Exercise Winter Solstice

The South African Air Force is currently conducting at their annual force preparation exercise to verify their combat readiness. These deployments are focused on the needs as currently experienced during deployments in support of African Union initiatives on the continent. This exercise is taking place over period 14 to 31 July 2011. This is an annual exercise with the main aim of training and evaluating all spheres and capabilities within the South African Air Force. The Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal has been identified as the "Theatre of Operations" to execute Exercise Winter Solstice. The area has been selected in terms of its unique terrain and challenges it poses to deploy forces and is therefore presents an excellent training opportunity in difficult terrain. The exercise consists mainly of Red and Blue forces, war gaming a real-time scenario of friendly and enemy forces of neighbouring countries, to evaluate comprehensive SAAF operational capabilities.

The SAAF objectives to be achieved during Exercise Winter Solstice are:

· To evaluate the SAAF's deployability
· To enhance and evaluate the SAAF'S comprehensive defence operational capabilities
· To develop a common understanding of military interoperability and foster mutual trust, respect and co-operation in the SAAF.
· To evaluate and upgrade operational readiness, means and methods.
· To evaluate co-operation and networking between stakeholders and civil aviation authorities and partners like ATNS, ACSA and the General Aviation.

Tactical Mobile Radars, Mobile Ground Signal Intelligence Systems and Communication equipment are deployed to Bhisho area according to the dynamic development and requirements of the scenario of the Exercise.
SAAF aircraft (Friendly forces) deployed to Bulembo airfield includes, Hawks, Cessna Caravans, Agusta helicopters, Oryx helicopters and Rooivalk helicopters. SAAF aircraft (Enemy forces) are deployed to King Shaka, Margate Airfield and AFB Durban, consisting of similar aircraft than the forces of the friendly forces.

The Exercise continues seven days a week, day and night which result in increased noise levels on a daily basis. The noise levels during night should decrease drastically from now onwards, since the full moon phase is coming to an end. No live ammunition will be used during the exercise.
570 People from the SAAF are deployed into the Bhisho area.
The general aviation has been briefed extensively in all applicable regions prior to the SAAF deployment in terms of the possible impact Exercise Winter Solstice might have on aviation.

The SAAF would like to thank the local community and partners for their hospitality and co-operation during Exercise Winter Solstice. The famed friendliness of the of the Eastern Cape Province has certainly impressed all the members of the deployment.

SAAF media release