[imagesource:wonderai]

Adding some gravitas to this afternoon’s SONA spectacular will be two Gripen fighters from the premier fighter squadron of the SAAF, based at Air Force Base Makhado in the Limpopo province. Top Gun is in town. Again.

Residents of Cape Town likely heard the buzz yesterday and can keep an ear out for the Arms Deal echoing off Table Mountain again this afternoon as the two Gripens form up with a BAE Systems Hawk trainer over the city’s skies.

The Gripens will be replacing the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II trainers that are usually summoned from Langebaan for the role. One can only imagine the teasing banter around the volleyball court over this snub.

The two Saab Gripen fighters landed at AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town on Saturday, February 3 after taking part in the SAAF Prestige Parade last week, which commemorated the “SAAF’s 104-year collective legacy and history”.

During their detachment to the Cape, 2 Squadron pilots are expected to perform extra training sorties in the Western Cape, “maximising the value of their visit to Cape Town”.

The tip of our Air Force’s spear, the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, is a light single-engine supersonic multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab AB. You might remember the procurement of these jets from the pre-‘nine wasted years’ era when we could still afford these kinds of toys.

Regardless of how the Gripens got here, they are an impressive sight and Cape Townians should keep an eye on the sky this afternoon as they scream overhead. You can always look for the dog afterwards.

The SONA is scheduled to happen at 7PM at the Cape Town City Hall as parliament is still in ruins. The festivities will include a 21-gun salute, a ceremonial guard, the step guard salute, the national song, a complete military band, and ceremonial processions.

The whole country seems to be wondering what Cyril Ramaphosa could possibly say at this stage of our descent, but expect a speech with one eye firmly on the elections.

[source:defenceweb]