South Africa’s military air capability has taken another severe hit after the South African National Defence Force’s ageing fleet of Oryx helicopters was effectively grounded by fuel shortages and deepening budget pressures, with insiders claiming only a single aircraft remains operational nationwide.
South Africa’s military air capability has suffered another major blow after the South African National Defence Force’s ageing fleet of Oryx helicopters was effectively grounded due to fuel shortages and worsening budget constraints, with insiders claiming that only one aircraft remains operational in the entire country.
The revelations come as Parliament heard fierce criticism this week over the state of the SANDF during the 2026/27 Defence Budget Vote debate, where MPs across the political spectrum warned that the country’s defence force was in visible decline.
Multiple SANDF sources told IOL that operations within the Air Force have deteriorated to the point where personnel are unable to fly because there is no Jet A1 fuel available at several bases, while some facilities are reportedly struggling even to keep generators running.
“The 17 Squadron has been closed for more than a month due to a lack of diesel for the generators. Staff check in on Monday mornings, then leave at 09h00. The rest of the time, they work from home,” one insider said.
