The newly delivered IRIS-T air-to-air missile was shown to the public for the first time at the South African Air Force’s 90th anniversary parade held at AFB Swartkop, Pretoria.
In 2008 the SAAF selected the IRIS-T as an interim short range air-to-air missile. It will ultimately be replaced by the indigenously designed and produced A-Darter, which is still under development.
Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, said: “This missile is the state of the art high kill probability short range air missile with unrivalled performance capabilities which, when coupled to a helmet mounted display can engage air threats in the rear quarter of the aircraft as is the case with the SAAF Gripens”.
South Africa has ordered 26 Gripen state-of-the-art fighters which are modernising the SAAF’s fast jet fleet and capability.
It currently operates nine dual seat Gripen D aircraft and will soon receive its first of 17 single-seat Gripen C fighters.
