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.[4]
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.[12]
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.[14]
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.[18]
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.[19]
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.
8-Wheeled tank used for reconnaissance, aggressive search-and-destroy, anti-armour operations, combat patrols, raids, day and night hot pursuit operations.[22]
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.
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.[25][24]
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.
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.[26][27]
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.[29][30]
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.[31][32]
A system designed to clear routes of mines, usually they operate in pairs one after the other.[33]
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.[34]
Image
Name
Origin
Type
Versions
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.[35]
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.[36]
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.[37][38]
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.[39][40]
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).[41]
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.[42][24][43]
MAN 8x8
8x8 heavy military truck
Several thousand's
Primarily utilised as prime movers, firefighting vehicles and low-bed transporters.[44]
Giraffe
8x8 heavy military truck
Unknown
Designated as "Giraffe". Used as a cargo/vehicle transporter.[45]
These buses are used to ferry personnel to and from bases.[47]
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.
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.[50]
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.[51]
Primary long-range, indirect fire, artillery weapon of the Steve Biko Artillery Regiment (formerly Light Regiment). The M5 mortar system is also air deployable.[54]
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.[56][57]
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.[55][58]
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.
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.[60]
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.[63][24]
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.[64]
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.[65]
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.[66]
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.[67]
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.[68]
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.[70]
Will replace the Protea-class survey vessel, will be delivered at the end of 2023 or early 2024. The vessel will be equipped with the latest survey equipment.[78]
The South African Air Force (SAAF) operates a variety of combat aircraft designed for different roles, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and training.
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.[81]
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.[83][84]
Unmanned aerial vehicles
South Africa is also investing in the development of next-generation UAVs for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Entered service in 2024. The largest drone to be manufactured 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.[85] Production for the Milkor 380 is currently set at 6 systems per year with plans to increase it by up to 16 systems per year.[86]
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.[89]
More advanced than the Falcon 50, it offers longer range and more comfort for high-ranking officials during international travel.[96]
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.
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 only 12 units which were then all delivered in 2011.[97]
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.[98]
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.[99]
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.[99]
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.[100]