About
The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air warfare branch of the South African National Defence Force, with its headquarters in Pretoria. It was established on 1 February 1920 and is recognised as the second-oldest independent air force in the world after the British Royal Air Force. The SAAF saw service in the Second World War and the Korean War. From 1966, it was heavily involved in providing air support during the Border War in Angola, South-West Africa, and Rhodesia. As the conflict escalated, the SAAF expanded into one of Africa's largest and most capable air forces, culminating in fighter engagements against Angolan aircraft during the late 1980s to maintain tactical air superiority. By the end of the Border War in 1990, the SAAF had reached its largest size, operating more than 800 aircraft. The post-war period saw a major drawdown driven by the cessation of hostilities, the end of apartheid, the lifting of international sanctions, the dismantlement of South Africa's nuclear weapons programme, and economic constraints.