DoD management taken to task for failing to reverse SANDF decline.
Clear weather forecast for Saturday's SAAF Museum air show.
Welcome aviation enthusiasts. It's been a while since Botswana blue skies hosted planes large and small from the region to enjoy good flying conditions and company.
Record speed for RIAT ticket sales as event announces popular Italian display team.
Table Mountain National Park safety and security boosted with the use of a helicopter.
Verticon 2025: new orders and new markets confirm Leonardo's strong position in the global commercial helicopter sector.
de Havilland Canada celebrates milestone with European Union and member states.
United invests in next generation blended wing aircraft start-up JetZero.
This week in history - 25 April 1940 - Oberfeldwebel Hermann Förster is the first German night fighter pilot to shoot down a British bomber during World War II.
Worldwide Accidents and Incidents
Bonus video - Bantam Overhead Sliver Creek Estates Pancake Breakfast
SAAF Gripens. Their availability as well as that of other SANDF prime mission equipment was under the Parliamentary spotlight this week. The holders of government's purse strings - National Treasury (NT) - was again warned its budgetary constraints on Minister Angie Motshekga's Department of Defence (DoD) where the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) is the major constituent will see “ongoing decline in capabilities and performance”.
The warning, in the same month Parliament heard State-owned defence and technology conglomerate Denel was in crisis, was delivered on Wednesday (23 April) by Dakota Legoete, Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) chair. He spoke after DoD representatives presented the strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year.
The presentation saw the PCDMV issue a statement noting, among others, “it is clear [the DoD] can anticipate another chronic underwriting of budgets, which will continue the decline in defence capabilities”.
The Parliamentary Communication Services statement, quoting Legoete, has it: “The committee is seriously concerned and would like to engage NT to reconsider their allocation in line with the 2024 presidential directive that ordered the defence budget to be moved from 0.7 to 1.5% of GDP [Gross Domestic Product] to redress chronic underfunding”.
Lack of maintenance for prime mission equipment (PME) is cited as “a deep concern” and while not named, this can reasonably be assumed to include most of the SA Air Force (SAAF) inventory as well as the frigates, submarines and fleet replenishment ship.
The statement takes SANDF leadership to task, saying “despite previous commitments the committee noted the repeated failure to deliver a fresh, effective strategy to reverse the decline”. While the committee acknowledged plans to develop a strategy for force rejuvenation and curb rising personnel costs were acknowledged with the PCDMV, “emphasising” current plans as presented “lack innovation and did not seek ways to enhance SANDF operational capacity within tight fiscal constraints”.
SANDF and DoD management were told by Legoete to “use allocated funds wisely since there is concern about growing irregular and fruitless expenditure and, furthermore, to answer all audit queries as raised by the Auditor-General (AG) to reduce an adverse outlook on its books”.
Legoete asked that the DoD “engage” with NT on finding “innovative ways to reduce the cost of employees (CoE) without undermining the department's human capabilities”.
The first Saturday in May is traditionally SA Air Force (SAAF) Museum air show day and this Saturday will be the fourteenth time what was Air Force Base (AFB) Swartkop, now the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW), hosts the major fundraiser.
“Major fundraiser” because the museum, headquartered at MDW on the eastern side of what was the SAAF Gymnasium in Valhalla, and its Gqeberha and Ysterplaat satellites, are at the bottom of the financial pecking order as SAAF non-operational units. Ahead of last year's air show then SAAF Deputy Chief, Major General Mayenzeke Matanda, said the event was vital in generating funds to keep the museum's vintage military aircraft flying as it is the SAAF Museum's primary revenue source.
Last year's air show attracted an estimated 60 000 spectators and organisers are hoping the weekend forecast of clear skies, with day-time high temperatures around the 16 degree Celsius mark and a light (5km/h) breeze will see a similar number attending.
Those planning to attending will see, according to a SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC) statement quoting SAAF Director Education Training Development, Brigadier General Ntutuzelo Kereeditse, the evolution of military aviation from the past to the present in static and flying presentations.
