₦airaland Forum

Morocco seeking HIMARS and JSOW weapons from the United States

The United States has approved two foreign military sales to Morocco, for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and Joint Stand Off Weapons (JSOW) that are collectively worth over $750 million.

The US State Department on 11 April announced the possible sales, after notifying Congress. Morocco has requested to buy 18 M142 HIMARS launchers along with nine M1152A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), practice rocket pods, radios, 18 FMTV resupply vehicles, three FMTV wrecker trucks, 18 M1095 trailers and other equipment. Along with ammunition, the sale value is $524 million.

Morocco wants to arm the HIMARS launchers with 40 M57 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) rounds; 36 M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) Unitary rounds; and 36 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead rounds. The ATACMS is essentially a short-range ballistic missile, able to reach targets out to a maximum of 300 km. The GMLRS Unitary round has a range of 70 km and carries a 100 kg warhead, providing precision strike for point targets. The GMLRS Alternative Warhead round has a range of more than 70 km and carries a 100 kg fragmenting warhead. One HIMARS vehicle can carry a six-pack of GMLRS rockets or one ATACMS missile.

If the HIMARS sale proceeds, it will make Morocco the first North African country to receive the system – only Jordan and the United Arab Emirates possess the Lockheed Martin-manufactured rocket launcher in the region. HIMARS has been delivered to Ukraine, where it has proven effective against Russian forces, but Ukraine has not received ATACMS missiles.

The HIMARS will complement WS-2D multiple rocket launchers acquired from China five years ago. The WS-2D has a range of 400 km and can carry a 200 kg warhead. Up to six rockets can be launched from a single launcher. Morocco also acquired a dozen PHL-03 (AR-2) 300 mm multiple rocket launchers from China over a decade ago.

“The proposed sale will improve Morocco’s capability to meet current and future threats and will contribute to Morocco’s ability to detect threats and control its borders, contributing to the maintenance of regional stability and security. It will also enhance the interoperability of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), which routinely exercises with forces, focusing on countering terrorism and Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs) in the Maghreb and Sahel region,” the US State Department said of the HIMARS sale.

Also on 11 April, the US approved a $250 million sale of 40 Raytheon Joint Stand Off Weapons and related equipment to Morocco. Also included are dummy air training missiles, spares and other equipment. Morocco intends to use the weapons on its F-16 multi-role fighter aircraft especially for patrolling sea lanes.

“The proposed sale of these missiles and support will increase the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s maritime partnership potential and align its capabilities with existing regional baselines,” the US Department of State said.

Morocco’s two main equipment suppliers are France and the United States, with the latter now accounting for the majority of imported military hardware. In recent years this has included F-16V Viper combat aircraft, AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, M1A1SA Abrams tanks, M113 armoured personnel carriers, TOW anti-tank missiles, M109 howitzers and various other weapons.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/morocco-seeking-himars-and-jsow-weapons-from-the-united-states/

Op Shujaa making inroads against ADF in DR Congo

Operation Shujaa, a joint Congolese/Ugandan effort to drive the rebel Allied Democratic Force (ADF) from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has to date been “commendable” according to a Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) statement.

It was issued after a review of the operation attended by FARDC (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo) Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Christian Songesha, and UPDF Chief General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi. The pair, along with senior military advisors, met in Beni for the operations evaluation meeting.

The statement reports Mbadi saying the meeting reviewed Shujaa progress since its commissioning by the presidents of both countries.

“We have been in this operation since November 2021 and periodically do reviews to see progress in order to totally annihilate the ADF together with our comrades of the FARDC,” Mbadi is reported as saying. He said further progress would be evaluated to “come up with other mechanisms” to achieve the operation’s objectives.

He said further the aim of the meeting was to evaluate progress of Operation Shujaa so they can come up with other mechanisms to achieve its objectives.

North Kivu Governor Lieutenant General Constant Ndima Kongba thanked presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Felix Tshisekedi (DRC) who approved the joint operation to “totally uproot the ADF terrorist movement – a huge threat to both countries”.

“We joined the forces of FARDC and UPDF to uproot this threat and bring peace to the people of Uganda and DRC. We as the military are determined to finish the mission assigned by the Heads of State,” Ndima said.

Results so far show FARDC and UPDF doing a commendable job achieving the objectives of the operation.

At the same time, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) reports efforts by the Kenyan contingent of the East African Community Reaction Force (EACRF) in reaching out to Congolese in Nyiragongo and Rutshuru are proving successful with “normalcy” returning in both territories.

Residents agreed to a cessation of hostilities and ethnic animosity among themselves and put in place a conflict resolution mechanism toward creating a culture of peace and harmony in the community, a KDF statement has Kenyan contingent commander, Lieutenant Colonel Denis Obiero, saying.

“EACRF will continue enhancing peace and stability efforts for socio-economic development through protection of civilians, opening up main supply routes for the free flow of people and goods and aiding humanitarian assistance to the local population in the Joint Operation Area in support of the political process geared at finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern DRC,” the statement reads.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/diplomacy-a-peace/op-shujaa-making-inroads-against-adf-in-dr-congo/

Raeblack:
ZAMBIA POLICE OFFICER DEPLOYED AS PART OF THE SADC MISSION IN MOZAMBIQUE DIES AFTER THROWING HIMSELF IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
By Patricia Male
A Zambia Police Officer deployed as part of the SADC mission in Mozambique has died after throwing himself in the Indian Ocean.
Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to Mozambique Lloyd Himaambo has confirmed that inspector Harry Manda Kaputo died on Pemba Island in the cab Delgado province of Mozambique.
Mr. Himaambo says Mr. Kaputo had earlier complained of not feeling well and was taken to hospital where doctors could however not diagnose any problem.
He says the deceased later took some poisonous substance and threw himself into the Indian Ocean but was rescued by other officers and taken to hospital where he unfortunately passed on.
Mr. Himaambo says a family representative and Zambian officials are have since arrived in Pemba and are making arrangements to repatriate his body to Zambia.

