Aircraft boost for Madagascar
The Madagascar Air Force received a boost in June with the arrival of a batch of new aircraft to bolster its small inventory. Erwan de Cherisey report.
Defence
in Defence / Features NAF breaths new life into Albatros
Posted 5 November 2019
Nigeria’s continuing counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram is the driving force behind a further small increase in the capabilities of its air force. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence Congolese Air Force cargo plane crashes
Posted 14 October 2019
An Antonov An-72 transport plane operating for the Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo crashed near Punia last week.
in Defence French make first airdrops with A400M in African mission
Posted 1 October 2019
The French Armed Forces General Staff has announced that two test airdrops have been successfully carried out by one of the French forces’ 15 A400M under the supervision of the Centre d’expertise aérienne militaire
in Defence Paramount Group’s Mbombe 4x4 meets NATO STANAG 4569
Posted 18 September 2019
Paramount Group has announced that the Mbombe 4x4, the newest addition to its advanced Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) family of vehicles, has received final certification for the independently verified blast tests which exceeded
in Defence / Features Galaxy still out of this world
Posted 28 August 2019
The US Air Force’s Lockheed C-5 Galaxy remains a stalwart of airlift operations to and from Africa, supporting deployments and delivering humanitarian assistance.
in Defence / Features AS365N Dauphins for Djibouti
Posted 19 August 2019
As part of an ongoing expansion programme, Djibouti’s small air arm, the Force Aérienne du Djibouti (FAdD, Djibouti Air Force), has taken delivery of four newly refurbished AS365N Dauphins.
in Defence / Features Twin giants square up for Herculean task
Posted 8 August 2019
With most African countries ignoring the more expensive C-130J Hercules, both the Leonardo C-27J and Airbus C295 are now battling it out for tactical airlift supremacy in Africa. Alan Warnes looks at the state of play and the status of the North
in Defence / Features Man with a mission to modernise
Posted 26 July 2019
When Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was appointed as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) chief of air staff in July 2015, only 50% of his aircraft were serviceable. In one of his first speeches, he said he wanted “effective and efficient capacity building” and training
in Defence Paramount forges top level ties with Saudi
Posted 5 July 2019
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and South Africa’s Paramount Group, have signed a high-level defence collaboration agreement, in step with Saudi Arabia’s vision for the creation of an integrated defence industrial ecosystem.
in Defence Nigerian Air Force starts intensive K-9 unit training with Paramount Group
Posted 27 June 2019
Military personnel from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) this week commence intensive training in South Africa to qualify as highly specialised Canine Unit (K-9 Unit) operatives.
in Defence / Features Why are the Cobras not striking?
Posted 20 June 2019
Issues are arising surrounding the Kenya Air Force (KAF) Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Equatorial Guinea continues air force expansion
Posted 18 June 2019
The air force branch of the Equatorial Guinea Guardia Nacional (National Guard) has continued its expansion, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Cameroon gears up for counter-insurgency campaign.
Posted 14 June 2019
The Armée de l’Air du Cameroun (Cameroon Air Force) is undergoing a major re-equipment programme, although the US halted assistance in February 2019 amid reports of gross violations of human rights by Cameroon’s security
in Defence / Features Tunisia completes Black Hawk purchase from US
Posted 11 June 2019
The US Army’s Security Assistance Command (USASAC) has completed the delivery of a $338 million foreign military sales (FMS) package of eight Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and associated training and support to Tunisia, writes Jon
in Defence / Features Dogged determination to counter terrorism
Posted 4 June 2019
African air force commanders met with US Air Force and State Department leaders at the eighth annual Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA) symposium in Morocco. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Egypt gets extra bite with the ‘Nile Crocodile’
Posted 29 May 2019
The Kamov Ka-52 ‘Nile Crocodile’ helicopter has officially entered service with the Egyptian Air Force. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features MiG game in Africa
Posted 17 May 2019
The Russian Aircraft Corporation (RAC) MiG company is hoping that new variants will repeat the success of the original MiG-29 in Africa. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Ghana’s air force in a class of its own
Posted 8 May 2019
The Ghana Armed Forces have a small but capable air force. The key to its success is training, as Patrick Dirksen and Frank Mink found out during a recent visit.
