, DEFENCE secretary January “Che” Masilela welcomed the arrival of the new aircraft this week, saying it heralded a new era in the country's air force equipment.
The Hawk fighter jet, which is part of the 24 fully operational lead-in fighter trainers to be delivered to the South African Air Force between now and 2006, forms part of military hardware purchashed by the South African National Defence Force in the controversial multi-billion-rand arms deal.
Masilela, whose office plays an oversight role in the affairs of the defence force, told City Press the unveiling of the fighter jets had shown the government's resolve to stick to its mandate of revamping the country's ailing lead-fighter jets despite harsh criticism it had faced in the past.
“We are sticking to our mandate to renew and revamp the navy and the air force fleet,” said Masilela.
“The programme to deliver the navy and air force fleet is on course and this will be of immense economic benefit to the country.”
Masilela, who accompanied a contingent of air force and senior army officers to witness the arrival of the new Hawk fighter aircraft, said the multi-billion-rand arms deal has resulted in a huge benefit for emerging black entrepreneurs who have taken advantage of the opportunities that have been created by the purchase.
He said the air force had shown its commitment to transform itself following the announcement that among the first eight pilots to be trained for the new air jet would be three black and two women pilots.
In the coming months, the South African Air Force plans to conduct the integration and a flight test programme of 15 months at the Bredasdorp army base in the Western Cape.
The purpose of the programme will be to demonstrate, fine-tune and prove the required accuracy and reliability of the avionics and combat-training weapons suites on the Hawk.
