The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) possesses a diverse array of military vehicles, reflecting a blend of domestically produced and internationally sourced equipment. This list provides an overview of the vehicles and artillery currently in service with the South African Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The South African Army's inventory consists largely of domestically produced weapons, with around 80% sourced from the local defence industry and the remaining 20% being a mix of European, Israeli, and American systems.
South African Army Vehicles and Artillery
The South African Army's armoured reconnaissance capability centers around the Rooikat, an eight-wheeled armoured vehicle designed for high-speed mobility, long-range operations, and precision firepower. Often designated as a tank destroyer.
Armored Fighting Vehicles
The South African Army's main battle tank (MBT) capability is centered around the Olifant ("Elephant") series, a heavily upgraded and modernized derivative of the British Centurion tank adapted for southern Africa's operational environment. The Olifant Mk1A and Mk1B variants formed the backbone of the armoured corps for decades, with the later Mk2 offering improved armour, engine performance, and modernized fire control systems.
The South African Army's fleet of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) is a key component of its mechanized infantry units, providing a combination of mobility, firepower, and protection for troops on the battlefield. The Badgers are a new generation of fighting vehicles planned to partially replace the Army's Ratel IFV fleet over the next decade under the Project Hoefyster awarded contract, this will significantly improve the mobility, firepower, and protection of the South African Army's Mechanized infantry units.
Read also: Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority
The Protected Mobility fleet is essential for the South African Army's operations, particularly in regions where the threat of landmines and IEDs is high. These vehicles are not only crucial for domestic operations but also play a vital role in South Africa's contributions to peacekeeping missions on the African continent. While primarily an APC, the Mamba is sometimes used in roles similar to an IFV, particularly in low-intensity conflicts or peacekeeping operations. Similar to the Mamba but better protected. More than 6 delivered in April 2024.
The South African National Defence Force has expressed ongoing interest in deploying UGVs to enhance reconnaissance, border security, and demining capabilities. Used for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and counter-IED roles.
Engineering and Logistics Vehicles
The South African Army's engineering and logistics fleet is crucial to the SANDF, ensuring the transport and supply of essential resources across diverse terrains. It includes a range of vehicles, from heavy-duty trucks to specialized equipment, delivering ammunition, fuel, food, and medical supplies. The Leguan Armoured Bridge Layer is a modern combat engineering system capable of deploying a 26-meter bridge within minutes to support mechanized forces. The Gemsbok is a specialized variant of the Casspir mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle configured as a logistics and transport support platform. Locally produced in South Africa. Primarily utilised as prime movers, firefighting vehicles and low-bed transporters. Designated as "Giraffe". Standard light utility vehicle, widely employed for command, liaison, patrol, and logistics support. Used for border patrol.
Artillery Systems
The South African Army's artillery fleet is a critical component of its overall combat capability, providing long-range firepower, support for ground forces, and the ability to engage enemy positions and fortifications. 127 mm standard multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) of the South African Army Artillery Formation. 131 mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). The G6 Rhino is one of the most capable self-propelled howitzers, known for its exceptional mobility, firepower, and crew protection. With a 155 mm gun and a range of up to 76 km using rocket-assisted munitions, it delivers long-range fire support while its 6x6 wheeled chassis provides superior off-road mobility, ideal for rapid shoot-and-scoot tactics. New South African Self-propelled howitzer that entered service in 2018. Towed version of the G6 Rhino. A small number are still maintained and used on ceremonial occasions. Primary long-range, indirect fire, artillery weapon of the Steve Biko Artillery Regiment (formerly Light Regiment). Unknown number ordered under the Project Acrobat contract. An estimate of 102 M6 long-range mortars were successfully delivered to the South African Army Infantry Corps in 2011, this is sufficient to equip 12 infantry battalions. In use with the Special Forces and Airborne Infantry.
The South African Army Air Defence Artillery (ADA) plays a critical role in protecting South African airspace from potential aerial threats. In use with 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment. These missiles have a range of between 5-7 km. Transferred from the Air Force to the Army. The LOCATS is an unmanned aerial target used to train Air Defence Artillery crews in gunnery. Capable of tracking aircraft in a 120 km radius and can be fully operational within 10 minutes of arrival at the deployment site. Designed for tracking low- and medium-altitude aerial targets, it integrates target acquisition, tracking, and gun-laying functions for rapid-response anti-aircraft artillery. Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon. Acquired in 2012 under Project Cytoon.