in Defence / Features Mauritania goes for second Basler
Posted 15 March 2019
It looks like Mauritania is about to receive a second Basler turbo-Dak intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Rwanda closes in on medevac Caravan
Posted 6 March 2019
A US Air Force (USAF) notification, issued on September 20, revealed that Rwanda is to receive two new aircraft to be used for medical evacuation and light transport missions during international peacekeeping operations throughout Africa.
in Defence / Features Tanzania takes delivery of new helicopters
Posted 28 February 2019
Tanzania is understood to have taken delivery of four Airbus Helicopters Cougar and Super Cougar transport helicopters, writes Jon Lake.
in Air Transport / Defence / Business Aviation / General Aviation / Technology / Events Airbus showcases full spectrum of product and services at Aviation Africa
Posted 26 February 2019
From commercial aircraft and helicopters to unmanned aerial systems and satellite imaging, Airbus is showcasing the full spectrum of its business, products and services in Africa at this year’s Aviation
in Defence Airbus certifies A400M Cargo Hold Tanks refuelling unit
Posted 21 February 2019
Airbus has successfully completed the certification flight tests for the A400M Cargo Hold Tanks (CHT) refuelling unit, taking a new step towards the full certification of the aircraft for air-to-air refuelling operations as a
in Defence / Features Kenya takes ex-Emirati Fennecs for anti-insurgency ops
Posted 21 February 2019
The Kenya Air Force (KAF) has taken delivery of nine Eurocopter AS550 Fennec light helicopters from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Russian sales rush is on
Posted 12 February 2019
African countries have traditionally provided a good market for Russian Helicopters, with more than 700 in active service across the continent. Now, as Jon Lake reports, the push is on to sell more.
in Defence Embraer and SNC to deliver 12 A-29s to Nigerian Air Force
Posted 6 February 2019
Embraer Defense & Security and its partner Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) were awarded a contract to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force.
in Defence / Features Cameroon's eyes in the sky focus on Boko Haram
Posted 4 February 2019
Since May 2014, Cameroon has been battling the terrorist organisation known colloquially as Boko Haram. Erwan de Cherisey takes a look at the country’s capabilities.
in Defence Cambridge Pixel provides IFF radar processors to Tellumat for SAAF SSR upgrade
Posted 22 January 2019
Cambridge Pixel, a developer of radar display, tracking and recording sub-systems, is supplying its IFF (identification friend or foe) secondary radar processing and plot extraction technology to
in Defence Ivory Coast joins the family of Airbus C295 operators
Posted 22 January 2019
The Ministry of Defence of Ivory Coast has signed a firm order for one C295 medium transport aircraft.
in Defence / Features Hawk helicopters pave the way for troops' rescue
Posted 5 December 2018
Jon Lake reports on a vital helicopter rescue mission near the Somali border with Kenya.
in Defence New C-27 Spartan baseline configuration performs first flight
Posted 4 December 2018
The new C-27J Spartan baseline configuration— characterised by a brand new avionics system, new cockpit control panels and LED aircraft lights—completed its first flight yesterday at Leonardo’s Aircraft Division Turin
in Defence / Features Africa's arms race
Posted 30 November 2018
Many believe that Africa will be the big growth market for the global defence industry, thanks to burgeoning security requirements and vast oil and natural gas reserves. Jon Lake takes a look at the situation.
