When the new South African Government came to power in 1994, the former homelands became part of the new South Africa. Naturally this also disbanded the homeland air wings, with aircraft being allocated to the SAAF. With the retirement of 15 Squadron's Puma helicopters, the previous Venda Air force, MBB (now part of Eurocopter)  BK 117s were transferred to this Squadron. The BK 117s operate out of Durban AFB and saw excellent service in the Mozambique floods, during 2000.

For the Squadron it was a technology jump from the previous type, the Alouette III, while at the same time being almost as fast, as the Squadron, then other helicopter, the Puma. While the ease of maintenance and flexible maintenance periods made the type, far easier to operate at Squadron level. Being a newer chopper, it also handles far better and smoother, than the Alou, due to its semi-rigid rotor system, with vibration absorption devices. These normally hang downward, but point slightly outwards when the rotor is spinning. The rotor system permits the Bk117 to be cleared for aerobatics in the SAAF - but this is not normally done due to gearbox strain, which shortens maintenance time. Needless to say, anyone that saw the very professional aerial display of this helicopter type at SAAF 80, has to agree, this is a very capable machine. Therefore, it is no wonder, all Bk 117 pilots; love this helicopter, which is cleared for single pilot flight.