Newly appointed Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF) General Carlo Gagiano faces two key challenges: a major re-equipment programme and the pressing need to accelerate and essentially complete the transformation of the air force. The re-equipment programme will see four new aircraft types enter service by 2010: the Gripen multirole fighter, the Hawk lead-in trainer, and the A 109 and Lynx maritime helicopters. This is in addition to the much-delayed Rooivalk attack helicopter. The SAAF is also to begin upgrading its Oryx helicopter fleet.
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