in Defence / Features Secret Spartans for Kenya
Posted 28 November 2018
Kenyan Treasury Secretary, Henry Rotich, has revealed the previously undisclosed acquisition of two or three Alenia C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft and an undisclosed number of Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters (thought to be four). Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features US angered by laser targeting of pilots
Posted 26 November 2018
US military pilots in Djibouti have reported being targeted by high-powered lasers – apparently from a nearby Chinese base. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features No deal on lifting CAR arms embargo
Posted 22 November 2018
An arms embargo placed on the Central African Republic is to remain in place, blocking a proposed Chinese weapons package being delivered to the country’s forces.
in Defence / Features Botswana replaces crashed C212 with second-hand Airbus
Posted 16 November 2018
The Botswana Defence Force Air Wing has acquired a second-hand Airbus CAS C-212 light turboprop transport aircraft to replace one similar that crashed in 2017.
in Defence / Features Military gains for Indonesia in Africa
Posted 12 November 2018
Indonesia is making inroads into the African military transport market. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Threats and peace-keeping needs top of the shopping list
Posted 8 November 2018
Jon Lake looks at the reasons why Morocco is seeking new fighters and attack helicopters.
in Defence / Features Why the Mirage F1 is of Paramount importance
Posted 2 November 2018
Paramount Group, the South African-based global aerospace and defence company, has become the prime contractor for the maintenance, repair and modernisation of recently retired Mirage F1 supersonic multi-role fighter aircraft. David
in Defence / Events Marrakech Air Show: RAF Voyager makes show debut
Posted 30 October 2018
Aircrew from the Royal Air Force’s largest aircraft provided senior military leaders from across Africa with insights into Voyager’s capabilities and versatility at last week’s Marrakech Air Show.
in Defence Tunisia and Saudi together for joint air defence exercises
Posted 4 October 2018
The Saudi Royal Air Force and the Tunisian Air Force are training together for the first time in a joint exercise in the North African country.,
in Defence Two Antonov aircraft collide on the ground at Khartoum Airport
Posted 3 October 2018
Two military aircraft, an Antonov An-30 and an An-32, have collided on the runway at Khartoum International Airport, Sudan.
in Defence / Features Huey II simulators hunt for Kenya and Uganda
Posted 26 September 2018
The US Army is carrying out market research to find a contractor that can deliver a level 5 flight-training device (FTD) to Kenya, with a potential option for an additional Huey II FTD for the Republic of Uganda, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Angola orders C295s for maritime surveillance
Posted 21 September 2018
Angola has ordered three C295 transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence Paramount to work with Leonardo on weaponised M-345
Posted 20 September 2018
Leonardo and the Paramount Group are to evaluate the joint development of a weaponized configuration of M-345 jet trainer for the African market and will continue discussions over the future of the SF-260 programme and its logistic
in Defence First Airbus C295 delivered to African operator for humanitarian operations
Posted 20 September 2018
Nairobi, Kenya-based DAC Aviation International has received its first Airbus C295 for humanitarian missions in North-East and Central Africa.
in Defence / Events South Africa’s President opens door on partnerships for defence as economic driver
Posted 19 September 2018
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of the defence industry as he formally opened the 10th Africa Aerospace and Defence show at Waterkloof, Pretoria today.
in Defence / Features Partnerships progress in Senegal and New Jersey
Posted 17 September 2018
Two rounds of the African partnership flight (APF) programme were conducted in March and April 2018. Jon Lake reports on progress.
in Defence / Features Senegal steps in for light-attack L-39NG
Posted 11 September 2018
Aero Vodochody’s L-39NG jet trainer programme received a considerable boost in early April when the Senegal President, Macky Sall, announced a deal for four of the new generation classics. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence / Features Diamond sparkles
Posted 4 September 2018
Diamond Aircraft set out to woo new buyers by undertaking a west African tour with two of its aircraft. David Oliver followed the mission’s progress.
in Defence / Features Rafale delays hold back the Wild Wolves progress
Posted 28 August 2018
Jon Lake reveals that it’s good news and bad news for Egypt’s Rafales.