RIP Inspector Kaputo. Mental health services is something SAMIM needs to enhance.

Gunmen kill at least 46 people in attack on rural village in Nigeria

Forty-six bodies have been found after gunmen attacked a rural village in northern-central Nigeria, local government officials said.

The attack happened on Wednesday in the Umogidi community in Benue state, where tit-for-tat clashes are common between nomadic herders and settled farmers competing for land and resources.

“The 46 casualties were from the bodies of victims found and retrieved. Many people are still missing, so number of those killed may be higher,” Paul Hemba, a security adviser to the Benue state governor, said on Friday.

He blamed herdsmen who he said had been attacking local communities over the last month. “Soldiers have been dispatched to the area, so the situation is a bit calm now,” he added.

The motive for the attack was not clear but Benue has been one of the states hardest hit by clashes between farmers and herders who they accuse of destroying farmland with their cattle grazing.

A representative of the national herders’ association was not immediately available for comment.

Bala Ejeh, the local government chair of the town of Otukpo in Benue, said the gunmen attacked on Wednesday afternoon when people were mourning three others killed a day earlier. He said 46 bodies had been recovered so far, including his own son and two relatives.

Communal violence is just one of the security challenges facing the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, who won a presidential ballot last month that was marked by heavy delays and accusations of vote rigging.

Security forces are also battling a 14-year-long jihadist conflict in the country’s north-west and attacks by separatists in the south-east.

Intercommunal violence has spiralled into broader criminality in the north-west and centre of tNigeria, where heavily armed bandit militias ransack villages and carry out mass abductions for ransom.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/07/gunmen-kill-people-attack-village-nigeria

Algerian Navy takes delivery of Chinese-built corvette

Three years after placing an order with China’s Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group, the Algerian Navy has taken delivery of a single Type 056 corvette.

The El Moutassadi (940) departed Shanghai on 28 February on its journey home, stopping in Malaysia on 3 March and Mumbai, India, between 13 and 16 March. It arrived in the port of Algiers on 2 April.

The vessel’s acquisition was revealed in mid-2020 after United Kingdom-based maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register said it had been selected to provide assurance and certification services to Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group for two significant naval projects with the Algerian and Thai navies. Hudong Zhonghua is a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

The Algerian navy’s new corvette is designed for patrol, escort and maritime protection missions within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The corvette incorporates a helipad and a crew of 78 people, has a range of 3 500 nautical miles and is capable of top speeds in excess of 27 knots.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Algeria is acquiring six Type 056 corvettes from China, with some domestic production.

Algeria has in the past acquired corvettes from China, ordering three 2 800 tonne vessels in 2012; these were built between 2013 and 2016. The 120 metre long C28A corvettes are armed with a 76 mm main gun, FM-90N launcher for HQ-7 surface-to-air missiles and YJ-82/C-802 anti-ship missiles.

The El Moutassadi is similar to the Pattani or Type 056 classes. The Pattani class is 95.5 metres long and is currently in service with the Royal Thai Navy. The type displaces nearly 1 500 tonnes and is armed with a 76 mm main gun, two GI-2 20 mm cannons and two 12.7 mm machineguns.

The Type 056 is in service with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy and has been exported to Nigeria as the 95 metre long 1 800 ton P18N patrol vessel and Bangladesh as the 90 metre long 1 300 ton C13B corvette.

Algeria has received a significant amount of military hardware from China in recent years, from ships to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This includes Norinco SM4 120 mm self-propelled mortars, W86 120 mm mortars, PLZ45 self-propelled howitzers, SR5 multiple rocket launchers, WA-021/Type-88 155 mm towed guns and CH-3 and CH-4 UAVs built by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/algerian-navy-takes-delivery-of-chinese-built-corvette/

Kenyan airlift moves South Sudanese into DR Congo for regional force deployment

An example of regional co-operation in the quest for peace saw Kenya Defence Forces, in the form of its air force, supply airlift and logistic support to a South Sudan contingent of troops bound for Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

An advance party of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops and logistics, under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), were flown to Goma on board two Kenya Air Force Spartan CJ27 military transport aircraft.

In Juba, where the airlift tasking originated, South Sudan President Salva Kiir, in a statement read by Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs General Chol Thon, expressed confidence in SSPDF troops under EACRF, carrying out their mission professionally, as they are well trained and oriented.

Day after the South Sudan contingent touched down in Goma EACRF Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Emmanuel Kaputa in the company of Kenyan Contingent Commander Colonel Daniel Rotich and Force Headquarters Staff Officers received additional troops at the same airport.

The Deputy Force Commander implored them to work closely with colleagues in the joint operations area toward realising peace and stability. “We have a mandate and mission as EACRF and must work toward its accomplishment,” said Kaputa said.

The SSPDF deployment marks the final deployment phase for EACRF troops into Eastern DRC as directed by an EAC Heads of extraordinary summit in February.

