

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

15 Squadron Charlie Flight Delivers a Lifeline at Sea
The South African Air Force (SAAF) once again demonstrated its critical maritime search and rescue capability when 15 Squadron Charlie Flight executed a demanding medical evacuation mission off the Eastern Cape coastline in early January 2026. On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre requested urgent assistance for a medical emergency aboard the Sea Harmony bulk carrier. A 40-year-old male crew member had sustained serious injuries to his arm and chest

HENSOLDT considers sale of SA optronics division amid strategic review



Embraer and Denel sign MoU to cooperate on the KC- 390 Millennium

Quantum computing risk is an opportunity for South African defence innovation
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