The air show programme, the statement continues, is “designed to leave aviation enthusiasts in awe with breathtakingly diverse aerial displays and aerobatics, as well as up-close encounters with iconic aircraft from the SAAF and [the] South African aviation industry at large”.
“Prepare to be mesmerised by highly skilled pilots and historic aircraft that have left an outstanding mark on aviation history. The Wings of Legacy [air show theme] will take over the skies of the Capital City.”
Aircraft and displays revealed as being part of this year's show lineup include a de Havilland Chipmunk formation, Goodyear Eagles aerobatic display team flying Pitts Specials, Aerospatiale Gazelle, Master Power Technologies Team Extra, SAAF Museum Alouette III, SAAF BK 117s, Aero Vodochody L-29, SAAF Museum Harvards, Alouette III, and P-51D 'Mustang Sally'. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Air Wing will contribute a Pilatus PC-6 Porter and H125 helicopter.
Further aircraft confirmations are expected. Last year the air show saw the SAAF contribute Silver Falcons PC-7 Mk II, C212 transport, Hawk, A109 and BK 117 aircraft. The Museum provided Puma and Alouette helicopters as well as Harvard trainers, and the Police an H125 helicopter. Other highlights included the Mwari, L-29, UH-1 Huey, and P-51D Mustang, amongst others.
The SAAF Museum air show is committed to developing aviation awareness in schools with a view to careers in the air force and Friday, 2 May, will see pupils from 25 Gauteng schools descend on AF MDW for what will be a hands-on introduction to military aviation.
MDW gates open at 07h00 on Saturday with flying set to start two hours later. As has become custom the Museum will again partner with Gautrain for a park and ride service from the Centurion station to MDW.
In the leadup to the air show, a SAAF Museum helicopter will once again race the Gautrain, at 7:00 am on 30 April. An Alouette II will be up against the high-speed train running from Midrand to Centurion stations.
Welcome Aviation Enthusiasts
It's been a while since Botswana blue skies hosted planes large and small from the region to enjoy good flying conditions and company
We have been fortunate that Botswana's Patrion of aviation, His Excellence Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former President of the republic of Botswana as well as the residence of Mosu village located on the edge of the Magadikgadi salt pans have offered their support to host the first of many aviation events to be held at the famous salt pans of Botswana.
This is an open invitation for all recreational pilots to join us in the Pans from the 28th May for a gathering of light sport planes and aircraft to socialize, enjoy the beauty of the pans and map the future of recreation aviation and the resurgence in Botswana with your help.
Record Speed for RIAT Ticket Sales as Event Announces Popular Italian Display Team
Organisers of The Royal International Air Tattoo have confirmed tickets for this year's show are selling at record speed for the third successive year. The event, which is held at RAF Fairford, has already sold over 100,000 tickets for this year's show, putting them ahead of the same time last year.
Last July, 168,000 people descended on the rural airfield for three days of aerobatic displays, interactive tech exhibits and the chance to talk to pilots and their crew, and this year looks to be no different with demand for tickets at an all-time high.
With Saturday 19th July close to selling out, organisers have recently announced the Italian display team, the Frecce Tricolori will be performing over the Gloucestershire skies this summer.
Joining the Frecce are a further three flying displays and three static displays from the Italian Air Force. These join an already extensive list of aircraft from 15 nations confirmed for RIAT, with many more aircraft to be added to the line-up in the coming weeks.
Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch said: “The Frecce Tricolori are always a welcome addition to the RIAT flying programme and visitors who joined us in 2022 will know how impressive and energetic their display is to watch.
“We're grateful to the Italian Air Force for their continued support and look forward to welcoming their aircraft and crew to RAF Fairford later this year.”
In just over three months, RIAT will return and highlight the importance of aviation in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and more, under the theme of 'Eyes in the Skies'.
So far, the aviation show case has announced the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, a Spanish Navy Harrier as well as a Portuguese Merlin, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Danish F-16 and Swedish Black Hawk helicopter displaying for the first time with a number of announcements still to come.
