Equipment of the South African Army
The South African Army maintains a wide variety of military equipment.
Infantry Weapons
Pistols
Submachine Guns
Rifles
Machine Guns
Grenades and Grenade Launchers
Name |
Photo |
Type |
Calibre |
Origin |
Notes |
M26 grenade[11] |
|
Fragmentation hand grenade |
N/A |
South Africa/ United States |
Manufactured by Rheinmetall Denel Munitions, based on a US design. In service with the South African Infantry Corps. |
M854 Smoke Grenade[12] |
|
Smoke grenade |
N/A |
South Africa |
A grenade which consists of a cylindrical tinplate body containing the smoke composition, a spring-loaded striker mechanism of the fly-off lever type and a pyrotechnic igniter/delay system. The fly-off lever is retained by a conventional safety pin and pull ring.
The grenade has a variety of signalling applications and may also be used for screening and for
training exercises in riot control. |
RDM Illuminating Hand Grenade[12] |
|
Hand grenade |
N/A |
South Africa |
A grenade which consists of an aluminium case containing the illuminating composition, to which is fitted a conventional fly-off lever striker mechanism.
The illuminating grenade provides sufficient light for target identification and attack. The grenade
can also be used as a light source for emergency conditions when other pyrotechnic light sources are not
available. |
RDM Bullet Trap (BT) Rifle Grenades[13] |
|
Rifle grenade |
54 mm (HE/AP), 60 mm (HE/DP) |
South Africa |
Second generation South African rifle grenades manufactured by Rheinmetall Denel Munitions (formerly Swartklip Products, a division of Denel). The grenade incorporates a bullet trap and deflector in the tail tube. This allows them to be fired without the need to unload the rifle of its ammunition.
Bullet Trap rifle grenades available includes HE/AP (High Explosive/Anti-Personnel), Practice and HE/DP (High Explosive/Dual Purpose) grenades. The HE/DP type has a shaped charge warhead which can penetrate 150 mm of rolled homogeneous armour or 450 mm of reinforced concrete. Grenades can be fired from both 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles in the South African arsenal. |
75 mm HEAT Rifle Grenade[12] |
|
Rifle grenade |
75 mm HEAT |
South Africa/ Belgium |
A shaped charge grenade, based on the Belgian ENERGA anti-tank rifle grenade and designed to be fired from most 7.62mm rifles. Can penetrate 275 mm of rolled homogeneous armour. Presumably largely phased out of South African service along with the large majority of 7.62mm R1 rifles. No longer in production. |
Milkor Y2 MK-1 MGL[14] |
|
Grenade Launcher |
40×46mm grenade |
South Africa |
In service since 1983. 6-round revolving, swing out-type cylinder. Comes equipped with an Occluded Eye Gun-sight Collimator sight. |
Denel Y3 AGL[14] |
|
Automatic Grenade Launcher |
High-velocity 40×53mm grenade |
South Africa |
A Belt-fed, high velocity, long-recoil, open-breech grenade launcher in service. Ideally used as a tripod-mounted support weapon for infantry or mounted on a vehicle. Electronic indirect sight and Aim point direct sight can be mounted. |
Anti-Tank Weapons
Name |
Photo |
Type |
Origin |
Notes |
Bazalt RPG-7[15] |
|
Rocket-propelled grenade Launcher |
Soviet Union |
Large numbers of RPG-7s were captured during the South African Border War and are used as the primary infantry anti-armour rocket launcher and is deployed at section level for use against armoured vehicles. Currently the Army is looking for a replacement for this ageing system. |
Denel FT5[16] |
|
Anti-tank rocket launcher |
South Africa |
An indigenous reusable anti-tank weapon primarily used to penetrate modern main battle tanks and fortifications. In reserve from 2007 due to high operating costs. |
MILAN ER[17] |
|
Anti-tank missile |
France |
