By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu
South African Air Force Holds Weapons Training Camp in Western Cape
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has begun a weapons training camp at Air Force Base (AFB) Overberg in the Western Cape to sharpen the combat skills of its pilots.
According to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the exercise started in late October and will run until mid-November.
The camp is part of SAAF’s ongoing combat preparation program aimed at improving air-to-air and bombing capabilities.
Seven aircraft are participating in the training, including two Gripen fighter jets from 2 Squadron and five Hawk Mk120 jets from 85 Combat Flying School.
The pilots are using the Overberg airspace and Denel’s Test Range for live weapon exercises and flight monitoring.
More than 80 ground and support crew are also involved in the operation, ensuring that the aircraft and pilots perform safely and effectively throughout the training.
As part of the exercise, one Hawk jet is used to tow a target for the others to aim at a long-standing friendly competition among SAAF pilots.
The weapons camp will wrap up before selected aircraft head to the major SANDF field exercise “Vuk’uhlome” at the Combat Training Centre.
This annual program helps the air force maintain readiness and sharpen its tactical edge for future missions.
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