History was made on Tuesday,18 July 2006 when the first of the SAAF’s new Gripen two-seat multi-role fighter jets took to African skies for the first time.  At 13:24, the pilot thundered down the Ysterplaat runway, before climbing away in a southerly direction, to give Gripen SA01 a taste of the African sky.

Contrary to the Mirage F1 project, which was very much a secret operation at the time, the Gripen received high publicity in the media. Mostly for the wrong reasons, as much of the hype surrounds the controversial arms deal and not the technical capability as one of the best 4th generation fighters ever built. South Africa’s new arms procurement deal includes the Hawk LIFT Lead-in trainer, the Gripen Multi-role fighter, the Augusta A109 LUH SAAF helicopter, as well as Navy Corvettes and submarines.

Fighter technology has come a long way since 1975.  Today, with the press of a few buttons, a single Gripen can perform the function of fighter, fighter bomber or reconnaissance aircraft in a single mission. During the mid-seventies, the SAAF had to use three aircraft for the same mission - a Mirage F1, a Buccaneer and a Mirage IIIRZ or IIIR2Z.  Will the Gripen, essentially designed for the colder conditions of Sweden and the defence of a relatively small country, emerge as the number one defence mechanism for South Africa - despite the hot and dry conditions so relevant of the vast area which comprises the southern tip of Africa? Only time will tell. But then the aviators of South Africa have proofed to be highly capable throughout history, dating back to the First World War.

South Africa's new Gripen - first flight in South Africa.

Gripen 001 arrived in Cape Town by sea from Sweden on Sunday, 16 July 2006.  It was towed, under tight security, from the harbour to Ysterplaat Air Force Base where it was prepped for its maiden flight under African skies. The maiden flight to the Test Flight and Development Centre near Bredasdorp saw the aircraft delivered to TFDC for further integration tests with the SAAF.

With the Gripen, the SAAF is on the forefront of modern Air Warfare.  May she serve with pride.

Photos: H. Burger. All rights reserved.