in Defence / Features Farmageddon
Posted 20 August 2018
Mali is rapidly becoming a major terrorist focus point. Alan Warnes looks at what’s being done to combat the problem.
in Defence / Features The Paramount picture
Posted 10 August 2018
Sam Basch takes brief look at South Africa’s Paramount Group, which is headed by Ivor Ichikowitz, a man who seems to have the ability to see opportunities others often overlook and who continuously grows his innovative defence group across the air, land and sea domains.
in Defence / Features Hueys give Uganda's force uplift
Posted 28 June 2018
The Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has received a useful boost to its vertical lift capabilities with the arrival of five refurbished Bell Huey II helicopters from US surplus stocks.
in Defence / Features ZAF remembers the Spartans
Posted 22 June 2018
The Zambian Air Force (ZAF) will substantially improve its transport capabilities with the arrival of two Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical airlift aircraft.
in Air Transport / Defence / People Air Force chief takes over as Civil Aviation Minister in Egypt
Posted 18 June 2018
Following a restructuring of the Egyptian government’s cabinet, Air Marshal Younes Al Masry has been appointed as the country’s Civil Aviation Minister.
in Defence / Features Cheetah purrfect for US private air force
Posted 14 June 2018
The most advanced fighter aircraft ever constructed in Africa is about to find a new lease of life on the other side of the world. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features The mystery of Algeria’s ISR Gulfstreams
Posted 6 June 2018
Delays to the work on three special mission Gulfstreams 550s are causing the Algerian Air Force some real concerns. Alan Warnes reports.
in Defence / Features Ever ready for the fight against Boko Haram
Posted 31 May 2018
The Cameroonian Air Force (CAF) transport fleet is one of the most capable and serviceable in the region and provides a capability that has few equivalents throughout central Africa. Erwan de Cherisey looks at its history and current state of
in Air Transport / Defence / Route Planning & Tourism Sinai warnings extended due to flight safety concerns
Posted 28 May 2018
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) extended a security warning for the Egypt Sinai Peninsula to 25 November 2018 due to continuing concern for flight safety.
in Defence / Features Kenya turns to crop dusters to turbo charge its forces
Posted 23 May 2018
Kenya’s requirement for new light attack/armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft has been dogged by controversy. Jon Lake attempts to unravel a complicated situation.
in Defence / Features The rise and rise of Tanzania's Air Force
Posted 14 May 2018
Alan Warnes spotlights the origins of the Tanzanian Air Force Command and highlights an interesting mix of aircraft being flown.
in Defence Aviall to lead AHRLAC supply chain and join industry team Bronco Combat Systems
Posted 1 May 2018
Boeing, through its subsidiary Aviall has announced Aviall’s leadership role in supply chain management for the production of the Advanced High- Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft
in Defence Algerian transporter crashes - more than 200 dead
Posted 11 April 2018
An Algerian Air Force Ilyushin-76TD military transport plane has crashed with more than 200 passengers and crew believed dead.
in Defence Draken engages Paramount to regenerate 22 Mirage F1Ms
Posted 11 April 2018
The world’s largest operator of ex-military aircraft, Draken International, has signed an agreement with Paramount Aerospace Systems for the overhaul and ongoing engineering support of their recently acquired fleet of Mirage
in Defence / Technology / People Denel gets new Board to stabilise "tarnished" defence and technology giant
Posted 10 April 2018
South Africa's Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, has appointed an entirely new Board of Directors for the coountry's state-owned technology group Denel reports Sam Basch. The board is an
in Defence / Features South Korea's Eagle swoops on Botswana
Posted 10 April 2018
South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has mounted a renewed effort to sell its FA-50 Golden Eagle lightweight fighter to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).
in Defence Senegal purchase four L-39NG aircraft from Aero Vodochody
Posted 5 April 2018
After 20 years, Aero Vodochody is selling new aircraft on the international market
in Defence / Features The power of two...