The SSPDF will deploy to Rumangabo forward operating base (FOB) where they will be co-located with the Kenyan contingent.

The full deployment of EACRF will enhance sequenced and orderly withdrawal of M23 to designated cantonment areas a Kenya Defence Forces statement said with protection of civilians and opening up main supply routes as priority taskings. Supporting the disarmament, demobilisation, community recovery and stabilisation programme (P-DDRCS) of all armed groups in Eastern DRC is also on the to-do list for EACRF.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/kenyan-airlift-moves-south-sudanese-into-dr-congo-for-regional-force-deployment/

SA defence exports up in 2022

2022 was a better year for the South African defence industry compared to 2021, with R1 billion more in products being exported to countries around the world.

Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) late last month was briefed by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) on its quarterly reports for 2022 by Advocate Ezra Jele, NCACC Secretariat Head.

He provided a breakdown of import and export permits for the four quarters of last year, which showed that for the 2022 calendar year, South Africa exported R4.679 billion worth of military hardware and munitions, up from R3.353 billion the year before.

Much of this increase came in the last quarter of 2022, when the NCACC approved 161 export permits to the value of R2.458 billion. This compares with 152 permits valued at R818 million for the third quarter; 146 permits valued at R570 million for the second quarter; and 127 export permits valued at R833 million for the first quarter of the year.

While Jele did not give a breakdown of what the export permits covered, it is likely that ammunition made up a large component, along with armoured vehicles. Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) in particular secured multiple large (millions and tens of millions of euros) contracts last year for 155 mm artillery ammunition and 40 mm grenade launcher ammunition. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, last year South Africa exported approximately 200 armoured vehicles.

With regard to import permits, in 2022 the NCACC authorised 263 permits valued at R281 million – this compares with 250 permits worth R205 million authorised in 2021.

Although defence exports are up, they could be even higher. Last year the NCACC revealed that exports worth R2.85 billion were on hold to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Poland. Jele in November gave no clear explanation why exports were on hold in spite of the fact there are no sanctions against Turkey, Poland etc. but did hint at the risk of diversion of destructive weapons, presumably to Ukraine.

In his March presentation, Jele did not reveal any further information about the export permits on hold to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Poland.

The South African defence industry has long expressed frustration at the slow pace of export permit processing. One of the complaints is that the permit process is paper-based and thus slow and cumbersome. However, a digital system is being put in place but it has not gone live yet. Jele said that loadshedding has been affecting the time to process applications because the old system was taking longer to reboot and system availability was low. The NCACC is getting closer to migrating to the new digital system and is in the user-acceptance testing phase.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/editors-pick/sa-defence-exports-up-in-2022/

Multiple new guided munitions orders for Edge

The UAE’s Edge conglomerate has racked up multiple orders for precision guided munitions from its subsidiaries AL TARIQ and Halcon, which will supply Al Tariq, Desert Sting and Thunder weapons to the United Arab Emirates armed forces. These weapons were all developed with South African expertise.

Multiple contracts were announced during the recent IDEX defence show in Abu Dhabi. One of the smallest was worth AED1 billion ($272 million), for Al Tariq-LR (Long Range) precision guided munitions (PGMs), which will also include recent Block II upgrade features.

The Al Tariq started life as the Denel Dynamics Umbani (Lightning) guided bomb system, first test dropped off a South African Air Force Hawk in 2011. It became the first product of a joint venture between Denel Dynamics and Tawazun (now AL TARIQ under the Edge group). Al Tariqs have been supplied to the UAE Air Force, where it equips its Mirage 2000s and Hawks, and Egypt, for its Mirage 2000 and F-16 Fighting Falcons. Earlier this year AL TARIQ and India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited signed a memorandum of understanding for Al Tariq production in India.

Al Tariq is a modular family of precision guided munitions designed for the Mk 81, Mk 82, and Mk 83 (250 lb, 500 lb, 1 000 lb) aerial bombs, offering long stand-off ranges exceeding 120 km and multiple seeker options. The standard Al Tariq kit gives a range of up to 40 km while the Al Tariq-LR version has fold-out wings for a range of 120 km.

Saeed Al Mansoori, Senior Vice President of ADVANCED CONCEPTS, a new business unit within EDGE, said: “We are delighted to be supplying the UAE Armed Forces with Al Tariq-LR PGMs, which are amongst the best in the world in terms of range, accuracy and modularity. Our commitment is focused on providing a long-range PGM solution that enhances pilot safety while allowing high levels of operational flexibility. As an EDGE entity, we will continue to innovate and achieve our milestones in order to meet the requirements of the UAE Armed Forces and to safeguard national interests.”

An even larger contract (AED4.7 billion or $1.2 billion) was awarded to Edge subsidiary Halcon for the supply of Desert Sting 25 lightweight guided glide munitions to the UAE Armed Forces. The Desert Sting 25 is designed to be deployed on multiple racks on aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The Desert Sting series evolved from the Denel Dynamics P2 low-cost medium range precision guided munition. This was developed at the request of Tawazun Dynamics for use aboard the UAE’s Seeker 200 and Seeker 400 UAVs. Halcon now manufactures the Desert Sting unpowered munitions series featuring an inertial navigation system and GNSS for navigation with an optional semi-active laser seeker. In November 2019 Halcon was awarded a $1 billion contract to supply Desert Sting 16 weapons to the UAE armed forces. A subsequent $880 million order was placed in 2021 with Edge for the supply of Thunder and Desert Sting weapons to the UAE armed forces.

