# List of equipment of the South African National Defence Force

This is a list of the military equipment of South Africa, including the Army, Air force, and Navy.

## Small arms
### Small arms and light weapons

| Name | Type | Cartridge | Branches | Notes |
| Vektor Z88 | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Army  Navy  Air Force Spec ops | Current standard-issue sidearm of all branches. |
| Vektor SP1 | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Army  Navy  Air Force Spec ops | Current standard-issue sidearm of all branches alongside the Z88. |
| Glock 17 | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Spec ops | Current standard-issue sidearm of the Special Forces alongside Z88 and SP1. Various optics and attachments are in use. |
| SIG Sauer P226 | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Spec ops | Limited service, currently in special operations use. |
| HK MP5 | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Army Spec ops | MP5SD6 Suppressed variant in special operations use, other variants are in service with the Army. |
| Milkor BXP | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Army  Navy  Air Force Spec ops | 22 or 32-round magazines. |
| Vektor R4 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Army  Navy  Air Force Spec ops | Standard Issue assault rifle. Large numbers of rifles were upgraded in 2010 under the African Warrior South African Soldier Modernization Programme |
| Vektor R5 | Carbine rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Army  Navy  Air Force Spec ops | Lightweight carbine version of the Vektor R4. |
| M16 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Spec ops | Likely received from Moroccan stocks. |
| Truvelo DM4 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Spec ops | South African assembled AR-15 with some parts manufactured locally. In special operations use. |
| CZ BREN 2 | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm, 5.56×45mm | Spec ops | New assault rifle of the Special Forces since 2024 replacing the AK-47 and AKM rifles. |
| Vektor R1 | Battle rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Army Spec ops | Former service rifle of the South African Army, now used as a designated marksman rifle. |
| HK G3 | Battle rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Spec ops | 100,000 G3 rifles were purchased from Portugal in the mid 1970's. They were phased out from Army service at the end of the Cold War, some remaining G3 rifles are still used by some Special Force operators as designated marksman rifles. |
| HK PSG1 | Semi-automatic sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Spec ops | In special operations use. |
| Arctic Warfare Magnum | Bolt-action sniper rifle | .300 Winchester, .338 Lapua | Spec ops | SK1 variant in special operations use. |
| Truvelo CMS | Bolt-action sniper rifle | .338 Lapua, .50 BMG, 7.62x51mm NATO | Army Spec ops | Entered service in 2018, standard-issue sniper rifle alongside the NTW-20. |
| NTW-20 | Anti-material rifle | 20×82mm 14.5×114mm | Army Spec ops | A unique anti-material rifle that comes in calibers such as 20mm, the NTW-20 is used by the South African Army for long-range engagements and against vehicles or fortified targets. |
| Benelli M4 | Semi-automatic combat shotgun | 12 gauge | Spec ops | In limited service. |
| FN MAG | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Army Spec ops | Belt-fed GPMG. Main automatic weapon of dismounted infantry sections. 100-round pear-shaped pouches in general use and 200-round disintegrating link metal belts. Can be mounted on a Tripod as well as vehicles. |
| Vektor SS-77 | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Army  Navy Spec ops | Belt-fed GPMG in service since 1986 alongside the FN MAG. 100-round pear-shaped pouch in general use, 200-round rigid box. |
| MG4 Browning | Medium machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Army  Navy Spec ops | M1919A4 Browning Medium Machine gun modified by Denel Land Systems, fires the 7.62×51mm round. |
| M2 Browning | Heavy machine gun | .50 BMG | Army  Navy Spec ops | Belt fed machine gun mainly mounted on Tripods, armoured and infantry vehicles. |
| Kord | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×108 mm | Spec ops | Mounted on vehicles which the special forces use. |
| Y3 AGL | Grenade machine gun | 40×53 mm HV | Army Spec ops | Can either be mounted on a tripod, or can be mounted on a vehicle. Has a nominal rate of fire of 320 rounds per minute. Electronic indirect sight and Aim point direct sight can be mounted. |
| Milkor MGL | Grenade launcher | 40×46 mm | Army Spec ops | Y2 MK-1 in service since 1983, the latest Y4 SuperSix variant entered service in 2019. 6-round revolving, swing out-type cylinder. |
| RPG-7 | Rocket-propelled grenade launcher | 40 mm | Army Spec ops | Some RPG-7s in service use an upgraded South African warhead manufactured by Denel Dynamics. To be replaced in the coming years most likely by the AT4 and Gustaf M4. |
| FT5 | 100 mm anti-tank rocket launcher | 100 mm | Army Spec ops | An indigenous reusable anti-tank weapon primarily used to penetrate modern main battle tanks and fortifications. |
| Carl Gustaf M4 | 84 mm smoothbore recoilless rifle | 84 mm | Army Spec ops | Replacement for RPG-7. |
| AT4 | 84 mm smoothbore recoilless rifle | 84 mm | Army Spec ops | Replacement for RPG-7. |
| MILAN ER | Anti-tank guided missile system | 115 mm | Army Spec ops | 46 Milan ADT (Advanced Digital Technology) launchers as well as 300+ Milan ER (extended range) SACLOS missiles are in service since 2007. To be replaced by the ZT3 Ingwe. |
| ZT3 Ingwe | Anti-tank guided missile system | 152 mm | Army Spec ops | A modern multi-role long-range beam-riding precision guided missile (ATGM) in service. The missile is used by the Armoured Corps and the Mechanized infantry battalions. |
| M40 recoilless rifle | 105 mm recoilless rifle | 105 mm | Army | A direct-fire, crew served weapon issued in units of six to the motorised and airborne infantry anti-tank platoons. |
| M26 grenade | Fragmentation hand grenade | N/A | Army  Navy  Air Force Spec ops | |