Posted 4 April 2018
Following its participation in Exercise Blue Shield in Sudan and Exercise Red Flag in the USA, the Royal Saudi Air Force undertook a further major training exercise, Faisal-11, in Egypt. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Transport of the light for Mali Air Force
Posted 26 March 2018
The Force Aerienne de la Republique du Mali (FARM - Republic of Mali Air Force) has taken delivery of a pair of Harbin Y-12E Harbinger light transport aircraft, which staged through Malta on delivery in September 2017.
in Defence / Features More helicopters for Burkina Faso
Posted 20 March 2018
Burkina Faso signed two agreements covering the delivery of two Mil Mi-171Sh transport helicopters and associated weapons during Russia’s Army 2017 exhibition, according to Sergei Kornev, the deputy director general of the Russian state arms export
in Defence / Features Angola inducts Sukhoi Su-30 twins as part of $1 billion order
Posted 13 March 2018
The Força Aérea Nacional de Angola (FANA – National Air Force of Angola) took delivery of its first two Sukhoi Su-30K fighters in September 2017 and is due to receive 10 more by early 2018.
in Defence / Features Somalia battles for an air force to fight against terror
Posted 7 March 2018
The Somalia National Air Force was decimated by the Ogaden War with Ethiopia in the late-1970s and the civil war in the 1990s. It now has no aircraft and has been reduced to guarding the airport. However, the Somali Government has
in Defence / Features The 39's steps...
Posted 27 February 2018
The Aero L-39 Albatros high-performance jet trainer was created in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody in the 1960s. Alan Warnes looks at how the aircraft is still being used throughout Africa.
in Defence AHRLAC based Bronco II launched
Posted 22 February 2018
The newly created company Bronco Combat Systems (BCS) USA, announced today the launch of the Bronco II aircraft, which is based on Paramount Group's AHRLAC aircraft (Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft).
in Defence Lockheed Martin delivers 400th C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft
Posted 14 February 2018
Lockheed Martin reached a major milestone with the delivery of its 400th C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Feb. 9. This Super Hercules is an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations aircraft that is assigned to the U.S. Air
in Defence South Africa’s multi role aircraft ramps up for production
Posted 7 February 2018
Paramount Group and its partners in AHRLAC Holdings have announced that its new factory is fully operational and ramping up for full production of the Advanced High Performance and Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC) and
in Defence / General Aviation Chinese take over Diamond for a GA jewel in the crown
Posted 27 December 2017
Chinese automotive and aviation company Wanfeng has bought the majority of shares in Austria’s Diamond Aircraft, the fourth largest general aviation manufacturer in the world.
in Defence GKN Aerospace signs support contract for South African Gripen RM12 engine
Posted 18 December 2017
GKN Aerospace has signed a three year contract extension worth over US$8 million (Initial order value ZAR 89M), covering the technical product support, maintenance and parts supply for the Gripen RM12
in Defence / Features Legacy of Ghav's pioneers of peace
Posted 22 November 2017
For more than a decade, the Ghana Aviation Unit (GHAV) was deployed in Côte d'Ivoire as part of a UN peacekeeping force. Erwan de Cherisey looks at what was achieved and the legacy left by the unit as it finally went home earlier this year.
in Defence / Features Sudan's Chinese jet milestone
Posted 9 November 2017
On June 5, China's state-owned Guizhou Aircraft Industries Corporation (GAIC) rolled out the first production FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle (Shanying) from its plant in Anshun. As Jon Lake reports, it was a particularly significant moment for Sudan.
in Defence / Features Nigeria sale lights the way for Super Tucano
Posted 31 October 2017
A US Air Force competition to find a new light attack aircraft could open new doors in Africa for Embraer's Super Tucano. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence South Korea intensifies KAI T-50 export bid to Botswana
Posted 5 October 2017
The government of South Korea says the 2017 edition of the Seoul Air Show will be used to showcase the export version of the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer jet with the objective of
in Defence Russian Helicopters to unveil helicopter Ka-62 at Eastern Economic Forum
Posted 6 September 2017
Russian Helicopters Holding is to present the Russain and international audience with a brand new utility helicopter Ka-62.