46 Milan ADT (Advanced Digital Technology) launchers as well as 300+[18][19] Milan ER (extended range) SACLOS missiles are in service since 2007 with the Army’s airborne and motorised infantry battalions as well as with the Special Forces Brigade. Soldiers train on the four simulators acquired from MBDA. All systems are equipped with Video output devices and 15 launchers are equipped with Thermal imaging systems. |
Denel Dynamics ZT3 Ingwe[20] |
|
Anti-tank missile |
South Africa |
Multipurpose long-range beam-riding precision guided missile. The missile is launched from a triple launcher atop a modified Ratel infantry combat vehicle, known as the ZT3. 13 launchers are upgraded and 80 newer ZT3A2 missiles were delivered to the army in 2005 as part of Project Adrift. The missile is used by the Armoured Corps and the Mechanized infantry battalions. |
M40 recoilless rifle[15] |
|
105mm Recoilless rifle |
United States |
A direct-fire, crew served weapon issued in units of six to the motorised and airborne infantry anti-tank platoons. 171 systems in service. |
Man-portable surface-to-air missiles
Name |
Photo |
Type |
Origin |
Notes |
Starstreak[21] |
|
Manportable/Vehicle mounted surface-to-air missile |
United Kingdom |
Eight Lightweight Multiple Launchers (LML), two 20 km-range Thales Page continuous-wave (CW) low-observable battery air defence local warning radars as well as about 100 VSHORAD (very short range air defence) high-velocity missiles were ordered in December 2002 and are in use with 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment. These missiles have a range of between 5–7 km. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute lists the number of Portable SAMs delivered as 96 for the GBADS phase 1 project with another order for 82[22] |
Mortars
Vehicles
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Name |
Photo |
Type |
Quantity |
Origin |
Notes |
Olifant MK1A/1B/2[25] |
|
Main Battle Tank |
~38 MK1A/1B and ~26 MK2 in regular army service ~131 in reserve squadrons/storage 2 Armoured Bridge-layers (ABL) 16 armoured recovery vehicles (ARV) |
South Africa/ United Kingdom |
A heavily modified and modernized Centurion Tank.
The MK1A tanks were commissioned in 1985. The MK1B's were commissioned in 1991 and the MK2 tanks were commissioned in 2007. Due to the age of the vehicles, a number of tanks were deemed to be unserviceable in the mid-2000s. To rectify this more than R 117 million was spent between 2008 and 2011 to maintain and upgrade the tank fleet to maintain optimal force readiness.[26]
Fleet to be replaced sometime in the future through Project Aorta. |
Rooikat[27] |
|
8-wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle |
84 in regular army service 94 in reserve squadrons and storage |
South Africa |
Armoured car used for reconnaissance, aggressive search-and-destroy, anti-armour operations, combat patrols, raids and hot pursuit operations.[28] |
Ratel IFV[29] |
|
Infantry fighting vehicle |
534 in regular army service 666 in reserve battalions/storage |
South Africa |
Primary armoured fighting vehicle in service with the South African Mechanized infantry units. Variants in service include the Ratel 20 (armed with a Denel GI-2 20mm cannon), Ratel 60 (armed with a 60mm breech-loading mortar), Ratel 90 (armed with a 90mm Denel GT-2 low-velocity gun), command variant, fire-support vehicle and a 81mm mortar carrier. The fleet will be partially replaced by the "Badger" IFV ( South Africa/ Finland) through Project Hoefyster. |
Ratel ZT-3[29] |
|
Tank destroyer |
16 in regular army service 36 in reserve battalions/storage |
South Africa |
Ratel IFV equipped with a triple ZT3 Ingwe ATGM launcher. Provides additional Anti-Tank capability to the Armoured Corps and Mechanized Infantry Battalions |
Mamba Mk3 Armoured Personnel Carrier[30] |
|
Armoured Personnel Carrier |
440 in Service |
South Africa |
APC with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire. |
Casspir Mk3 Infantry Mobility Vehicle[31] |
|
Infantry mobility vehicle |
370 in Service |
South Africa |
