South Africa's skies grounded: Financial woes clip Air Force wings
South Africa's fighter jets are in a pitiful state. According to local press reports, out of 26 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft, only two are capable of flight.
What do you need to know?
- Republic of South Africa purchased 26 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft, but only 2 of them are currently flight-capable.
- Financial problems and the decision to self-service the aircraft without the manufacturer's support have contributed to the current state of the fleet.
- Aviation collapse affects not only the Gripens but also other aircraft, including attack helicopters and training-combat aircraft.
Why are only 2 Gripens capable of flight?
The Republic of South Africa was one of the first countries to purchase JAS 39 Gripen fighters from Sweden. According to News24, only two of the 26 acquired machines are able to take to the skies.
The decision to purchase Swedish aircraft was made back in 1999, ultimately resulting in 26 units. The country's authorities opted to maintain and service the Gripens independently, which turned out to be a misstep. The Swedes warned at the time that routine maintenance alone would not suffice to keep modern aircraft operational in the long term, and they were right. This task indeed exceeded local capabilities.
What are the consequences for South Africa's aviation?
Budget cuts have exacerbated the aviation collapse, leading to the near total downfall of this segment of the armed forces. Out of the 330 units of equipment that South Africa's air force formally possesses, only six are airworthy, according to information from News24. South Africa also has British Hawk fighters, but only three out of 24 are ready to fly.
The situation is equally dire for the helicopter fleet. None of the 11 Rooivalk attack helicopters are fit to fly, and out of 39 Oryx helicopters, only one is flight-capable.
