Media Statement: Defence Committees Commend Denel Aerospace for Operational Effectiveness and Stability

Parliament, Wednesday, 29 April 2026 - A joint delegation of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Wednesday commended Denel Aeronautics as a critical strategic partner to the South African Air Force (SAAF).

The joint delegation began a three-day oversight visit at Denel Aeronautics' Kempton Park campus.

Members raised concerns about the SAAF's limited aircraft availability and low flying hours. There were also concerns about the SAAF's reported expenditure of around R2.4 billion on chartered aircraft over the past five years. Members considered this a worrying indicator of operational gaps and reduced capacity. This trend, they argued, underscores the urgency of restoring Denel's capacity and credibility, as well as ensuring that the SAAF is appropriately structured and funded.

While Denel Aeronautics was commended for its recent turnaround, including the removal of maintenance backlogs and the posting of a R178 million profit, members raised concern about the financial instability of the broader Denel Group. Denel told the delegation that the wider Group continues to face severe liquidity constraints and remains dependent on government recapitalisation.

In addition, the Members noted with deep concern the delay in the procurement and delivery of spares for aircraft refurbishment, maintenance and overhaul, which, in turn, delays the completion of projects and their availability to the SAAF. Members said these delays point to serious coordination and governance weaknesses among the stakeholders concerned, including the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, Armscor and Denel.

The delegation warned that Denel's risks extended beyond finances. The continued loss of critical engineering skills, driven by uncompetitive salaries and international poaching, posed a serious threat to long-term sustainability. However, the delegation noted that Denel Aeronautics appeared to have mitigated this risk by attracting a significant number of engineers in recent years and has fulfilled all accreditation requirements for aircraft maintenance. Members also commended Denel Aeronautics for being the chosen service provider for various international aircraft manufacturers in Africa.

During a tour of the facilities, the delegation welcomed the recruitment of young engineers and artisans who were receiving their training as part of the National Skills Programme. Members applauded the entity for its commitment to youth and critical skills development but cautioned that without strong retention strategies, Denel Aerospace's talent pipeline could be weakened.

The co-Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mr Phiroane Phala, said that Denel has only recently been transferred to the defence portfolio, and both committees are aware of the challenges facing the entity. Despite this, Denel Aeronautics remains a critical part of the defence system, as its work directly affects the SANDF's operational readiness. The co-Chairperson also called for steps to ensure that revenue generated by Denel Aeronautics is retained in the entity and protected from broader liquidity challenges facing the Denel Group.

The delegation noted that without decisive intervention, Denel's sustainability and its ability to support national defence capabilities will remain at risk.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSONS OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, MR PHIROANE PHALA, DR MALUSI GIGABA, AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, MR DAKOTA LEGOETE.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons, please contact the committees' Media Officer:

Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
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