“We are looking forward to this summer's show, we already have some great aircraft confirmed to be taking part and will be adding to the line-up right up until the show later this year,” added Peter
“Ticket sales have been incredible, at RIAT we know our event is an incredible day out whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a family with young children or someone who has never been to the event before - we have something for everyone.
Table Mountain National Park Safety and Security Boosted with the Use of a Helicopter
Mkhululi Chimoio www.defenceweb.co.za
In a major step towards public security and crime avoidance, South African National Parks (SANParks) has activated a dedicated helicopter officially at Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) as part of its general Safety and Security Strategy. The deployment is a vital step in SANParks' ongoing bid to improve the safety of visitors and ensure the protection of one of South Africa's most visited natural heritage icons.
The SANParks helicopter, primarily stationed at Kruger National Park, was temporarily stationed in the Western Cape Province to provide muscle to security operations across TMNP. The aerial asset is part of a multi-pronged strategy complemented by the recent boost in the highly skilled Sea, Air, Mountain (SEAM) unit, an elite response ranger unit for rapid and agile deployment on diverse terrain.
JP Louw, Head of Communications at SANParks and official spokesperson, also affirmed that the helicopter's presence is already yielding positive results.
“The helicopter made its debut day a successful one when, during an aerial surveillance and ground-level operation, it was used to monitor a suspicious individual carrying a knife,” said Louw.
“Following a coordinated response, the individual was apprehended by our ground unit. During further investigation, it was discovered that the individual had a long record.”
This training emphasised the mandatory position the helicopter will play - not only as a deterrent, but also as an intervention tool in quick response. TMNP, which is visited by thousands of locals and foreigners annually, often sees the number of visitors increase significantly during holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year. Air support during these peak times has been a game-changer in maintaining order and ensuring visitor safety.
“The coordination of our ground and airborne units is paramount,” commented Louw.
“It enables us to rapidly mobilize whenever a threat is perceived - be it criminal behaviour or environmental risks like the evolution of wildfires.”
Indeed, one of the other advantages of having a helicopter on-site is that it can be used to help control and monitor for fire hazards, which have also spread more frequently in the area due to people and global climate change. Terrain is harshly beautiful, yet notoriously difficult to patrol quickly by foot. The helicopter's capability to scan large areas within a very short span of time provides SANParks with a key advantage in keeping illegal fires from spreading and destroying the environment.
Table Mountain National Park guests are urged to make use of the site responsibly. SANParks reminds the public that the park is open to all people from sunrise until sunset, but safety should never be compromised. It is essential to travel in groups, employ appropriate hiking gear, and check the weather when venturing into the park for a safe and pleasurable experience.
Verticon 2025: New Orders and New Markets Confirm Leonardo's Strong Position in the Global Commercial Helicopter Sector
At Verticon 2025 a prime exhibition for the world's rotorcraft industry and community, Leonardo announced further growth within the commercial helicopter market, with new orders for nearly 30 helicopters of various models to several operators across Europe, Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific primarily for energy support, rescue and public service duties, VIP transport operations.
Combined orders for the AW109 GrandNew, AW169, AW139, and AW189 types have a total value of approximately 370 million EUR, with deliveries between 2026 and 2028. These orders add to preliminary sales contracts for 15 AW09 next-generation single-engine helicopters for European and Southeast Asian customers. Moreover, Leonardo also announced the entry into new markets, particularly supporting the energy industry and rescue missions with the AW169 and AW189 and the latest simulation technologies for pilot training, including the VxR virtual and extended reality pilot simulator.
This year, the energy industry was the primary market focal point. With nearly 500 helicopters of various types in service today to perform offshore transport and an unrivalled level of deliveries by value over the last ten years-60% share in the previous five-Leonardo is the market leader for energy support.