A third contract announced in February, with Halcon, is worth AED2.14 billion ($570 million) and is to supply Thunder PGMs to the UAE Armed Forces. The weapons that will be supplied are Thunder P3 lightweight models, fitted with a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker.

The South African connection is also evident with the Sejeel/P3 guided bomb kit, developed by Tawazun/Barij and Denel Dynamics under a 2015 contract with the UAE. The bomb kit adds GNSS/INS and/or semi-active laser guidance to Mk 81 and Mk 82 bombs while the P4 (Thunder) kit is for Mk 84 series bombs. The Sejeel and P4 are now manufactured by Halcon as the Thunder P31 (Mk 81), Thunder P32 (Mk 82) and Thunder P4 (Mk 84). The UAE Air Force has to date ordered over 4 000 of these weapons.

Other contracts announced during IDEX 2023 covered Halcon Shadow 25, shadow 50, and Hunter loitering munitions for the UAE’s military. Combined, these contracts are worth AED2.4 billion ($653 million).

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/multiple-new-guided-munitions-orders-for-edge/

Botswana Loses Sixth Soldier in Mozambique Mission

Gaborone, Botswana —

Botswana has announced the country has lost a sixth soldier sent to fight insurgents in Mozambique.

Botswana Defense Force spokesperson Magosi Moshagane said in a recent media statement that the unnamed soldier committed suicide in Cabo Delgado province, where African troops are battling Islamist insurgents.

Moshagane said investigations are under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

In December, a high-ranking BDF army official killed a female subordinate and injured a colleague, before turning a gun on himself. In the same month, the army lost one member in combat, while two died due in freak accidents.

The manner of deaths has military experts worried.

Retired military officer and army chaplain Richard Moleofe, who trained on suicide prevention in the United States, said this is not the first time the BDF has faced such challenges.

"This is not happening for the first time," Moleofe said. "It is a recurrence of what happened in the late 1980s. There were so many homicides and suicides and the military at the time recruited chaplains, and I was privileged to be the first chaplain on board."

Moleofe said the Botswana Defense Force should recruit more chaplains and psychologists to prepare soldiers emotionally in Cabo Delgado.

"I urge the military to re-focus on this area of training and specifically being able to deal with suicides," Moleofe said. "It is one of the most frustrating things for the generals to be faced with this situation, where they have no control over the minds of their troops."

Jasmine Opperman, a Johannesburg-based security expert specializing in extremism, said Cabo Delgado is difficult terrain for foreign troops.

"To add to these complexities, also sit with the Mozambican forces and Rwanda deployed in Cabo Delgado, which makes such coordination, intelligence sharing and the ability to act proactively, it presents a highly stressful situation environment for these soldiers," Opperman said.

Velly Mpopelang, a former BDF soldier now based in the United Kingdom as a security policy expert, said training for soldiers should aim to address such issues.

"As a nation, we are alarmed by the incidents, which are more to do with suicides than operational incidents," Mpopelang said. "Normally before soldiers can be deployed in these types of operations, they go through pre-deployment training. This pre-deployment training will address a number of issues and prepare them as well, both emotionally and psychologically."

Botswana sent 296 soldiers to Cabo Delgado in 2021. It is among eight South African Development Community countries participating in the mission to quell violent extremism in the oil-rich region.

https://www.voanews.com/a/botswana-loses-sixth-soldier-in-mozambique-mission-/6912487.html

Faithful007:
If the ANC is offended with Israel and satisfied with Iran, does it not make them hypocrites?

I mean, they've been vocal about Isreal's oppressiveness but quiet about the atrocities of Iran, killing and jailing protesters, oppression of women and Sunni minorities.

We have not had a coherent foreign policy since Mbeki left the presidency.

"IL-76TD (Ex-76007) of Sapsan Airlines of Kazakhstan at Pemba, Mozambique this past week. The aircraft was undertaking a logistic flight under #SANDF charter between AFB Waterkloof and Pemba.
About 1,200 SANDF troops are deployed to Moz under SAMIM as Op Vikela."

Zimbabwe Air Force asks Nigeria for technical assistance

The Commander of Zimbabwe’s Air Force has travelled to Nigeria to ask his counterpart for technical assistance, including in the operation and maintenance of F7 and Mi-35 aircraft.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported that Air Marshal Elson Moyo, Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), in late March visited NAF Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, at NAF Headquarters.

Moyo said he would like to pursue technical assistance in the areas of research and development, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and the operation and maintenance of F7 and Mi-35 aircraft. The identified areas for collaboration, according to Moyo, are of common interest to Zimbabwe and Nigeria as their respective air forces operate some similar aircraft (including F7s and Mi-35s).

Zimbabwe’s Air Chief noted that the Nigerian Air Force has within a short time recorded ‘remarkable feats’ in its transformation effort to develop indigenous capacity. This, he said, provides a motivation for the Air Force of Zimbabwe to look inward as part of efforts to address the technical challenges arising from sanctions imposed on his country, which has limited the ability to acquire basic aircraft parts and other equipment.

Moyo commended the NAF for its support in the past, including training given to the first batch of Zimbabwe pilots in the 1980s, which he said informs the decision to seek collaboration with the NAF with respect to capacity development.

