A spectacular show of air power and force

Date: 17 September 2015 By: Andries van Zyl

Members of the public were again treated to a magnificent display of skill and combat readiness during the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) annual air-power capability demonstration on 9 and 10 September.

The Roodewal bombing range, some 30km outside of Polokwane, once again played host to the event. Among the squadrons represented at the demonstration were 2 Squadron (Gripen fighter jets) and 85 Combat Flying School (Hawks) from AFB Makhado, 19 Squadron (helicopters from AFB Hoedspruit), 17 Squadron, AFB Waterkloof and 515 Protection Squadron, also from AFB Makhado.

Among the SAAF’s top fighter planes and support aircraft could be seen in action. This year, however, the demonstration was made extra special with a late-afternoon demonstration, making for some spectacular viewing of the explosions around dusk.

According to the officer commanding AFB Makhado, Brigadier General Schalk van Heerden, the purpose of the event was to test the combat readiness of the air force while at the same time testing the air worthiness, air power and the readiness of the personnel. Also in support of the event were force elements of the SA Army, SA Military Health Services and the SAAF Task Force. A mini war was simulated, with aircraft firing live rounds, bombs and missiles, while being supported by ground forces also firing live rounds at the “enemy”.

The event fascinated young and old who attended in large numbers. The chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Fabian Zakes Msimang, hailed members of the SAAF and in particular those who contributed to the success of the air-power capability demonstration. Photos by Kos Coroniaos

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Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.

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