SAAF Air Power Capability Demonstration 2013
The South African Air Force hosted an air power capability demonstration at
the bombing range situated just north of Polokwane (Pietersburg). It was an
early start for all the guests, arriving at AFB Base Waterkloof at 6:30
ready to fly out to Polokwane International airport in two DC9's, especially
chartered for the day. After a short briefing by the deputy Chief of the Air
Force snacks were served. The first of the DC9's departed followed closely
by the second. On arrival at Polokwane all the guests were bussed to the
range under escort of the Military Police.
The Event was opened in prayer and all other protocols were observed.
General Bayne then gave a short summary of what can be expected for the day.
Gen Malinga then addressed the guests reassuring all that the SAAF was ready
and able to fulfil any requirement that South Africa may ask of them. Gen.
van Heerden gave a short safety briefing and then the action began.
An Oryx kicked off the action with a well-placed water drop using the Bambi
bucket. The SAAF often get tasked with fire control all over SA and for this
reason Bambi buckets have become standard equipment in all operational Oryx's.
Due to technical problems the C130 was slightly delayed, but as a war cannot
be delayed due to technical problems, an Oryx dropped the South Special
Forces pathfinders instead. The Pathfinders are used in a recon capacity
to relay information to the rest of the forces from well beyond enemy lines.
Mortar teams were then deployed and the Special Forces Gecko was deployed
cargo slung under an Oryx followed closely by two teams of soldiers to
engage the enemy. One of them abseiled from an Oryx and the other was
deployed very quickly after a spectacular operational landing, proving
that the SAAF Pilots are ready to take on any challenge that may come
their way.
Two Rooivalk attack helicopters joined the party, firing missiles at enemy
positions before offering " top cover" for the troops on the ground by way
of their 20mm cannons. Two Hawks entered the theatre strafing the remaining
enemy positions with 40mm cannon fire, followed by a series of bombs dropped
from up high behind our position resulting in a massive explosion clearly
visible many kilometres away.
The "friendly forces" were then evacuated by helicopter followed by a flare
demonstration by the Rooivalk and then the Hercules C130, which is celebrating
its 50th year of service with the SAAF.
The SAAF and the supporting units showed that even with the challenges faced
due to budget cuts they are still more than capable of performing their role
as defender of South Africa.
A delicious lunch was served then we were all bussed back to Polokwane for
the flight back to Waterkloof. A special thanks to all concerned for allowing
us to experience the defence machine at work.
Many thanks to the SAAF for the opportunity to at first hand witness that
despite defence budget cuts they and all the supporting units are still a
force to be reckoned with.