IMV with significant protection against anti-tank mines and small arms fire. Comes in several variants: an armoured personnel carrier, ambulance, light cargo vehicle (Blesbok freighter), tanker, a fire support team vehicle(FISTV), a light recovery vehicle (Gemsbok) and a Plofadder mine clearing vehicle. |
Hornet Rapid Deployment Reconnaissance Vehicle[32][33]:164 |
|
Reconnaissance vehicle |
25 in service |
South Africa |
In use with the South African Special Forces |
Utility, Engineering and Support Vehicles
Name |
Photo |
Type |
Quantity |
Origin |
Notes |
Gecko 8×8 ATV Rapid Deployment Logistical Vehicle[34] |
|
All Terrain Utility Vehicle |
~100 in service |
South Africa |
Used by the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces |
SAMIL 20[35][36] |
|
4×4 2-ton Logistics Truck |
Several thousand in service |
South Africa |
Upgraded Magirus Deutz 130M7FAL 4×4 2-ton (load) truck. The trucks serve as the primary off-road light general purpose truck of the SANDF and comes in several variants, each fulfilling a different role. These include general cargo/fuel/troop transport variants, artillery fire control posts, variants with office and workshop bodies, a battery charger variant, a light recovery variant (designated "Pegasus") and a variant with a Light General Repair(LAD) rear body. |
SAMIL 50[37][38] |
|
4×4 5-ton Logistics Truck |
Several thousand in service |
South Africa |
Upgraded Magirus Deutz 192D12AL 4×4 5-ton (load) truck. Trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, field repair and maintenance vehicles, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles (variant designated as "Springbok"), refuse collection trucks, mobile showers, mobile offices, bridge transporters, radio and technical bins and pantry vehicles(with refrigeration capability). |
SAMIL 100[39] |
|
6×6 10-ton Logistics Truck |
Several thousand in service |
South Africa |
Upgraded Magirus Deutz 320D22AL 6×6 10-ton (load) truck. Trucks are utilised in different roles as personnel/cargo transporters, water/fuel transporters, field recovery vehicles (variant designated as "Kameel"/Mine protected variant designated as "Withings"), dry canteen vehicles, field repair and maintenance vehicles (designated as "Waterbok"), UAV launchers, UAV recovery vehicles and gun tractors (for towed artillery pieces). |
MAN Transportation Trucks[40] |
|
Logistics Truck |
Unknown |
Germany |
Primarily utilised as prime movers, firefighting vehicles and low-bed transporters. |
SHE Cavallo (Kynos Aljaba) Trucks[41] |
|
8×8 Heavy Logistics Truck |
Unknown |
Spain/ South Africa |
The army employs several variants of this vehicle. The "Skimmel" is a heavy recovery vehicle which is fitted with a tow arm, a winch, a crane and various other equipment. The "Zebra" is a maintenance and repair variant of the truck. The "Kameelperd" version carries the Army Air Defence Artillery's ESR220 Thutlwa mobile battery fire control post and early warning radar. The trucks also have tank transport and bridge layer variants. |
Toyota Dyna[42] |
|
Medium-duty truck |
Unknown |
Japan |
Designated as "Wildebees" |
Iveco 30 Ton Transporter[42] |
|
Logistics truck |
Unknown |
Italy |
Designated as "Giraffe". Used as a cargo/vehicle transporter. |
Scania Transport Buses |
|
Personnel Transport Bus |
Unknown |
Sweden |
These buses are used to ferry personnel to and from bases. |
Various Cars and Light Trucks |
|
Light Utility Vehicle |
Unknown |
Japan/ United States/ United Kingdom |
Various civilian utility vehicles are utilized by the army for light transport/patrol purposes (Primarily Ford, Toyota and Land Rover vehicles). |
Artillery
Howitzers
Rocket Artillery
Anti-Aircraft Artillery
Name |
Photo |
Type |
Quantity |
Origin |
Notes |
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon[47] |
|
Radar Guided Anti-Aircraft Autocannon |
102 GDF-002 + 48 modified GDF-005 units. Upgrading to the Skyshield system, GDF-006 AHEAD and GDF-007 AHEAD standard by 2017 |
Switzerland |