## Army

Utility and logistics vehicles: 21,073+
Armoured personnel carriers: 545+
MRAPs: 2,170+
Infantry fighting vehicles: 1,051
Main battle tanks: 215
Tank destroyers: 292
Towed artillery: 134
Self-propelled artillery: 49
Rocket artillery: 101

### Tanks and armoured fighting vehicles

The South African Army's tank fleet, while smaller compared to some other nations, plays a crucial role in its armoured and mechanized forces, providing heavy firepower, protection, and mobility on the battlefield.
| Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
| | Olifant | | Main battle tankArmoured recovery vehicleArmoured bridge layer | Mk1A/1B/Mk2 | 19518 2 | A heavily modified and modernized Centurion tank. The MK1A tanks were commissioned in 1985, MK1Bs were commissioned in 1991 and the MK2 tanks were commissioned in 2007. |
| | Rooikat | | Armoured reconnaissance vehicle | Mk1D | 240 | Wheeled tank used for reconnaissance, aggressive search-and-destroy, anti-armour operations, combat patrols, raids, day and night hot pursuit operations. |

### Infantry fighting vehicles

The South African Army's fleet of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) is a key component of its mechanized infantry units, providing a combination of mobility, firepower, and protection for troops on the battlefield. These vehicles are designed to transport infantry while offering direct fire support and the ability to engage enemy forces.
| Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
| | Ratel IFV | | Infantry fighting vehicle | Ratel 20Ratel 60 Ratel 81 Ratel 90 Ratel ZT3 | 1,025 | Primary infantry fighting vehicle in service with the South African Mechanized infantry units. 1,400 were originally in service, 355 were declared surplus to requirements and sold to foreign countries bringing the total down to 1,025. Includes 52 "ZT3" tank destroyer variants equipped with triple ZT3A2 Ingwe ATGM launchers. |
| | Badger IFV | | Infantry fighting vehicle | - | 26 (254) | The Badgers are a new generation of fighting vehicles planned to partially replace the Army's Ratel IFV fleet over the next decade under the Project Hoefyster awarded contract, this will significantly improve the mobility, firepower, and protection of the South African Army's Mechanized infantry units. There will be four versions, a standard variant, fire support variant, mortar variant and a tank destroyer. Additional +228 vehicles on order. |

