SAAF jets aren’t in storage, says general

The fuel is only R11 a litre but it costs about R135 400 an hour to keep a Gripen fighter jet in the air. The Hawk trainer fighter jets are a bit cheaper, at about R82 900 per flying hour.

This was divulged by General John Bayne at the Arms Procurement Commission on Tuesday. Bayne is the director of combat systems for the South African Air Force, responsible for the Gripen and Hawk systems.

Bayne said the “dry costs” (without fuel) for a Gripen were R104 600 per flying hour and fuel cost R30 800, giving a total “wet cost” of R135 400. Hawks fly at a dry cost of R67 500, with fuel costs of R15 400 and a total cost of R82 900.

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