169 acquired (along with 75 Super Fledermaus fire control units) in the 1960s. 48 of these Mk I guns were upgraded to Mk V status and the Super Fledermaus fire control units replaced by Italian LPD20 radars in 1990. These guns will be upgraded by Rheinmetall AG to use Oerlikon Skyshield fire control systems and Ahead airburst ammunition. |
ZU-23-2 Zumlac[48] |
|
Twin 23 mm Anti Aircraft Autocannon |
36 |
Soviet Union |
These guns were captured in the 1980s during the South African Border War and are mounted on an armoured SAMIL 100 heavy truck. |
Miscellaneous Equipment
Name |
Photo |
Type |
Quantity |
Origin |
Notes |
ESR220 Thutlwa[49] |
|
Mobile Battery Fire Control Post and Early Warning Radar |
4 Units |
South Africa |
Designated as "Kameelperd". The system uses an L-band 2D surveillance radar to provide early warning to air defence artillery troops in the field. This fully autonomous armoured system (with self-contained power plant)is transported by a Spanish-designed Kynos Aljaba 8×8 (“Skimmel” in SANDF service) truck. It is capable of tracking aircraft in a 120 km radius and can be fully operational within 10 minutes of arrival at the deployment site. The system also provides for a combined air picture derived from primary radar(through utilisation of Link-ZA, the SANDF's data link system), as well as a command and control system for effective air defence control. |
Husky VMDD[50] |
|
Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection System |
Unknown |
South Africa |
A system designed to clear routes of mines. Usually they operate in pairs one after the other. The leading vehicle acts as a Mine Detection Vehicle (MDV) and is designated as "Meerkat". The second Husky in the system tows a trailer called a "Duisendpoot" and is known as a towing /mine detection vehicle (T/MDV). The latest version of the Husky, the 2G, has high sensitivity low metal content detectors, ground penetrating radar, powerful air blowers and a robotic arm. |
Thales Squire radar system[51] |
|
Battlefield surveillance radar |
14 |
France |
Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The radars are designed to plot a pedestrian at 10 km, a vehicle at 21 km, a tank at 28 km, a helicopter at 21 km, a boat at 12 km and a ship at 48 km. The radar system uses a frequency modulated continuous wave Doppler radar and is designed to be virtually undetectable by enemy electronic warfare equipment. All systems are in service with the SA Army Tactical Intelligence Corps. |
Thales Sophie man-portable system[51] |
|
Thermal Imager |
65 |
France |
Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. The Thales Sophie can spot humans at over 4 km, tanks at 10 km, helicopters at 12 km and jet fighters at 16 km. All systems are in service with the SA Army Tactical Intelligence Corps. |
Vulture[52] |
|
Unmanned aerial vehicle |
At least 4 |
South Africa |
Acquired under Project Klooster. The Vulture is used for target acquisition, fall-of-shot detection and fire correction in support of Towed and Self Propelled Gun Howitzer Systems of the SA Army Artillery Formation. It operates without a pilot or a runway and is deployable in 30 minutes in unprepared terrain. The UAV is launched from a catapult on the back of a SAMIL 100 truck. The Vulture is monitored on the ground via the Navigator and Observer screens in a Ground Control Station. A laser system is used for automated approach, an arrestor system for its capture and an inflatable airbag for its recovery. |
LOCATS[50] |
|
Low Cost Aerial Target Systems |
Unknown |
South Africa |
The LOCATS is an unmanned aerial target used to train Air Defence Artillery crews in gunnery. It is launched from a ramp fitted on the back of a flatbed truck and is recovered by parachute. |
References
- ↑ "Fact file: Denel Z88 pistol". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ van Heerden, Johan. "The SAPS Special Task Force". Gunsite.co.za. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
- ↑ Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. Salamander Books Ltd. ISBN 1-84065-245-4.