### Protected mobility vehicles

The Protected Mobility fleet is essential for the South African Army's operations, particularly in regions where the threat of landmines and IEDs is high. These vehicles are not only crucial for domestic operations but also play a vital role in South Africa's contributions to peacekeeping missions on the African continent. The development and use of these MRAPs/APCs underscore South Africa's leadership in mine-protected vehicle technology, with some models being exported and used by other countries around the world.
| Name | Type | Versions | Quantity | Details |
| Mamba | Armoured personnel carrier, MRAP | Mk2 Mk3 | 538 | While primarily an APC, the Mamba is sometimes used in roles similar to an IFV, particularly in low-intensity conflicts or peacekeeping operations. It offers protection against small arms fire and landmines and can be equipped with machine guns as well as a 40 mm grenade machine gun for basic fire support. |
| MAX 3 | Armoured personnel carrier, MRAP | 4x4 6x6 | 6+ | More than 6 delivered in April 2024. Mine-resistant APC with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire. Unknown number ordered, one of the replacement vehicles for the Toyota Land Cruisers. |
| Casspir | Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP | Mk2 Mk3 | 2,170+ | Multi-purpose mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire. Equipped with 3 × 7.62 mm MG, M2 Browning .50 cal MG, + optional 40 mm Denel Y3 Grenade machine gun, can also replace the M2 Browning with a 20 mm autocannon) 370+ in active service + 1,800 in reserve/storage. |
| RG-31 Nyala | Infantry mobility vehicle, MRAP | Mk5E | Unknown | Similar to the Mamba but better protected. Equipped with a 20 mm remote controlled weapon station, can also be fitted with a 40 mm Denel Y3 Grenade Machine gun, overall armor protection of the vehicle exceeds NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2. |
| Husky VMMD | Vehicle mounted mine detection system, MRAP | 2G | Unknown | A system designed to clear routes of mines, usually they operate in pairs one after the other. |

### Utility and logistics vehicles

The South African Army's utility and logistics fleet is crucial to the SANDF, ensuring the transport and supply of essential resources across diverse terrains. It includes a range of vehicles, from heavy-duty trucks to specialized equipment, delivering ammunition, fuel, food, and medical supplies. The exact number of military trucks/utility vehicles in the South African Army is unknown due to how large the fleet is, but under Project Thusano, an estimate of more than 10,000 "Samil" military trucks alone had been refurbished in 2021 and put back into service enhancing the army’s ability to respond to both domestic and regional challenges.
| Name | Origin | Type | Quantity | Details |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | | Light armoured utility vehicle | 435 | Used for border patrol. To be phased out and replaced by 500 APC / MRAPs throughout 2024-2025. |
| Various cars and light trucks | - | 4x4 utility vehicles | Unknown | Various civilian utility vehicles are utilized by the army for light transport/patrol purposes (primarily Ford, Toyota and Land Rover vehicles). |
| Gecko ATV | | All-terrain utility vehicle | 100 | Used by the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces. |
| Samil 20 | | 4x4 military truck | Several thousand's | Comes in multiple variants such as general cargo/fuel/troop transport variants, artillery fire control posts, variants with office and workshop bodies, a battery charger variant, a light recovery variant. |
| Samil 50 | | 4x4 military truck | Several thousand's | Samil 50 trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, field repair and maintenance vehicles, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles. |
| Samil 100 | | 6x6 military truck | Several thousand's | Samil 100 Trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles, dry canteen vehicles, field repair and maintenance vehicles, UAV launchers, UAV recovery vehicles and gun tractors (for towed artillery pieces). |
| SHE Cavallo | | 8x8 heavy military truck | 3,200+ | Locally produced in South Africa. Comes in several variants, a heavy recovery vehicle, tank transport and bridge layer, also a variant used to mount the Army's ground-based Umkhonto missile defence system. |
| MAN 8x8 | | 8x8 heavy military truck | Several thousand's | Primarily utilised as prime movers, firefighting vehicles and low-bed transporters. |
| Giraffe | | 8x8 heavy military truck | Unknown | Designated as "Giraffe". Used as a cargo/vehicle transporter. |
| Toyota Dyna | | Medium-duty truck | Unknown | Designated as "Wildebees". |
| Scania Busco | | Personnel transport bus | Unknown | These buses are used to ferry personnel to and from bases. |

