Almost half of SA’s Gripens ‘in storage’

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has conceded that almost half of the air force’s state-of-the-art Gripen jet fighters have been placed in long-term storage.

Twenty-six Gripen fighters were purchased as part of the controversial arms deal at a cost of more than R10bn, but there has long been speculation that some or all of them would have to be mothballed due to lack of funds to keep them flying operationally.

The fighters, as well as Hawk trainers, played a critical role in securing South Africa’s air space during the 2010 soccer World Cup.

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