Read also: Discover Thula Thula
Small Arms
The Vektor Z88 is a South African-manufactured, license-produced version of the Italian Beretta 92F semi-automatic pistol. The Vektor SP1 is a South African-designed semi-automatic pistol developed as a compact complement to the standard-issue Z88. The Vektor R4 is the South African Army's standard-issue assault rifle, and the R5 is its shortened carbine derivative for close-quarters and vehicle-borne use.
The Vektor R1 is a South African-produced battle rifle based on the Belgian FN FAL, formerly the standard-issue rifle of the South African Defence Force (SADF) from the 1960s to early 1980s. Although superseded, both the R1 and R2 remain in reserve stocks and designated marksman rifle roles.
AKM rifles remain personally favored by some Special Forces operators, despite their gradual replacement by the newer CZ BREN rifles. 100,000 G3 rifles were purchased from Portugal in the mid 1970's.
The Truvelo CMS is a bolt-action precision rifle family produced in South Africa by Truvelo Armoury and fielded from 2018. In April 2025 the South African Army initiated Project Tedu to scale up production and deployment of the Truvelo CMS family, aiming to mass-produce the rifles to equip wider elements of the Infantry Sniper Corps and selected combat units. The Denel NTW-20 is a South African-designed bolt-action anti-materiel rifle produced by Denel Land Systems. Fielded with Special Forces and the Infantry Sniper Corps, the NTW-20 is primarily used for long-range engagement of hardened and high-value targets such as armoured vehicles, parked aircraft, radar equipment and other materiel.
The Truvelo TM545 is a South African designated marksman rifle (DMR) based on a modern AR-type platform and developed to give marksmen extended-range precision fire between standard service rifles and sniper systems. The TM545 offers a rugged, modular DMR option that bridges the capability gap between assault rifles and bolt-action sniper rifles. The Heckler & Koch MP5 is in limited service with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The FN MAG is a Belgian-designed belt-fed general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) that has been in long-standing service with the South African Army. The Vektor SS-77 is a South African-designed general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) developed by Vektor/Denel Land Systems as a locally manufactured alternative to the FN MAG. Rate of fire: Approx. The M2 Browning is a heavy machine gun (HMG) widely used by the South African Army in vehicle and ground roles. Rate of fire: Approx. The Browning M1919A4 (MG4 Browning) is a medium machine gun originally of US design and modified in South Africa (Lyttelton Engineering Works / Denel Land Systems) to fire the 7.62×51 mm NATO round. Rate of fire: Approx.
Read also: Traditional South African Bread
The Beretta SP312 is a 12-gauge military-grade pump-action combat shotgun in service with the South African Army, particularly in roles requiring reliability, simplicity, and close-range stopping power. The Milkor MGL is a South African series of six-shot revolving-cylinder grenade launchers designed to provide rapid, short-to-medium-range indirect fire and area suppression. The Denel Y3 AGL is a South African belt-fed automatic grenade launcher (AGL) developed for tripod, vehicle and turret mounting to provide sustained high-explosive area suppression and direct-fire support.
The Carl Gustaf M4 is an 84 mm multi-role, reusable recoilless rifle adopted by the South African Army as a modern shoulder-fired anti-armour and general support weapon. The AT4 is a lightweight, disposable 84 mm anti-armour and anti-structure launcher adopted by the South African Army in 2024 alongside the Carl Gustaf M4 to give individual soldiers a simple, one-shot capability against armoured vehicles, bunkers and field fortifications. The FT5 is a South African man-portable anti-tank rocket system developed by Denel Dynamics to provide infantry units with a modern, fire-and-forget capability against armoured vehicles, fortifications and soft targets. The RPG-7 is a simple, rugged rocket-propelled grenade launcher that was captured in large numbers by South African forces during the Border War and subsequently integrated into SANDF inventories. The MILAN is a Franco-German wire-guided anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) introduced in the late 1970s and widely used by South African mechanized infantry during the Border War and afterwards.