### Artillery and mortar systems

The South African Army's artillery fleet is a critical component of its overall combat capability, providing long-range firepower, support for ground forces, and the ability to engage enemy positions and fortifications. The artillery fleet includes a mix of towed and self-propelled guns, multiple rocket launchers, and mortars, which together offer a flexible and potent fire support system.
| Name | Type | Max Range | Quantity | Notes |
| Bateleur FV2 | 127 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 40 km | 25 | 127 mm standard multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) of the South African Army Artillery Formation. 40 launch tubes mounted on an armoured Samil 100 6×6 truck. |
| Valkiri | 131 mm self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | 40 km | 76 | 131 mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). 24 launch tubes. |
| G6 Rhino | 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer | 76 km | 43 | The G6 Rhino is one of the most capable self-propelled howitzers, known for its exceptional mobility, firepower, and crew protection. With a 155 mm gun and a range of up to 76 km using rocket-assisted munitions, it delivers long-range fire support while its 6x6 wheeled chassis provides superior off-road mobility, ideal for rapid shoot-and-scoot tactics. making it one of the best artillery systems for rugged terrains and mobile warfare. |
| T5-52 | 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer | 60+ km | 6 | New South African Self-propelled howitzer that entered service in 2018. In testing by the South African Army before any more additional T5-52 howitzers are ordered to operate alongside the GV6 Rhino fleet. |
| G5 Leopard | 155 mm Towed howitzer | 60+ km | 72 | Basically a towed version of the G6 Rhino. |
| GV4 | 155 mm Towed howitzer | 30 km | 32 | Replaced by the G5, remaining G4's are kept in the army reserves. |
| GV1 | 87 mm Towed howitzer | 12 km | 30 | A small number are still maintained and used on ceremonial occasions. Replaced by the M5 mortar system. |
| M5 Mortar | 120 mm heavy mortar | 8 km | 146+ | Primary long-range, indirect fire, artillery weapon of the Steve Biko Artillery Regiment (formerly Light Regiment). The M5 mortar system is also air deployable. |
| M3 Mortar | 81 mm medium mortar | 5 km | 1,190+ | Provides medium-range fire support to infantry, particularly in light or mechanized units. Around 1,190 mortars are in service with the South African Army Infantry Corps. |
| M8 Mortar | 81 mm medium mortar | 7 km | 700 | Upgraded version of the M3 mortar with improved range and accuracy. |
| M6 Mortar | 60 mm light mortar | 6 km | 102+ | Unknown number ordered under the Project Acrobat contract. An estimate of 102 M6 long-range mortars were successfully delivered to the South African Army Infantry Corps in 2011, this is sufficient to equip 12 infantry battalions. Its lightweight make it suitable for rapid deployment, fast-moving operations and airborne. |
| M4 Mortar | 60 mm light mortar | 2 km | Unknown | Uses the M-61 series of bombs in High Explosive, Smoke, Illumination and Practice versions. In use with the Special Forces and Airborne Infantry. Upgraded in 2016 with improved range and accuracy. |

