The South African Air Force (SAAF) will acquire one or more new “VVIP” aircraft during the current financial year. This was announced by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in her departmental Budget Vote speech on Thursday.

“In November 2011, Cabinet approved the acquisition of VVIP aircraft,” she said. “We have since consulted with National Treasury and funding has now been approved for the acquisition of this capability in this financial year.”

The Minister gave no indication of the number or size of the aeroplanes to be bought, nor whether they would fulfill more than one role. Nor was there any indication of whether there would be a competitive acquisition process or if a selection had already been made.

Statements and reports dating from 2011 suggest that two aircraft will be obtained. In the middle of last year, media reports stated that the SAAF would receive a Boeing 777 widebody airliner fitted as a VVIP aircraft, for use on intercontinental missions, and a Bombardier Global Express 6000 large and long-range business jet. Both of these would have been dedicated VVIP aircraft.

The SAAF’s current VIP fleet, operated by 21 Squadron at Air Force Base Waterkloof, is composed of one Boeing BBJ (a VIP version of the 737 airliner), two Dassault Falcon 900Bs, two Dassault Falcon 50s and two Cessna Citations. Media reports last year stated that the BBJ would be kept in service after the delivery of the new aircraft.

The Minister reported that the defence budget for the 2013/2014 financial year was R40.243-billion. This represents 3.8% of total government expenditure and 1.1% of the country’s gross domestic product.