in Defence Pilot instructor killed in Nigerian Air Force trainer aircraft crash
Posted 30 August 2017
A senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilot instructor has died after the Air Beetle trainer aircraft he was flying crashed near the city of Kaduna. By Oscar Nkala.
in Defence US approves approves US$593 million Super Tucano A-29 sale to Nigeria
Posted 9 August 2017
The US State Department has approved the sale of twelve (12) Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and weapons, associated training, spare parts, aviation and ground support equipment, hangar facilities
in Defence / Features Senegal sees strength in modernisation plan
Posted 7 August 2017
Over the past decade, the Senegalese military has been immersed in an unprecedented modernisation effort, which has allowed for a complete overhaul of the Army equipment and Navy fleet. Although the Senegalese Air Force (SAF) has also
in Defence / Features Trump shift the emphasis in east Africa
Posted 1 August 2017
The US is entering a new chapter of its military interventions in east Africa. Jon Lake reports
in Defence Boeing to modernise next-generation Chinook
Posted 31 July 2017
Boeing will build and test three U.S. Army CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters as part of a modernisation effort that will likely bring another two decades of work to the company's Philadelphia site.
in Defence / Features Customers eyeing up the all-seeing Mwari
Posted 25 July 2017
With Paramount Group starting production of its AHRLAC advanced high-performance light reconnaissance aircraft, attention is now switching to the weaponised version, Mwari. Sam Basch reports.
in Defence Nigerian Air Force AW-109 crashes
Posted 12 July 2017
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) utility helicopter was damaged when it developed a technical fault and crashed into a body of water in the north-east of the country on Thursday last week. By Oscar Nkala
in Defence / General Aviation Airborne drones set to provide security patrols in South Africa
Posted 10 July 2017
Autonomous drones are set to take over border patrols, crime hotspot monitoring and more, according to South Africa's Airborne Drones.
in Defence Nigerian Air Force to receive 10 Mi-35M attack helicopters in 2018
Posted 4 July 2017
The Russian Federal Service for Technical-Military Cooperation (FSTMC) says it will complete the delivery of 12 Mi-35M attack helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 2018, correcting earlier reports
in Defence Airbus VSR700 helicopter demonstrator performs first autonomous flights
Posted 20 June 2017
Airbus Helicopters recently started autonomous flight trials of a VSR700 Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) demonstrator, paving the way for a first flight of the actual VSR700 prototype in 2018.
in Defence / Features Tiger bares its teeth
Posted 7 June 2017
For decades, Botswana has avoided social division and corruption, and has been widely praised as an “African tiger”, with a successful economy, an 85% literacy rate, and a Government rated 35th out of 176 countries in Transparency International's latest clean
in Defence / Features Angolan Air Force revitalises helicopter force
Posted 6 June 2017
The Angolan Air Force is rebuilding its shattered helicopter fleet through a series of acquisitions of new and refurbished helicopters from Italy and Russia.
in Defence / Features KAF focuses on new strategic needs
Posted 30 May 2017
The Kenya Air Force is aiming to rethink its strategy to meet current threats. Githae Mwaniki reports.
in Defence Pilots killed in Libyan military plane crash
Posted 30 May 2017
Two pilots were killed last Tuesday when a Libyan National Army (LNA) air force SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 crashed while conducting a surveillance patrol of the Libya-Sudan border on Tuesday last week. Oscar Nkala reports.
in Defence ZAF looks east for modernisation programme
Posted 25 May 2017
The Zambian Air Force (ZAF) is negotiating with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) for the possible acquisition of more advanced fighter and trainer jets, helicopters and heavy-lift transport aircraft, as it forges ahead with a