### Air defence systems

The South African Army Air Defence Artillery (ADA) plays a critical role in protecting South African airspace from potential aerial threats. It uses a variety of weapon systems and radar technologies to provide both short-range and medium-range air defence.
| Name | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
| Umkhonto | Mobile surface-to-air missile/anti-ballistic missile system | | In testing | Future ground-based air defence system for the South African Army. Can carry up to eight Umkhonto-R and Umkhonto-IR (Infrared) Mk II missiles. |
| Starstreak | Manportable/Vehicle mounted surface-to-air missile | | 178 launchers | In use with 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment. These missiles have a range of between 5–7 km. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute lists the number of Portable SAMs delivered as 96 for the GBADS phase 1 project with another order for 82. |
| Oerlikon GDF | 35 mm Radar-guided anti-aircraft autocannon | GDF-002 GDF-005 | 150 | Upgraded in 2016 by Rheinmetall AG to use oerlikon skyshield fire control systems capable of shooting down modern aerial threats. |
| ZU-23-2 Zumlac | 23 mm Twin anti-aircraft autocannon | | 36 | 36 were captured during the South African Border War and are mounted on Samil 100 military trucks. |

### Radars and unmanned aerial vehicles

| Name | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
| ATE Vulture | Unmanned aerial vehicle | | 4 | Acquired under Project Klooster. |
| Seeker | Unmanned aerial vehicle | 400 | 36 | Transferred from the Air Force to the Army. This UAV provides the South African military with real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for both combat and peacetime operations. |
| LOCATS | Aerial target systems | | Unknown | The LOCATS is an unmanned aerial target used to train Air Defence Artillery crews in gunnery. It is launched from a ramp fitted on the back of a flatbed truck and is recovered by parachute. |
| ESR 220 | Mobile battery fire control post and early warning radar system | | 4 | Capable of tracking aircraft in a 120 km radius and can be fully operational within 10 minutes of arrival at the deployment site. The system also provides for a combined air picture derived from primary radar(through utilisation of Link-ZA, the SANDF's data link system), as well as a command and control system for effective air defence control. |
| Thales Squire | Battlefield surveillance radar | | 14 | Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The radars are designed to plot a pedestrian at 10km, a vehicle at 21km, a tank at 28km, a helicopter at 21km, a boat at 12km and a ship at 48km. |
| Thales Sophie | Thermal imager | | 65 | Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The Thales Sophie can spot humans at over 4 km, tanks at 10 km, helicopters at 12 km and jet fighters at 16 km. |

## Navy
### Frigates

The South African Navy operates four Valour-class frigates, which are its main surface combatants. Commissioned in the early 2000s, these frigates are modern, multipurpose warships designed primarily for air defence, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. As of 2024 they are expected to undergo periodic upgrades, focusing on their combat systems and other technologies to keep them in line with modern naval warfare demands.
| Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
| | Valour class | 4 | Stealth guided-missile frigate | | 3,759 tonnes | Multi-purpose and multi-capable frigate. The Valour class frigates include the general guided-missile anti-surface, anti-air role as well as the anti-submarine role. The Valour class frigates employ the use of advanced stealth technology making them hard to detect. |

### Submarines

The South African Navy operates three Heroine-class submarines, which form the backbone of its underwater warfare capabilities. These submarines, based on the German Type 209/1400mod design, are advanced diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth, endurance, and versatility.
| Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
| | Heroine class | 3 | Guided-missile attack submarine | | 1,654 tonnes | The Heroine-class submarines replaced the three Daphné-class submarines, SAS Spear, SAS Assegaai and SAS Umkhonto of the South African Navy. |

### Patrol vessels

| Name | Quantity | Type | Displacement | Notes |
| Warrior class | 3 | Multi-role patrol vessel | 1,031 tonnes | 3 Inshore patrol vessels are in service. A further 12 inshore patrol vessels and 15 larger offshore patrol vessels of this class are planned. |
| Warrior class | 1 | Offshore patrol vessel | 450 tonnes | 8 vessels retired, the final Warrior class OPV in service is soon to be replaced by the Warrior class multi-role patrol vessel. |
| T class | 3 | Inshore patrol vessel | 37 tonnes | Built by T-Craft International in Cape Town. |
| Namacurra-class | 26 | Inshore patrol vessel | 4 tonnes | Harbour patrol boats equipped with .50 cal machine guns. |