Amao for his part stated that the NAF is ready to forge a mutually benefitting partnership with the Air Force of Zimbabwe. He stated that the NAF currently has partnerships with many countries, including African countries, and is willing to partner with others. Improved synergy among African countries is the solution to many of the challenges, including security, facing the continent, he added.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/zimbabwe-air-force-asks-nigeria-for-technical-assistance/

Zambian Air Force Hongdu L-15

Iswap leader executes deputy after Nigeria army kills 41 militants

Furious over a Nigerian military raid that killed 41 fighters on March 19, Islamic State West African Province (Iswap) commander has executed his deputy for failing to stop the attack.

Deputy Iswap commander Abu Darda was on Monday executed by his boss Abu Muhammed, in the presence of other fighters in Kajeri Dogumba village in Mafa Local Government Area (LGA) of Northeast Borno State.

Abu Muhammed said he was mostly hurt because the Nigerian forces killed scores of his fighters, burnt foodstuffs and some newly acquired furniture meant for his wedding. He was also enraged by the attack that led to the seizure of their only three gun trucks.
'Failed attacks'

Mr Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst covering insurgency in the Lake Chad region of northeast Borno state, said that the Iswap commander had also accused his deputy of leading failed attacks of March 19 in Mafa, which resulted in the killing of scores of the terrorists and capturing of two of their gun trucks.

He said that Abu Darda was killed by the angry commander in the presence of other fighters in Kajeri Dogumba village in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Mr Makama reported that the said was furious because the only three gun trucks they had were taken by the military which he blamed on the failure of Darda to execute attacks.

He said the Iswap commander said that his executed deputy was unable to watch his boss’s back as the military traced his footsteps to attack them in their camp while they were sleeping.
Insurgents killed

Nigerian troops attacked an Iswap hideout in Mukdolo in Dikwa LGA of Borno State, killing 41 insurgents together with one of their their commander, Abu Zahra, as many injured extremists fled during the attack.

The troops carried out the attack on the platform of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and were coordinated by Maj- Gen Shaibu Waidi.

The raid followed attacks by the Iswap terrorists on March 10 that led to the death of 36 fishermen in Gupdilo.

The Nigerian army on March 25 also killed Boko Haram fighters during a raid on six militia camps on the fringes of Sambisa Forest. In addition, the troops discovered and destroyed a large cache of arms belonging to Boko Haram.

Ex-militias apologise

Meanwhile, former militias who have completed a deradicalisation programme have begged Nigerians for forgiveness for attempting to destabilise the country.

The 594 former insurgents completed a six-month deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration (DRR) programme in Kwami LGA of Northeast Gombe State.

They appealed for forgiveness during their graduation which took place at Malam Sidi camp which is run by the Nigerian army under Operation Safe Corridor.

“We apologise to Nigerians, our state governments, communities as well as everyone seated here and we are not going back to this atrocities,” said Muhammad Abba who spoke on behalf of the former militia members.

Abba further gave the assurance that they would remain loyal and faithful to Nigeria as well as work for peace and stability.

According to the camp commandant, Col Uche Nnabuihe, three of the former insurgents are from Niger Republic and one is from Chad.

80,000 militias surrenders

The Nigerian army reported that more than 80,000 extremists have so far surrendered since the insurgency started in 2009.

“Between July 2021 and May 2022, 54,000 extremists and their families surrendered,” Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff Lt-Gen Lucky Irabor said in a report at the 7th Founders’ Day of the Edo State University.

The report titled “National Defence Policy and Transitional Justice Approach in the War Against Insurgency in Nigeria”, said that 1,543 former Boko Haram members graduated from the Mallam Sidi camp in Gombe between 2016 and 2022.

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/rest-of-africa/iswap-commander-executes-deputy-over-military-raid-4176212

Ship seized by pirates seen 540 miles west from Gulf of Guinea attack point

March 29 (Reuters) - A Danish-owned vessel that was boarded by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday was spotted about 540 miles further off shore on Tuesday, according to a maritime cooperation centre monitoring security in the area.

The Liberian-flagged oil and chemical tanker Monjasa Reformer was boarded by five armed people some 140 miles west of the Republic of Congo's Port Pointe-Noire. All 16 crew sought refuge in a safe room aboard, according to the cooperation centre.

Danish marine fuels supplier Monjasa, owner of Monjasa Reformer, said on Tuesday all communications channels with the vessel were down. The company was unable to provide further detail on Wednesday for security reasons, a spokesperson said.

Montec Ship Management, which operates the vessel, reported the incident to the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (GOG-MDAT), a cooperation centre between the British and French navies to maintain safety in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Gulf of Guinea has become a global piracy hot spot in recent years, although cases have fallen there since 2021 as national authorities stepped up security efforts aided by foreign naval ships, according to the U.N. Security Council.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ship-seized-by-pirates-seen-540-miles-west-gulf-guinea-attack-point-2023-03-29/

Next Ugandan rotation ready for DR Congo deployment

Ahead of moving into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a Uganda People’ Defence Force (UPDF) contingent was told they would be on the ground to help “a country in turmoil”.

Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga told a flagging-off ceremony the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), of which Uganda is part, will not be attacking belligerents. Instead the force will ensure decisions taken at EAC Heads of State meetings will be implemented. This is in line with its peacekeeping mission mandate.

The regional force can go to a strength of 12 000 troops. At present soldiers, other military personnel and equipment from Kenya, Burundi, Uganda and South Sudan comprise the EACRF.

