Formed on the 1^st of February 1920 the SAAF celebrate its 88^th anniversary this year. In recent times the Air force day parade includes a mini airshow event. Even though it is held during the working week a large contingent of retired Air Force personnel, dignitaries and enthusiasts descended upon AFB Swartkops to celebrate the day with our Air Force.

This year we were not to be disappointed as the event was even bigger and better than previous years.

Vlaggie leading Hawks in the latest National Flag colours

Shortly before 9am the proceedings opened with a contingent of parachutists trooping the colours of the Nation and the various units they represented. This was followed by a solo display of an Astra. From the left two Agusta 109s appeared carrying the National flag of our country and as they neared the display centre “Vlaggie”, a Cheetah C painted in the National Colours flanked by two of the new BAe Hawks, made a high speed pass over the crowd. The Hawks subsequently made their public debut in the resplendent National Colours.

Cheetah C & D formation