At the recently concluded National Space Conference organised by SANSA and its partners, including the South African Air Force (SAAF), the SAAF chief, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, disclosed the service’s plans to engage with the space sector and host a space display and symposium for space industry stakeholders, in conjunction with the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition in September 2024, Defence Web reports.

This development further reinforces the South African Air Force service’s commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of space capabilities, actively contributing to national development.

In July, Lieutenant Mbambo mentioned that there was momentum behind establishing a dedicated Space Command Section in the SAAF. He further expanded on the service’s establishment of the South African Space Command Section (SASCS) to manage and coordinate all defence-related space activities in collaboration with the SANSA and other government agencies. According to the Lieutenant, “With continued innovation and collaboration, the country’s future in space looks promising and reaffirms the SAAF’s commitment to becoming a space power. The Air Force remains dedicated to innovation and upholding its mission to serve the nation effectively in the space realm.”