Offshore operations require high aircraft availability rates, with many flight hours logged by the helicopters used for this task. Leveraging data gathering and analysis from the demanding offshore market and its intensive operations enables Leonardo to enhance further the overall service quality, product, and training capabilities of various models across all other applications. The energy support market is expected to steadily increase over the next five years, driven by new field developments (including wind farm support, harbor pilot shuttle, and dedicated offshore SAR assisting the energy sector), in compliance with new environmental regulations, and adopting more advanced technologies.
Intermediate and super medium twin-weight categories - like the Leonardo AW139 and AW189, respectively - are ideally positioned to continue to lead this market for long-range operations, outperforming aging heavier and bigger types. Contracts and milestones announced at Verticon provide further evidence of this performance and of the market response. Gama Aviation ordered two AW139s in the UK. Three units were purchased by China General Aviation Company (CGAC) as the Chinese civil AW139 fleet continues to expand with the recent arrival of three aircraft for CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company (COHC). The AW139 remains a bestseller in its class for multiple applications, nearing 1500 orders for all applications by customers worldwide today since it entered the market in 2004.
Last year and in early 2025, the AW189 global fleet was expanded with new orders and deliveries, with Norway becoming one of the key regions. A contract signed by Norwegian operator Lufttransport at Verticon for two AW189s to deliver long-range/high-capacity missions in demanding conditions in the Norwegian continental shelf confirms this trend. The exhibition in Dallas also marked the first order for the new skidded variant of the AW169 helicopter in the energy market with a contract for five units by Petroleum Air Services (PAS) of Egypt. At the same time, Sabine Harbor Pilots announced the intention to leverage two in-service AW169s from HeliService USA to deliver Harbor Pilot Shuttle (HPS) services in Texas, the first of this kind for the type in North America.
The versatility and continued capability growth of the AW169 continue to be among the key factors of its market success for rescue duties. At Verticon, Leonardo announced the first civil order in Europe and the Emergency Medical Service sector globally for the latest variant featuring a combination of skid undercarriage and a 5.1t Increased Gross Weight (IGW). Gama Aviation signed this contract for three helicopters in the UK, which will benefit from up to 300kg of additional payload and better capabilities on unprepared terrains, thus allowing an even greater level of mission flexibility and effectiveness for life-saving duties.
Parkview Samaritan ordered an AW169 in the USA for their critical care transport program. The most successful EMS helicopter in Australia with around 50 units in service, the AW139 is set to play an even more crucial role with a new order for four more aircraft by LifeFlight and joint venture partner StarFlight to carry out emergency medical service, law enforcement, oil and gas operations and search and rescue response missions in Australia. In addition, North Slope Borough (NSB) of Alaska announced that two AW189s will deliver all-weather EMS and SAR across its expansive 95,000-square-mile service area, located entirely above the Arctic Circle.
India And Dassault Signs $7.4 Billion Deal For 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jets
The contract was signed on 28 April 2025 and is valued at approximately $7.4 billion. It covers the delivery of 22 single-seat Rafale M fighters and four twin-seat trainer variants. The aircraft will operate from the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, bolstering The countries maritime strike capabilities across the Indian Ocean. India will be the first export customer for the Rafale Marine.
“On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its partners, I would like to thank the Indian authorities, with whom we have been working for more than 70 years, for their confidence in us and reaffirm our unwavering determination to stand by their side to contribute to India's expression of its sovereign power, its strategic challenges and its ambitious vision of the future,” Dassault's Trappier commented in a statement.
The Rafale M was selected over competing options following extensive evaluations, including ski-jump tests to assess carrier compatibility. The acquisition package includes advanced weapon systems such as Meteor air-to-air missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles, along with a comprehensive maintenance and training support plan.
The four twin-seat trainer aircraft, however, will not be carrier-capable. Although Dassault Aviation once considered developing a carrier-suitable two-seat variant, known as the Rafale N or Rafale BM, the project was abandoned due to cost and design complexities. As a result, India's twin-seat Rafales will be restricted to land-based training missions.
de Havilland Canada Celebrates Milestone with European Union and Member States
Leaders from the European Commission, Government of Canada, EU Member States and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) recently celebrated the conclusion of contract negotiations as aircraft production for 22 new waterbomber aircraft ramps up at De Havilland Canada's facilities.
