SA to Be Among Heavy Weights in Defence
South Africa will soon be counted among the heavy weights in defence following the latest acquisition of state-of-the-art A109 Agusta Light Utility Helicopters.
The Department of Defence received four of the 30 acquired helicopters from Augusta, Italy, here yesterday, replacing the ageing Alouette III fleet.
By 2007, the SA Air Force (SAAF) would have acquired a complete fleet of the new acquired state-of-the-art helicopters.
The new machines were tested here in South Africa to see if they were adaptable to all weather conditions.
The department said the helicopters would be used for search and rescue operations and sometimes in operations conducted by the police.
Receiving the new helicopters, Secretary of Defence January Masilela said the acquisition was part of a broader plan to revamp the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
"We felt there was a need for the country to acquire new and advanced machines to defend and protect the country."
This is part of our broader plan to ensure that the defence force was well equipped, he said.
The new aircraft can be operated in all kinds of weather including day and night. They are also fitted with advanced state-of-the-art communications systems.
The acquisition of the helicopters, including submarines and corvettes, is part of the arms deal that was approved by Cabinet in 2001.
In terms of the deal, the SANDF will acquire four corvettes, three submarines, 30 utility helicopters, 24 Hawk lead-in fighter trainers and 28 Gripen advanced fighter aircraft.
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20 Octobre 2005 à 14:08 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