UPDF contingent commander Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba said he is leading ambassadors of peace and tranquillity to help another African country in turmoil and assured those at the send-off troops under his command are fully prepared to execute the mission. “We are prepared, we have the training, we have gained the cohesion required and are ready for the task assigned by our country and the region.”

Looking back on UPDF involvement in Africa land force commander Muhanga, speaking on behalf of UPDG Chief General Wilson Mbadi, said: “Having pacified the country [Uganda], UPDF now exports peace to other countries. We were in Liberia at one time, we are in Somalia, have been to South Sudan and Central African Republic (CAR). We are also in the eastern DRC fighting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists doing well and fulfilling our objectives”.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/diplomacy-a-peace/next-ugandan-rotation-ready-for-dr-congo-deployment/

Exnavyboy62:
Is the SA Navy is still interested in the Damen Stan 1800 Patrol vessel...

If you're referring to the cancelled OPV component of Project BIRO, in terms of SA law, ARMSCOR - not the SA Navy - would have to run the competition again. These are the companies that made the shortlist in the previous competition, from 14 initial bidders:
1) DCD Marine in partnership with the German company Abeking & Rasmussen;
2) Paramount Naval Systems in partnership with the Spanish company Navantia;
3) Southern African Shipyards in partnership with the Norwegian company Vard;
4) Damen Shipyards Cape Town.

Second SA Navy MMIPV ready for launch

Guy Martin -
17th Oct 2022
Damen Shipyards Cape Town will soon launch the second multi-mission inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV) for the South African Navy (SAN), with handover next year following sea trials.

The launch date moved closer with a blessing ceremony held at Damen Shipyards Cape Town on 14 October, the company revealed.

During the event, the vessel was blessed and a bottle of champagne was broken over the bow as is the custom, and the South African flag was raised on the vessel.

After the ceremony, the second MMIPV will be launched into the water and then delivered to the SAN in 2023 after extensive acceptance trials. The third vessel will be delivered one year later in 2024. Armscor has indicated deliveries will be in April of both years.

Sefale Montsi, Director at DSCT said: “With this ceremony, this vessel will soon join her sister, SAS King Sekhukhune II in successfully sailing South African and international waters. The project continues to meet the client’s specifications, on time and within budget. Damen Shipyards Cape Town and our growing local supply chain stand ready to deliver more of these much-needed vessels to our navy.”

“We are pleased with the progress that has been made thus far”, said Armscor Group Executive Acquisition and Supply Chain Management, Meshak Teffo. “We are committed to providing the South African National Defence Force with state-of-the-art defence materiel they require to protect the sovereignty of the country. This MMIPV Project demonstrates our capability to deliver on complex acquisition solutions. We are looking forward to the delivery of this second Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel next year.”

The first MMIPV (P1571), SAS King Sekhukhune I, was handed to the SA Navy on 18 May. The second vessel will be named SAS Adam Kok and the third SAS King Shaka. The first vessel took part in Exercise Ibsamar with India last week, sailing off the coast of Gqeberha (Port Elizabth). This was the vessel’s first exercise.

DSCT said the MMIPV project is playing an important role in creating skilled new jobs and acting as a catalyst for the development of regional supply chains. On its own, the MMIPV project is expected to generate more than one million man-hours of work during the construction of the three MMIPVs and will support more than 1 000 direct and indirect jobs. Beyond work on the vessel, DSCT benefits from the global reach of Damen Shipyards Group to secure new business for South African industry.

“This project has also allowed the yard to increase the impact of its transformation strategy and we have achieved a level 1 BEE rating. Our strategy to make transformation part of business as usual made it possible to over-deliver on Armscor’s requirements for engagement of local businesses and workforce, as well as vessel capabilities,” Montsi said.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/second-sa-navy-mmipv-ready-for-launch/

GreenandGold:
Summarised it for you
- SAS Mendi is seaworthy
- SAS Amatola is currently in a Docking and Essential Defect (DED) period.
- SAS Spioenkop is undergoing “ad-hoc maintenance and repairs of the hull and structure.”
- SAS Isandlwana is currently undergoing ad-hoc maintenance and repairs of the mast and flight decks.

Armscor stated that the masts will be completed within six months.

This is precisely the problem with under-funding: the rotation of 1 frigate in ops; 1 for training and 2 in maintenance has been messed with.
Lack of funds meant a 6-month delay for SAS Isandlwana going into maintenance and now Mendi is being used for training, meaning no vessel on anti-piracy patrol in the Mozambque Channel.
The SANDF could really do with a minister with the political clout to go toe-to-toe with Treasury.

R1.4 billion allocated for SA Navy submarine and frigate refit

National Treasury has allocated nearly one and a half billion rand to the South African Navy for the refit of one of its three Type 209 submarines and one of its four Meko A200 class frigates.

Major General Thembelani Xundu, briefing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) on 22 March, explained that the Navy is being provided with sufficient funding to refit one frigate and one submarine, with work to be carried out between May 2023 and December 2024, followed by sea acceptance trials in early 2025. R500 million has been allocated in 2023/24 for this, R441 million the following year, and R480 million in 2025/26. Work will be carried out in the Simons Town Naval Dockyard.

At present, only the frigate SAS Mendi is seaworthy, while the submarine SAS Manthathisi has just returned to the water. Mendi’s seaworthiness was prioritised for Armed Forces Day and Exercise Mosi II in February.