De Havilland Canada presented EU Commissioner Janez Lenarcic with a rescEU branded model aircraft, as well as other model De Havilland Canada aircraft, to the assembled EU Member States representatives to mark the occasion and signify the close of the contract negotiation process.
As part of the event, De Havilland Canada announced that the name of the DHC-515 Firefighter would be changing to reflect the history and overwhelming sentiment for the name “Canadair” in Europe.
“When people are close to a wildfire in Europe, they ask when the Canadairs will come to help protect their community,” said De Havilland Canada CEO, Brian Chafe. “Today, we are recognizing the history of service of the Canadair fleet by renaming the aircraft the 'De Havilland Canadair 515.'”
To celebrate the event, De Havilland Canada has released a video outlining the current state of production of the aircraft, as well as an image of a re-branded De Havilland Canadair 515 in rescEU livery.
“For our company, today is a big day as it marks the end of discussion and the commencement of production moving into high gear,” said Chafe. “But the real work is just beginning. European countries have placed their trust in De Havilland Canada, and it is up to all of us to deliver the aircraft to them on time.”
United Invests in Next Generation Blended Wing Aircraft Start-Up Jetzero
United announced an investment in blended wing body (BWB) aircraft start-up JetZero. The company is creating an aircraft design that has the potential to deliver jet fuel efficiency and a greatly enhanced customer experience. The investment includes a path to order up to 100 airplanes and an option for an additional 100.
The conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving development milestones, including flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027, among other conditions, including that the aircraft meet United's safety, business and operating requirements.
JetZero's innovative design reduces drag and produces lift across the entire wingspan, which could lead to as much as 50% reduction in fuel burn per passenger mile compared to a similar sized aircraft. The technology could potentially help United lower its carbon emissions while reducing the cost of operations. In 2023, the U.S. Air Force announced a $235 million contract to JetZero to fast-track the development of JetZero's full scale demonstrator. The JetZero Z4 airplane is designed to accommodate 250 passengers and fly on conventional jet fuel, with propulsion systems able to utilize sustainable aviation fuel blends.
“If successful, JetZero has the potential to evolve our core mainline business by developing aircraft with a bigger, more comfortable cabin experience for our customers while increasing fuel efficiency across our network,” said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures (UAV). “United Airlines Ventures® was created to support our efforts to find innovative companies that can enhance the customer travel experience and help the airline lower its carbon footprint, and we believe JetZero reflects that philosophy.”
“United's investment in our company signals the industry's belief that new, innovative technology is needed in order to achieve the efficiency and cost savings that will be required to meet the continued growth in demand for air travel across the globe,” said Tom O'Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero. “JetZero is focused on one key technology - the airframe - that enables us to address all of the barriers to growth. This program is the only one in development today that promises efficiency and an elevated customer experience.”
Both the airplane's shape, and the way JetZero plans to enter the plane into service, address industry pain points. The design contributes to a more efficient operation due to its shape and the higher altitude at which it will fly. For instance, a flight from New York/Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain would use up to 45 percent less fuel compared to the twin-aisle aircraft that operate that route today. The airplane also is expected to integrate readily into today's airport infrastructure, requiring no new accommodations for jet bridges, runways or taxiways.
The aircraft design has the potential to also offer improvements to the passenger experience like flexible seating options, larger seats across all classes, and dedicated overhead bin space for each seat. Additionally, the design streamlines the boarding process with a main boarding door that is wider than that of a comparably sized aircraft, leading to multiple aisles and passenger cabin bays for more efficient passenger distribution. It may further enhance accessibility by featuring wider aisles and handicap-accessible lavatories, creating a comfortable travel environment for all passengers and in-flight crew.
