The Destruction Of The South African Air Force By DEI
By Brendi Wells
February 2, 2025
The South African Air Force (SAAF), once a formidable aerial force on the African continent, has seen a steady decline over the past three decades. This decline has been attributed to several key factors, including financial mismanagement, political interference, and policies such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), which have prioritized racial quotas over technical expertise. The result has been a near-collapse of operational readiness, with large portions of the fleet grounded due to maintenance failures, a shortage of skilled personnel, and systemic misgovernance. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the downfall of the SAAF, exploring its historical strength, the policy-driven deterioration, and the current state of South Africa’s aerial defense capabilities. ________________________________
A Legacy of Strength: The SAAF Before 1994 The South African Air Force, established in 1920, is one of the oldest air forces in the world. It played a significant role in World War II, the Korean War, and later, the Cold War-era conflicts in southern Africa. During the apartheid era, the SAAF was considered one of the most advanced air forces in the developing world, possessing state-of-the-art aircraft and a highly trained cadre of pilots, engineers, and technical staff. At its peak, the SAAF operated a formidable fleet, including:
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