Rooikat: South African Predator
The ZT3 Ingwe (Leopard) is a South African long-range, laser beam-riding anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by Denel Dynamics and operated as the SANDF's primary long-range anti-armour weapon. The ZT3 remains the Army's frontline long-range ATGM, widely integrated onto Ratel and Badger IFVs and used from dismounted tripod teams and aerial platforms. The M40A1 is a lightweight, crew-served 105 mm recoilless rifle developed in the 1950s as a portable anti-tank weapon. The M40A1 produces a large back-blast cone behind the breech, creating a significant danger sector that makes first-round hits essential and imposes strict safety procedures in employment. The RDM Illuminating Hand Grenade is a pyrotechnic illumination grenade in service with the South African Army, used to provide battlefield lighting for target identification, night manoeuvre, and engagement. The M1A1 Stun Grenade is a non-lethal flashbang device used by the South African Army and Military Police for disorientation, room entry, and riot control operations. The MS-803 is a South African directional anti-personnel mine based on the design of the American M18A1 Claymore.
Uniforms and Equipment
The M87 Kevlar, introduced in 1989, became the South African Army's standard-issue combat helmet for conventional forces. The M83 Kevlar is a South African-produced combat helmet, derived from the Israeli OR-201 design and introduced in the early 1980s. Locally produced FAST (Future Assault Shell Technology) and MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet) models are used by both the South African Special Forces Brigade and also, in very limited numbers, by South African Army reconnaissance or night ops elements where night-vision integration is essential. The Soldier 2000 camouflage uniform was developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and officially adopted in 1994 as the standard pattern of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Worn by members of the South African Army's elite 44 Pathfinder Platoon, this distinctive uniform features an olive-green combat suit designed for airborne and reconnaissance operations.
Plate carriers and tactical vests used by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) are produced locally by defence manufacturers to meet operational and environmental requirements. While the South African Army maintains a limited range of CBRN protection equipment as part of its operational inventory, the primary responsibility for handling, research, and acquisition of chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) protection systems lies with the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS). The SAMHS has invested heavily in detection systems, protective clothing, research, and capital equipment to safeguard SANDF personnel against CBR threats. Key acquisitions include HazMatID 360 detector systems, Smiths Detection Responder RCI RAMAN chemical identifiers, Agilent GC-MSD systems, TALON CBRN robots, and Med-Eng bomb suits.
Locally designated FM50 in South African service - is the SANDF's standard‑issue CBRN respirator, based on the Avon Protection M50. The mask provides full‑face protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats while allowing long periods of comfortable wear with combat equipment. The SANDF has invested in electronic and targeting equipment to improve situational awareness and combat effectiveness. This includes night vision devices, weapon-mounted optical sights, lasers, and other advanced targeting systems. Specific details on optical sights used by the South African Army is limited.
South African Navy Vessels
The South African Navy operates four Valour-class frigates, which are its main surface combatants. Commissioned in the early 2000s, these frigates are modern, multipurpose warships designed primarily for air defence, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. The Valour class frigates include the general guided-missile anti-surface, anti-air role as well as the anti-submarine role. The South African Navy operates three Heroine-class submarines, which form the backbone of its underwater warfare capabilities. 3 Inshore patrol vessels are in service. Commissioned in 1987. Will replace the Protea-class survey vessel. Specialist Hydrographic Survey Vessel. Launched 1971.
South African Air Force Aircraft
The Gripen is the backbone of the SAAF’s combat capabilities, providing air superiority and strike roles. The Cheetah was the SAAF's primary multirole fighter during the late Cold War, designed by Atlas Aircraft Corporation (now Denel Aviation) to counter Soviet-built MiG-23s used by Angolan and Cuban forces during the Border War. Though primarily a trainer, the PC-7 can be fitted with light weaponry, such as bombs and machine guns, for counterinsurgency and light ground-attack missions. Entered service in 2024. The classic C-47 Dakota but upgraded with turboprop engines for extended range and performance. Used for coastal patrols and low-intensity operations. Equipped with a 20mm cannon, rockets, and anti-tank missiles. It is capable of night operations and has advanced avionics and targeting systems. Based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, but upgraded by Denel. Can carry up to 8 passengers, is highly maneuverable, and has a max speed of around 285 km/h. The South African Air Force operates various weapon systems across its fleet to support air defense, combat operations, and other military roles.
