The formal events were opened by the reading of The Pledge of the Air Force followed by a prayer. The Chief of the Air Force then inspected the parade and this was followed by taking the salute. After all the formalities were concluded it was time for the airshow and what a display of “Force” this turned out to be.

SAAF Band

I have stated that not many events could effectively host a mini-war for the public, well Swartkops AFB turns out to be another location that can do so.

Mass parachute deployment

4 Pathfinder paratroops were dropped to prepare for the main parachute attack force. This consisted of 2 Hercules, 2 Tp-Daks and a Casa 212 dropping parachutists. I have never before witnessed a mass drop of this nature and was impressed, even though one over eager parachutists probably had at least a 2 kilometre walk to the base by exiting far too early from the aircraft. Four Hawk Mk120s then performed a simulated bombing and canon attack on the enemy positions whilst the helicopter force brought support troops to the battlefield.