- ↑ "home". Army.mil.za. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Targeting Systems". army.mil.za. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
- ↑ Engelbrecht, Leon. "R6.2 million for R4". defenceweb.co.za. defenceweb. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ↑ Fact file: R1 battle rifle | defenceWeb
- ↑ "SANDF refurbishing NTW-20 AMR". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- 1 2 3 "home". Army.mil.za. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Fact file: FN MAG GPMG". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Fact File: M26 fragmentation hand grenade". DefenceWeb. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
- 1 2 3 Gander, Terry J.; Cutshaw, Charles Q. (February 2002). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2002-2003 (28th ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0710624345.
- ↑ Jones, Richard D.; Ness, L.S. (27 January 2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons: 2009-2010. Jane's Infantry Weapons (35th ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- 1 2 "Weapon Systems: infantry - Grenade Launchers". Army.mil.za. RSA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- 1 2 "weapon systems: infantry - Anti Tank weapons". Army.mil.za. RSA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Work underway on RPG replacement". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Fact file: MBDA Milan precision guided misile". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Trade Registers". Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 2013-06-20.
- ↑ SA Army stocks up on Milan 3 | defenceWeb
- ↑ "Fact file: Denel ZT3 Ingwe precision guided missile". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "ADA fires Starstreak". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Trade Registers". Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 2014-05-03.
- 1 2 "Weapon Systems: Infantry: Mortars". www.army.mil.za. SA Department of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-11-17.
- ↑ Heitman, Helmoed-Römer (1988). Krygstuig van Suid Afrika. Cape Town: Struik. ISBN 086977638X.
- ↑ "Weapon Systems: Armour - Olifant Main Battle Tank". Army.mil.za. RSA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "New rims for the Olifant MBT". defenceweb.co.za. DefenceWeb. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
- ↑ "Weapon Systems: Armour - Rooikat". Army.mil.za. RSA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ Engelbrecht, Leon. "Fact File: Rooikat Armoured Car". DefenceWeb. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
- 1 2 "Weapon Systems: Armour - Ratel". Army.mil.za. RSA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Vehicles - Mamba". Army.mil.za. RSA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Vehicles - Casspir". Army.mil.za. RSA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Fact file: SF: Hornet Rapid Deployment Reconnaissance Vehicle". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ Camp, Steve; Helmoed-Römer, Heitman (November 2014). Surviving the Ride: A pictorial history of South African Manufactured Mine-Protected vehicles. Pinetown: 30 Degrees South. ISBN 978-1928211-17-4.
- ↑ "Vehicles - Gecko". Army.mil.za. SA Army: SA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Vehicle - Samil 20 Applications Mk1". Army.mil.za. SA Army: SA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Vehicle Systems - Samil 20 Applications Mk2". Army.mil.za. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Vehicles - Samil 50 Applications - Mk1". Army.mil.za. SA Army: SA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Vehicles - Samil 50 Applications - Mk2". Army.mil.za. SA Army: SA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Vehicles - Samil 100 Applications". Army.mil.za. SA Army: SA Dept of Defence. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Imperial keeps SANDF MAN trucks running". defenceweb.co.za. DefenceWeb. 16 August 2011. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Kynos Aljaba". Weaponsystems.net. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- 1 2 "Vehicles - Technical support vehicles". army.mil.za. SA Army: SA Dept of Defence. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
- ↑ "Fact file: G6 L45 self-propelled towed gun-howitzer". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Fact file: G5 L45 towed gun-howitzer". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- 1 2 Col (Ret) Lionel Crook. "South African Gunner" (PDF). rfdiv.mil.za. Retrieved 2014-04-21.
- 1 2 "Fact file: Denel FV2 Bateleur Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Upgrade for South Africa's air defence system". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "South Africa". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
- ↑ "Thutlwa makes international debut". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-07-03.
- 1 2 "SANDF bringing out the big guns for the rand show". defenceWeb. Retrieved 2014-07-03.
- 1 2 Engelbrecht, Leon. "Cytoon handed to the Army". defenceweb.co.za. defenceweb.co.za. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
- ↑ Engelbrecht, Leon. "Cytoon spending up to R134.6m". defenceweb.co.za. defenceweb.co.za. Retrieved 25 July 2014.