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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
Lieutenant General Sitshongaye Honors Personnel at Human Resource Division Medal Parade
The South African National Defence Force Human Resource Division hosted its formal Medal Parade at the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing in Swartkop, honoring personnel who have demonstrated sustained excellence, loyalty and determination. The ceremony underscored the fundamental role that administrative and personnel management branches play in maintaining the operational readiness and structural integrity of the modern military. The Chief of Human Resources, Lieutenant General Malungisa Sitshongaye, presided over the parade and personally
Morocco and AFRICOM Forge Strategic Defence Hub in Tan-Tan
In a landmark move destined to reshape the security architecture of the African continent, the Kingdom of Morocco Royal Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) have officially entered into a bilateral agreement to establish a premier defence training and technology installation. Signed at AFRICOM Headquarters on July 13, 2026, the Memorandum of Understanding outlines a joint vision to deliver cutting-edge tactical readiness, specialized drone warfare training and agile technological experimentation directly to
![[WATCH] China condemns Philippine ships at scarborough shoal](https://defencenetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/22-sept-china-phillipines-dn.jpg)
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
INS Tarkash Arrives in Seychelles, Escorting Refitted SCGS Zoroaster
The Indian Navy’s advanced Talwar-class stealth frigate, INS Tarkash, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 12 June 2026. The port call forms part of the warship’s ongoing operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a vital maritime corridor where New Delhi consistently projects power and maintains presence to ensure open sea lines of communication. The strategic deployment further underscores India’s sustained commitment to regional maritime security, anti-piracy operations and capacity
Nigerian Air Force Expands Light Rotorcraft Fleet with Acceptance of Additional AW109 Trekkers
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has formally completed factory acceptance testing on three additional AgustaWestland AW109 Trekker Type B helicopters at Leonardo Helicopters’ manufacturing facility in Vergiate, Italy. The completion of testing brings the NAF’s ready Trekker fleet to six of ten ordered units, moving the light twin-engine platforms closer to operational deployment in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations across Nigeria. The rigorous acceptance process was conducted by a joint delegation comprising
De Havilland Canada Reintroduces Sherpa Utility Platform to Global Aerospace Market at Farnborough
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has officially reintroduced the Sherpa utility airlifter to the international aviation community at the Farnborough International Airshow. Featured on static display throughout the event, the rugged twin-engine platform is being presented to a new generation of civil and military operators as the Canadian manufacturer explores future commercial opportunities and gauges global market demand for the versatile aircraft. Originally developed by Short Brothers before the type certificate was
U.S. Approves Additional C-130H Hercules Airframe for Botswana
The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Air Wing is entering a new era of regional power projection. With Gaborone officially accepting the donation of an additional C-130H Hercules military cargo aircraft from the United States, Botswana is cementing its status as a vital logistical anchor in Southern Africa. This confirmation, which builds on U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Kelli L. Seybolt’s February 2025 announcement, marks a critical turning
AAD 2026 to Showcase Unmanned Systems as the Next Frontier of African Air Power
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 elevates unmanned aerial systems to centre stage, reflecting the continent’s growing role in the world’s fastest-evolving domain of modern warfare. Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026, the continent’s premier tri-service defence and aerospace exhibition, will place unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) firmly in the spotlight when it opens at Air Force Base Waterkloof, Centurion, from 16 to 20 September 2026. The event marks the show’s 13th edition and 25th
Proudly South African: Paramount Delivers Next-Generation Public Order Vehicle to SAPS
Brigadier General Emmanuel Thembinkosi Mokoena Assumes Command of SAAF Command Post
Nigerian Air Force Acquires Chinese Sky Whale Drones for Training and Operations
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