### Minesweepers

| Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Displacement | Notes |
| | River class | 2 | Minesweeper | | 390 tonnes | Minesweeper / Patrol vessel. |

### Auxiliary vessels

| Name | Quantity | Type | Displacement | Notes |
| Drakensberg class | 1 | Fleet replenishment ship | 12,500 tonnes | Commissioned in 1987. The largest and most sophisticated vessel to be constructed on the African continent. |
| Nelson Mandela class | 1 under construction | Hydrographic survey vessel | N/A | Will replace the Protea-class survey vessel. The vessel will be equipped with the latest survey equipment. |
| Protea class | 1 | Hydrographic survey vessel | 2,750 tonnes | Specialist Hydrographic Survey Vessel. Built by Yarrow & Co Ltd, Glasgow, Scotland. Launched 1971. Replacement under construction. |
| Tugs | 5+ | Tug boats | N/A | Coastal and harbour tugs. |

### Landing craft

| Image | Name | Quantity | Type | Origin | Notes |
| No image available | Lima class | 6 | Landing craft utility | | |

## Air force
### Combat aircraft

The South African Air Force (SAAF) operates a variety of combat aircraft designed for different roles, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and training.
| Name | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
| JAS 39 Gripen | Multirole fighter | JAS 39C JAS 39D | 17 9 | The Gripen is the backbone of the SAAF’s combat capabilities, providing air superiority and strike roles. They were ordered to replace the 68 Atlas Cheetah multirole fighters used by the SAAF. |
| Atlas Cheetah | Fighter interceptor | C/D/E | 38 | The Cheetah was the SAAF's primary multirole fighter during the late Cold War, designed by Atlas Aircraft Corporation (now Denel Aviation) to counter Soviet-built MiG-23s used by Angolan and Cuban forces during the Border War. Retired in 2008 and replaced by the Gripen, 30 were sold to Ecuador, Chile, and Draken International in the United States, while 38 remain in storage / reserve preserving their potential for reactivation or sale if needed. |
| BAE Hawk | Fighter trainer | Mk 120 | 24 | Primarily used to train pilots for the Gripen but is also capable of light ground-attack missions, close air support, and reconnaissance. |
| Pilatus PC-7 | Basic flight trainer | Mk I Mk II | 21 35 | Though primarily a trainer, the PC-7 can be fitted with light weaponry, such as bombs and machine guns, for counterinsurgency and light ground-attack missions. Due to the lack of pilot training, the PC-7 Mk I variant has been placed in reserve. |

### Unmanned aerial vehicles

South Africa is also investing in the development of next-generation UAVs for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
| Image | Name | Origin | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
| | Milkor 380 | | MALE UCAV | | 5+ | Entered service in 2024. The largest UAV designed in South Africa and in Africa, it has an endurance of up to 35 hours of flight time and a payload capacity of 210 kg. Production for the Milkor 380 is currently set at 8 drones per year, in 2026 this is set to be doubled by up to 16 drones produced a year. |