Armscor last month explained that the frigate SAS Amatola is currently in a Docking and Essential Defect (DED) period. SAS Spioenkop is undergoing “ad-hoc maintenance and repairs of the hull and structure.” The fourth and final frigate, SAS Isandlwana, is currently undergoing ad-hoc maintenance and repairs of the mast and flight decks. Armscor stated that the masts will be completed within six months. “This is part of the continuous refurbishment activities to keep the sub-systems serviceable, as the vessel will be in a perpetual maintenance phase.”

With regard to the submarines, the SAS Manthatisi has just come out of Docking and Essential Defect (DED) maintenance, and is undergoing post-maintenance trials.

The SAS Queen Modjadji is currently undergoing preservation and pre-refit planning activities, in preparation for a refit. The procurement process for services is currently underway, with a requirement received from the Navy on 6 February 2023. Armscor estimates the contracting process will take approximately 140 days.

Funding to complete the refit of the SAS Charlotte Maxeke is available and the submarine is currently “in refit process” with Armscor providing project management. “Armscor Dockyard is currently going through a procurement process to contract a local supplier for support services,” the defence materiel agency said.

The latest defence budget vote, released in February, showed that the Maritime Defence component of the SANDF is getting R4.9 billion for the 2023/24 financial year, as well as in 2024/25, and R5.2 billion in 2025/26. Of the R4.9 billion allocated for 2023/24, just R1.45 billion is going towards Maritime Combat Capability, with the remaining on logistics support, human resources, base support etc. but the majority of funds (R2.3 billion) is allocated to salaries.

The defence budget allocation states that the SA Navy will defend and protect South Africa and its maritime zone by providing three frigates, one combat support vessel (the SAS Drakensberg), two offshore patrol vessels, and three inshore patrol vessels per year as well as two submarines a year. The Navy will conduct four coastal patrols and spend 8 000 hours at sea a year.

Budget cuts mean there is no funding for the simultaneous mid-life upgrades/refits of the SA Navy’s three submarines and four frigates, with upgrades and refits being done one at a time as budget allows. According to the Department of Defence, the average cost estimate for a frigate refit is R687 million with a submarine refit costing R660 million.

Pending the outstanding refits, the SA Navy is currently focused on prioritising essential maintenance and repair of the frigates Spioenkop and Mendi, the combat support vessel SAS Drakensberg and submarine Manthatisi to ensure operational availability.

Due to limited funding, only one of four frigates (SAS Amatola) was partially refitted in 2014/15 and one of three submarines (SAS Manthatisi) was refitted in 2013/14.

For a fully functional SA National Defence Force that would be able to effectively carry out its taskings, such as border security, Xundu told Parliament that the defence force as a whole needs to be rejuvenated and re-equipped, and this would cost R41 billion over 25 years.

National Treasury has allocated R3.3 billion to the SANDF over three years for equipment upgrades, with R1 billion allocated for C-130 Hercules maintenance, R700 million for border patrol vehicles and sensors, and R1.4 billion for frigate and submarine maintenance.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/editors-pick/r1-4-billion-allocated-for-sa-navy-submarine-and-frigate-refit/

Russian attack helicopters turned the tide against the LRA – UPDF

The Uganda People’s Defence Force’s (UPDF’s) Russian attack helicopter fleet – which now includes Mi-28NEs – helped turn the tide in the fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the Ugandan military has said.

Ugandan Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Charles Okidi, said “there is no doubt that the introduction of the attack helicopters into the battlefield changed the tides of war in Northern Uganda against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in favour of the UPDF and continue to do so in the subsequent operations. So, with the acquisition of new air assets, we are ready to serve our beloved country more in that capacity.”

Okidi was speaking on 22 March during a passing out parade for 12 newly qualified pilots and 52 technicians who had completed an eight months training course at Soroti Air Force Wing. Okidi commended them for their discipline and resilience during training and urged them to ensure the safety of the newly acquired aircraft.

Okidi added that continuous training would help the Air Force provide the much-needed air power for joint operations in supporting ground operations.

Mi-28NEs were for the first time seen in Uganda in June 2022 during a visit to Entebbe Air Base by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who was there to thank members of the Air Force for their assistance in neutralising ADF rebels during Operation Shujaa in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s Arms Transfers database, Uganda ordered six Mi-28s in 2020, and three were delivered last year.

The Mi-28 first flew in November 1982 as a replacement for the Mi-24/25. The Mi-28N Night Hunter day/night version flew in November 1996 and features a radar mounted on the rotor mast. The Mi-28N is armed with up to 16 Shturm and Ataka anti-tank missiles. Shturm is a short-range, radio command-guided missile while the Ataka missile’s guidance is by narrow radar beam. Maximum range of the missile is 8 km. The helicopter can also carry 80 mm or 122 mm rockets and gun pods. The helicopter is equipped with a turreted 30 mm cannon.

Other Mi-28 operators include Algeria, Iraq, and Russia.

The UPDF has about a dozen Mi-24/35 attack helicopters in service along with several Mi-8/Mi-17s, several AB 206 Jet Rangers, half a dozen Bell 205s, and a couple of Bell 212 helicopters. Five refurbished Huey II helicopters were delivered from 2017.

