South African Air Force
air warfare branch of the Republic of South Africa's armed forces / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air force of the South African National Defence Force.
Quick Facts Founded, Country ...
South African Air Force | |
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Founded | 1 February 1920 (1920-02-01) |
Country | South Africa |
Type | Air force |
Role | Air supremacy & air defence |
Size | 226 aircraft 10,815 (active personnel) 831 (reserve personnel) |
Part of | South African National Defence Force |
Motto(s) | Latin: Per aspera ad astra (English: Through hardships to the stars)[1] |
Battle honours | Awarded to squadrons (numerous) |
Website | http://www.af.mil.za/index.htm |
Commanders | |
Chief of the Air Force | Lt Gen Fabian Msimang |
Insignia | |
Roundels | |
Ensign | |
Aircraft flown | |
Attack | Rooivalk |
Electronic warfare | Oryx EW, C-47TP ELINT |
Fighter | JAS 39 Gripen |
Patrol | Lynx 300 |
Trainer | Pilatus PC-7, BAE Hawk |
Transport | C-130, Atlas Oryx, Agusta A109, CASA C.212, Cessna Caravan |
Close
The South African Air Force goes back to 1912, when the Union Defence Force (UDF) was created. The UDF had included the South African Aviation Corps (SAAC), which was part of the Active Citizen Force (ACF). On 1 February 1920, the South African Air Force was created. The SAAF fought in several battles during World War II, the Korean War, and the South African Border War.