The South African Air Force marked its 106th year of operations with a Prestige Parade hosted on Friday, 30 January 2026, by the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing at its historic home, formerly known as Air Force Base Swartkop. As the oldest operating military air base in South Africa, Swartkop provided a fitting setting for a parade that balanced heritage, operational reality and future intent.
Proceedings opened with a flypast by a Lockheed C-130BZ Hercules from 28 Squadron, setting a tone defined by pride and discipline. The aircraft’s presence underscored both the longevity of the service and the continued relevance of its airlift capability.
In his address, the Chief of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, reflected on Swartkop’s central place in South African military aviation history. He emphasised the importance of preserving the full narrative of the Air Force’s past, while ensuring that lessons learned, institutional knowledge and professional standards are carried forward. Heritage, he noted, remains meaningful only when it informs continuity and future performance.
The parade featured a broad cross-section of current South African Air Force aircraft and squadrons. Participating platforms included the 28 Squadron C-130BZ, BAe Hawk Mk120 aircraft from 85 Combat Flying School, including a solo display, a Kawasaki BK117 from 15 Squadron, an Agusta A109LUH from 19 Squadron, Beechcraft King Air B200C and Cessna 208 aircraft from 41 Squadron, a Denel Rooivalk from 16 Squadron, and Dassault Falcon 50 and 900 aircraft operated by 21 Squadron.
Beyond ceremony, the Chief’s remarks addressed the realities of the modern operating environment. He pointed to evolving battlefield conditions, shifting air defence challenges and the increasing prevalence of low-speed, low-altitude unmanned systems. Readiness, he stressed, is not defined by equipment alone, but by training culture, discipline and mindset across the force.
Training and skills development featured prominently, with reference to the re-establishment of the Skills Development Wing at the South African Air Force College on 18 August 2025, following a four-year closure. The reopening is intended to expand training capacity and address identified gaps in facilitation and skills development, reinforcing long-term capability generation.
The Air Force’s contribution beyond its core defence mandate was also highlighted. Recent support to civil authorities during floods and fires across South Africa was noted, alongside assistance provided to Mozambique during periods of severe rainfall. These operations reaffirm the Air Force’s role in humanitarian support and regional cooperation, and its readiness to respond when communities and neighbouring states require assistance.
Attention was also given to the welfare of Air Force personnel and their families. Proceeds from last year’s golf day were distributed as previously communicated, with R300 000 allocated to the families of fallen members. Of this, R100 000 was donated to the Chief of the South African National Defence Force Trust, while the remaining funds are being directed towards the customisation of homes for wounded soldiers to support their long-term adaptation. This initiative is being undertaken jointly by the South African Military Health Service and the Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Peter Maphaha.
Looking ahead, the Chief outlined the Air Force’s 2026 marching orders, referencing key national and service events including the State of the Nation Address, Armed Forces Day, Freedom Day, South African Air Force Museum activities and African Aerospace and Defence 2026. He emphasised that the work of strengthening internal capability development is ongoing, with further acceleration required.
For many in attendance, the most enduring impression was not a single flypast or ceremonial highlight, but the collective discipline and atmosphere that defined the day, a quiet but powerful reflection of an air force marking 106 years of service while keeping its focus firmly on the future.
