South African Air Force
The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air force of the South African National Defence Force.
| South African Air Force | |
|---|---|
 The South African Air Force's emblem | |
| Founded | 1 February 1920 |
| 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 |
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.
Strength
changeThe South African Air Force has about 226 aircraft and 11,245 active military personnel. The aircraft are mostly European-made. However some, such as the Denel Rooivalk and the Atlas Oryx were designed and built in South Africa. The Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen is the standard aircraft of the Air Force.
References
change- ↑ "South African Air Force". Corporate Identity. Archived from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.