In January 2022, Museveni commissioned a helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, which is refurbishing UPDF Mi-24 helicopters. The facility at Nakosongola Air Base is a joint venture by the UPDF’s commercial arm, the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), and Pro-heli International, a Russian company.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/mi-28-turned-the-tide-against-the-lra-updf/

Extra R1 billion for SAAF to get C-130 Hercules airworthy

National Treasury has granted the South African Air Force (SAAF) an extra R1 billion to get its six C-130BZ Hercules transports airworthy, but a decision has not been taken on whether to accept two additional Hercules from the United States as this would require additional funding.

National Treasury, in its February budget, allocated an additional R1 billion in 2023/24 to the “medium air transport capability” of the SAAF. Major General Thembelani Xundu on 22 March explained to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) how funding would be spent on the six remaining C-130s (the SAAF had nine serviceable examples but two have been written off in accidents and one has been cannibalised for spares).

The tail numbers of the C-130s that the SAAF wants to be kept flying are 401, 402, 405, 406, 408, and 409. However, between now and 2029, this will cost just over R4 billion. Maintaining and overhauling the C-130 fleet in 2023/24 will cost R455 million and R373 million the following year, Xundu’s presentation revealed.

He said that major servicing and upgrade of 405 and 409 can be funded, with major servicing to be done in the UK “by the company that did the upgrade of the BZs in the 1990s” (Marshall Aerospace). 405’s major service and upgrade is scheduled for mid-2024 – this will take about 18 months. 409 has 180 hours left before its major service is required.

The SAAF aims to have at least one or two C-130s operational at any time while the others undergo maintenance. 405 is supposed to be serviceable but is currently undergoing maintenance at Denel – this was supposed to be completed in November 2022, but should be finished this month.

As for the two surplus C-130H Hercules offered by the United States, Xundu said there are still discussions at the Department of Defence over financing this. “If the Department of Defence takes the decision to take them, the Air Force calculates we will need R900 million extra,” he said.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/extra-r1-billion-for-saaf-to-get-c-130-hercules-airworthy/

GreenandGold:
Love how the Kenyans and Ugandans have delegated the job of keeping the M23 busy to the Burundians...

There's 40+ armed groups roaming the Kivus. As they roam wherever the whim takes them, any sectoral allocation guarantees contact with at least 5 of them.

Faithful007:
And here's another Nigerian who wants to be the mouthpiece of another country.

Are you even aware the guy you're quoting is from South Africa?

I think he knows, and I suspect it's that which led him to respond not to what I wrote, but what he thought I wrote.

paafin:
Let me make it stinging clear to you!

South African government can never and will never arrest Putin over some Western funded ICC bullshit!!

And who the fvck is this one now?
Come back when you learn to read with comprehension.

Stargate254:
But despite all the theatrics and the pressure that foreign powers put on the country that Bashir was visiting next, non of those countries ever even attempted to do that. If they couldn't arrest the president of a 3rd world country with no force projection, who would dare arrest Putin and face the consequences? Even the US will not dare if he chooses to attend UNGA meeting in New York.

I don't much care for every other country's position.
I do however, care very much that my country upholds its own domestic laws, which stipulate that ICC warrants have to be effected. The Zuma administration shamefully broke SA law when it didn't arrest Al-Bashir, and when a court ruled they had to, they bundled him into an airport all while lying that they couldn't find him!
I do not find edifying, the spectacle of my government breaking SA law for some genocidal thug. So best they tell Vlad the Thug to make up some excuse and stay home, lest they be forced into a choice between geopolitics and the law.

Meanwhile, in Mozambique.

Botswana SF training with US Green Berets.

"It was a sad day at the SAPS K9 unit in Humansdorp on Monday, 20 March 2023 when one of our own four legged colleague sadly passed away an hour after saving his handler’s life while at the same time, making sure that a housebreaking suspect did not escape arrest.
The sad demise of Deacon, a Rottweiler started at about 07:30 on Monday morning when his handler, Sgt Pat Le Grange and Deacon responded to a call of housebreaking allegedly committed in the St Francis Bay area. After being informed that the suspect/s had entered the dense bushes in the area, Sgt Le Grange and Deacon pursued after them. When warnings to exit the bush had failed, the duo crawled into the thicket with Deacon leading the way on a long leash.
At some point, the handler heard a loud scream and he hastened to get to his dog. As Sgt Le Grange stood up, the suspect lunged at him with a knife. Deacon who had already been stabbed still got up to protect his handler and once again pounced on the suspect enabling his handler to arrest him. After Sgt Le Grange had secured his arrest, he realised that his dog was bleeding profusely and Deacon was rushed to a nearby vet for treatment.
However, after being stabilised and treated about an hour later, brave Deacon suffered a cardiac arrest due his injury and sadly crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Deacon was 1 year and 9 months old and joined the crime fighting team at the Humansdorp K9 unit in July 2022.
The 19-year-old suspect was detained on charges of housebreaking, attack on a police official and malicious damage to property (for the death of Deacon). He appeared in the Humansdorp magistrate court on Wednesday, 22 March 2023.
Police dogs have proven to be pivotal to the success of operations in a multitude of cases whereby the handlers on their own would never have been successful. They (dogs) have the ability to go into places that ordinarily a human being would not be able to, they have the ability to detect incriminating items or items with evidential value just by using their senses. They are certainly part of the SAPS Family.
REST IN PEACE DEACON"

Raeblack:
Countries like Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana and have sent relief items including food items, shelters, helicopters and personnel to help in search and rescue operation.

SADC countries coming through for a beleaguered neighbour!

GreenandGold:
Not to be forgotten

We shall remember!