### Transport aircraft

| Name | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
| C-130 Hercules | Tactical airlifter | C-130BZ | 9 | Three mothballed aircraft used for spares, the remaining 6 operational C-130 aircraft are undergoing upgrades. |
| Douglas DC-3 | Electronic warfare / Transport | | 16 | The classic C-47 Dakota but upgraded with turboprop engines for extended range and performance. 5 aircraft provide maritime patrol. |
| Cessna 208 | Radar jamming / Transport | | 7 | Used for coastal patrols and low-intensity operations. Its ruggedness and ability to operate in various environments make it suitable for South Africa’s diverse terrain. |
| Super King Air | Transport | | 2 | It is versatile, capable of short takeoffs and landings on unimproved airfields, often used for short-haul missions. |
| C-212 Aviocar | Transport | | 3 | Known for its ability to operate from short and unprepared runways, it is used in tactical airlift missions. |
| Pilatus PC-12 | Transport | | 2 | Small business jet. |
| Boeing 737 | VIP presidential transport | BBJ | 1 | Presidential plane. |
| Citation II | VIP transport | | 2 | A long-range business jet used to transport senior government officials and military personnel. |
| Falcon 50 | VIP transport | | 2 | A long-range business jet used to transport senior government officials and military personnel. |
| Falcon 900 | VIP transport | | 1 | More advanced than the Falcon 50, it offers longer range and more comfort for high-ranking officials during international travel. |

### Helicopters

The South African Air Force (SAAF) operates a variety of helicopters, fulfilling roles such as transport, search and rescue, anti-piracy operations, and battlefield support.
| Name | Type | Versions | Quantity | Notes |
| AH-2 Rooivalk | Attack helicopter | Mk1 | 11 | Equipped with a 20mm cannon, rockets, and anti-tank missiles. It is capable of night operations and has advanced avionics and targeting systems. Originally 36 Rooivalk Mk1 were planned to be procured but this had been reduced to 12 units which were then all delivered in 2011. A Rooivalk Mk2 variant is currently under development with a minimum of 24 Rooivalk Mk2 planned to be procured to make up a viable squadron for the air force. |
| Atlas Oryx | Transport utility | Mk2 | 39 | Based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, but upgraded by Denel. Can carry up to 20 troops or 6 stretchers, and has a maximum speed of about 278 km/h. |
| AW109 | Transport utility / SAR | | 30 | Can carry up to 8 passengers, is highly maneuverable, and has a max speed of around 285 km/h. Fulfills the surveillance, transport, and search and rescue role of the SAAF. |
| BK 117 | Light attack / utility | | 6 | Multirole helicopter. |
| Super Lynx | ASW/SAR | Lynx 300 | 4 | Used in naval operations. |

### Weapon systems

The South African Air Force operates various weapon systems across its fleet to support air defense, combat operations, and other military roles. These weapon systems are integrated into aircraft like the SAAB JAS 39 Gripen, Denel Rooivalk, and other platforms.
| Type | Name | Notes |
| 27 mm revolver cannon | Mauser BK-27 | Primary gun for the JAS 39 Gripen. |
| Gunship cannon | F2 20mm Cannon | Primary gun for the Rooivalk. |
| Air-to-Air missile | A-Darter | Mounted on Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 (Hawk integration in progress, not yet operational) |
| Air-to-Air missile | IRIS-T | Mounted on Gripen C, Gripen D |
| Cruise missile | MUPSOW | In development, to be mounted on the Gripen. |
| Cruise missile | TORGOS | Long-range, precision-guided strike missile. |
| Reconnaissance / Targeting Pods | Litening III | Gripen C, Gripen D |
| Reconnaissance / Targeting Pods | Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod | Gripen C, Gripen D |
| Reconnaissance / Targeting Pods | Vicon 18-601E | Hawk 120 |
| Reconnaissance / Targeting Pods | Argos 410-Z | C208 Caravan, A109 |
| Rocket Launcher | Type 159 Launcher | Rooivalk |
| Rocket | FZ90 70mm FFAR | Rooivalk |
| Laser-guided bomb | GBU-12 Paveway II | Gripen C, Gripen D |
| Precision-guided bomb | Umbani PGM | Hawk 120 |
| Free-fall bomb | 120 kg Fragmentation Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 |
| Free-fall bomb | 120 kg Low-Drag Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 |
| Free-fall bomb | 145 kg Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 |
| Free-fall bomb | 460 kg Bomb | Gripen C, Gripen D, Hawk 120 |