South African Air Force Crippled as Floods Wreak Havoc

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is struggling to respond to the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape, where dozens have died. A shortage of qualified personnel and serviceable aircraft has hindered relief efforts, revealing a crisis within the Air Force’s capabilities.

Delayed Response to Disaster

A single Oryx helicopter was belatedly dispatched to the Eastern Cape, a week after the region was hit by severe flooding that claimed over 90 lives, especially in Mthatha. Rescuers continue to search for the missing as the floods destroyed homes, schools, and healthcare centers.

The delayed deployment of the Oryx was primarily due to a lack of flight engineers. According to sources, this scarcity has compromised the SAAF’s ability to perform search and rescue missions. Disaster management authorities requested assistance, but it was unavailable.

“The President, the Minister of Defence, the Secretary for Defence, the Chief of the SANDF, and the Chief of the SAAF should be feeling the heat,”

—Darren Olivier, African Defence Review Director

Underfunding and Its Ramifications

The SAAF is grappling with a shortage of serviceable aircraft and crew, limiting its ability to support disaster relief operations. Only a small percentage of its fleet is operational, and experts note that the government’s underfunding of the SAAF is a major issue.

The state defence materiel agency, Armscor, highlighted that the Oryx is used for transporting troops and aiding in emergencies. They warned that not having this platform significantly impacts the SAAF’s ability to perform these tasks, adding that obsolescence is a critical issue.

The state of the A109 fleet is similar. There are delays in engine delivery, and pilot training is affected. These challenges arise due to the war in Ukraine, which has resulted in a shortage of titanium. This leaves seven BK117 and four Super Lynx as the remaining helicopters in the SAAF fleet.

Compounding the issues is the shortage of flight engineers, considered a crucial part of the SAAF’s aircrew. Rear Admiral (JG) Prince Tshabalala, Director of Corporate Communication, confirmed that these engineers are essential for mission execution. A lack of engineers further cripples operational capacity.

The South African government has been under increasing pressure in recent years to invest in its military. In 2023, South Africa’s defense budget was around $3.9 billion, but critics argue this figure is insufficient to maintain readiness (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute).

Flight Engineer Crisis

The flight engineers’ allowances are insufficient, and they are now considered technicians, not aircrew. A senior officer, who requested anonymity, explained that this has led to flight engineers leaving the SAAF for better opportunities elsewhere.

Defence expert Dean Wingrin stated that only around five flight engineers are willing to fly in the SAAF. He explained that these engineers are responsible for maintaining aircraft systems and equipment. They also manage cargo, assist with repairs, and perform pre- and post-flight checks. “Without a flight engineer, the helicopter does not fly.”

Ongoing efforts are underway to review allowances and implement training initiatives to increase the number of flight engineers. An Air Force insider warns of a mass exodus of pilots, exacerbating the SAAF’s capacity to respond to crises. The Central Flying School predicts that operations will halt by December.

The SAAF faces severe challenges in its ability to respond to domestic crises, from flood relief to other essential tasks. Without immediate action to address funding and personnel shortages, the situation could worsen.