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DATE: Monday, 21 October 2019
EMBARGO: None
SUBJECT: THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE HOSTS THE VISITING AEROSPACE FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
The South African Air Force (SAAF) will be hosting the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation (AFRF) during their visit in the Republic of South Africa (RSA).
The RSA and Russian Federation have strong historical links with diplomatic relations established between both countries on February 28, 1992.
The "Military to Military' relations between the two countries is not solely built on struggle politics but rather on fostering mutually beneficial partnerships based on common interests. It is within this context and within the framework of the agreement between the Ministries of
Defence of both countries dated June 14, 1995, that the joint unit of the AFRF is visiting the RSA.
The air arsenal of the AFRF such as the Antonov-AN124, the "Black Jack", TU-160, IL 62 lllussion amongst others will land at Air Force Base Waterkloof, on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 October 2019 respectively. Members of the media are invited to cover this event.
You are also invited to specifically view the 2xTU-160 bombers touching down at the base on 22 October 2019 at approximately 06h30. They will be escorted on arrival by the SAAF's own Gripen and Hawk aircraft. A media briefing, which seeks to unpack the purpose of this visit,
will commence at 07h45 on 22 October 2019.
A seminar between the two entities will be conducted at St George Hotel conference facility wherein combat, search and rescue matters will be deliberated on 23 October 2019 at 09h00.