Denel gets R1.2bn to repair SA Air Force helicopters

The South African Air Force (SAAF) has been facing a challenging situation with a significant number of unserviceable helicopters in its fleet. Currently, only one out of the 39 Oryx helicopters in the SAAF's fleet is operational, and it is deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This issue has severely affected the SAAF's ability to perform its duties, including peacekeeping operations in the DRC and Mozambique, as well as providing emergency services.

However, there is some positive news on the horizon. The military command council has recently approved the repair of four out of eight Oryx helicopters, which will be completed by the end of this month. The repairs will be carried out by Denel, the original manufacturer of the Oryx and the Rooivalk helicopters, with Krygkor's mediation. The repairs include engine and gearbox overhauls, safety checks, and the replacement of obsolete parts.

In addition, four Rooivalk helicopters will also soon be fully operational, which will further increase the SAAF's capacity. The repairs of the Rooivalks include engine and gearbox overhauls, safety checks, and the replacement of obsolete parts.

The estimated budget for the repairs is R1.2 billion, and the SAAF has committed to paying it off over three years, at a rate of R400 million annually. The SAAF's budget allocation has been increased by the Finance Minister, who has allocated an additional R1.3 billion to the Department of Defence, with the SAAF receiving R289 million of it. The additional funding will also cover the cost of refresher training for the pilots and flight engineers.

Previously, the main issue between the SAAF and Denel was that the latter's quotations for the Air Force were unaffordable. However, thanks to the additional funding, the repairs can now go ahead, and Denel has given assurances that there will be no delays in the repairs, and that parts are available for immediate use.

The repairs are a much-needed boost to the SAAF's operational capacity, particularly in the DRC and Mozambique, where the helicopters have been repeatedly damaged in operations against extremist insurgents. At least two Oryx helicopters have been shot to pieces during operations in the DRC in the past two years, incurring significant repair costs.

While the operational helicopters will be needed to help deploy soldiers and/or drop off ballots in the event of an emergency during next month's national elections, the prime priority is to make at least two Oryxes and three Rooivalks operational in the DRC. However, even if the helicopters are ready by the end of the month, there may not be enough crew ready to fly them. The refresher training can require 10 to 15 flying hours, depending on how long it has been since an individual last flew. Crew members must fly a certain number of hours each month to maintain their qualification, or else the currency expires, and refresher training must be undergone. However, this process can only begin once helicopters are available.

The SAAF is looking forward to having more operational helicopters that can perform their duties more effectively and efficiently. The repair of the Oryx and Rooivalk helicopters is a much-needed boost to the SAAF's operational capacity, which includes providing support for peacekeeping operations, emergency services, and disaster relief efforts. The repairs will not only benefit the SAAF but also contribute to the stability and security of the region, particularly in the DRC and Mozambique. The SAAF is committed to maintaining and improving the operational readiness of its helicopters, and with the additional funding allocated by the Finance Minister, it is hopeful of achieving its objectives.