JetZero's agreement with the Air Force focuses on advancing airframe technology and capabilities, showcasing its potential, and providing the Department of Defence and commercial industry more options to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Several military aircraft configurations can be made with this design, including air transport and refuelling tanker variants, which collectively account for approximately 60% of the Air Force's total annual jet fuel consumption.
United's corporate venture capital fund, United Airlines Ventures, enables the airline to invest in emerging companies that have the potential to influence the future of travel. UAV has made investments in start-ups developing innovative technologies that have the potential to revolutionize aerospace developments, create value for customers and United's operation and complement United's goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
25 April 1940
Oberfeldwebel Hermann Förster is the first German night fighter pilot to shoot down a British bomber during World War II.
Flying a Messerschmitt Bf 109D-1, he downs a Handley Page Hampden laying naval mines off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein.
He was initially awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and later during the war the Iron Cross 1St Class as well as the Luftwaffe honorary Goblet for special achievements in air warfare.
The Goblet for outstanding achievements in aerial warfare was instituted by Hermann Göring on 27 February 1940.
South Africa, Near Vaalwater: An Air Côte d'Ivoire Airbus A319-112 Flight HF-9030 from Johannesburg to Kinshasa, was climbing through FL310 out of Johannesburg when the crew initiated an emergency descent to Fl100 and decided to return to Johannesburg. The aircraft landed safely on runway 21R about 45 minutes after departure.
India, Amreli, Gujarat: A Tecnam P2008 JC Mk II crashed in Amreli, Gujarat, India. The pilot perished and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. The aircraft had departed Amreli Airport and was engaged in practicing take-offs and landings on runway 04. ADS-B data indicate that aircraft landed at 07:16 UTC, backtracked and took off again two minutes later. After lifting off the runway, the aircraft banked left and crashed in a residential area, about 300 m left of the runway.
Italy, near Bergamo: Ryanair Flight FR4038, a Boeing 737-800, was descending towards the destination, Bergamo-Orio Al Serio Airport (BGY) when the captain began to feel unwell and became incapacitated. The first officer flew some holding patterns and landed the aircraft about 30 minutes later. The aircraft came to a full stop on the runway. Medical services attended to the captain.
Thailand, off Hua Hin Airport (HHQ/VTPH), Cha-am, Phetchaburi: A Royal Thai Police Wing Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter, call sign RTP964, crashed into the sea shortly after take-off from Hua Hin Airport (HHQ/VTPH), Cha-am, Phetchaburi. All six occupants perished and the aircraft was destroyed. The aircraft had just taken off from Hua Hin Airport (HHQ/VTPH) for a test flight with three pilots, two mechanics and an aircraft engineer on board when reportedly the no.2 (right hand) engine failed and the aircraft spun nose down into sea.
Japan, Mobility Experience, EXPO 2025, Sakishima Island, Konohana ward, Osaka: A single seat eVTOL performing demonstration flights at EXPO 2025, Osaka, Japan suffered engine failure at a height of 10 meters during an approach seven minutes after take-off in a demonstration flight. One of the 18 propellers and a part of the arm connecting the propeller and fuselage of the HEXA Evtol broke and two motor covers fell down to the ground. The flight however landed safely. No reported damage on the ground. Further flights of the troubled HEXA and another one were suspended.
Argentina, Aeroclub Allen: A Cessna 182D Skylane had taken off at Aeroclub Allen, and proceeded to fly low to the ground when it struck a person recording the manoeuvre near the runway. The aircraft lost one propeller blade and part of its landing gear. Subsequently, the pilot lost control, crash-landing in a near garbage dump and coming to a stop upside-down. The two occupants were transported to a nearby hospital without life-threatening injuries. The person recording was an instructor at the facility and was declared dead at the scene.
Indian Ocean, off USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75): An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 was lost overboard in the Red Sea while being under tow in the hangar bay of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). One sailor sustained a minor injury. The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard. Unconfirmed reports say the carrier had to perform a sharp turn to evade Houthi fire resulting in the loss of this aircraft. Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard.
Bantam Overhead Sliver Creek Estates Pancake Breakfast
