Students from the King Abdullah Air Defence College in Saudi Arabia visited the South African Air Force College in Thaba Tshwane on 15 July 2024 for a benchmarking and exposure training program.
The students of the Royal Saudi Air Defence Force were welcomed by Director Corporate Staff Services, Brigadier General Donavan Chetty on behalf of the Chief of Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo. “We hope your visit at one of our best Training Units expands your knowledge and helps you further your careers in the military,” Brig Gen Chetty mentioned.
The RSADF students, accompanied by their directing staff, will spend their time in and around South Africa’s military capital. Their itinerary includes visits to key training facilities.
The RSADF delegation will explore SA Air Force College (SAAFCOL), a reputable training facility. Lieutenant Colonel Kerneels Olyn, the SAAFCOL Training Coordinator, will provide insights into the college’s purpose and capabilities.
The Cadets will call on the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW), formerly known as SAAF Air Force Base (AFB) Swartkop, Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (AF MDW) in Centurion will be another stop for the Saudi cadets. They will engage with air defence units based on the eastern side of the MDW.
Planned visits to 140 and 142 Squadrons, these air defence units, also part of the MDW, will host information visits for the RSADF students. The focus will be on air defence strategies and operations.
SAAF Chief, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, told the visitors they would see and learn at “our best training units” and the experience gained would assist in furthering their careers.
Also, Colonel Tebogo Toodi, representing Chief Director Force Preparation Capabilities Major General Lancelot Mathebula, will introduce the Saudi visitors to SAAF capabilities through an air power presentation. an Air Power presentation to the students. Colonel Toodi explained that the purpose of the presentation is to, “Make these young minds aware that our structures may differ, but our role together is to protect the air space.”
He further referenced the BRICS summit and highlighted that, “When Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined the BRICS alliance, the intention became clearer that the countries should begin their benchmarking journeys for a better, secure future.”
Lieutenant Colonel Kerneels Olyn, the Training Coordinator of the South African Air Force College presented the purpose of having such a reputable training facility and he added, “The South African Air Force College plays a major role in the growing and grooming of Officers in the South African Air Force. The College not only molds a Non-Commissioned Officer but it structures a well-mannered and well-disciplined soldier as well.”
Ad Astra magazine staffers, Sergeant Tshimolloyabotshelo Matsha and Airman Khanyisile Gina, will engage in discussions about strengthening military cooperation and training agreements.
The RSADF delegation will conclude their visit at AFB Hoedspruit in Limpopo. Home to 19 Squadron, which operates Agusta A109 and Oryx helicopters, the base also houses the SAF Command and Control School and Lower Airspace Control.
The visit, scheduled from 13 July to 3 August, reflects the commitment of both nations to enhancing military ties. The Royal Saudi Air Defence Force joins the ranks of the Royal Saudi Land Force, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the Royal Saudi Naval Force, and the Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force in safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s security and interests.
The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) serve as the aerial defense branch of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. As one of the five service branches, the RSADF plays a crucial role in securing Saudi Arabia’s airspace.
Founded in 1930, the RSADF has evolved to address changing threats. It is no longer subordinate to the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF).