Five South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Oryx helicopters are at risk of being abandoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) indefinitely due to severe funding shortages, leaving two of the aircraft in need of critical engine replacements.
The helicopters, essential for troop transport, disaster relief, and peacekeeping missions, remain grounded in the DRC as the SANDF struggles with budget constraints that have severely impacted maintenance and operational readiness. Defense analyst Dean Wingrin warned that the situation highlights the broader crisis facing South Africa’s military capabilities.
Operational Impact
The Oryx helicopters are a cornerstone of the SANDF’s air mobility, used not only in UN peacekeeping missions but also in domestic emergencies such as flood relief in the Eastern Cape and search-and-rescue operations. Wingrin noted that the air force is already stretched thin, with more operational Oryx helicopters currently deployed outside South Africa than within the country.
“The defense force just doesn’t have enough helicopters to service what it needs to do, both within South Africa and abroad,” Wingrin said. “This directly affects response times during crises.”
Why the Helicopters Are Stuck
Three of the helicopters were part of the UN’s MONUSCO mission in the DRC, while two others were supporting the now-terminated Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission. One helicopter was damaged by ground fire in February 2023 and remains in Goma, currently under rebel control. The others are stranded in Lubumbashi after mechanical failures, with no funds available for repairs.
Wingrin explained that while the SANDF intends to retrieve the aircraft, financial and logistical hurdles have left them in limbo. “The defense force is unable to attend to the engine replacements due to budget shortages,” he said.
Broader Defense Budget Crisis
The stranded helicopters underscore a deeper funding crisis within the SANDF. Last month, Navy Chief Admiral Monde Lobese publicly criticized National Treasury for underfunding the military, stating that it compromises national security. However, Wingrin argued that the issue stems from broader governmental budget priorities rather than Treasury alone.
“The defense budget has fallen off a cliff,” Wingrin said. “You can’t just throw money at the problem now—it needs careful, targeted investment to recover.”
Security Risks
Concerns have also been raised about the potential theft of sensitive technology from the abandoned helicopters. While Wingrin did not confirm specific risks, he acknowledged that prolonged exposure in a conflict zone could pose security threats.
Ongoing Withdrawal Challenges
Despite assurances that SANDF equipment would be repatriated via Tanzania, delays persist. Some troops remain in northern Tanzania to safeguard undelivered assets, while others are stationed in southern DRC to facilitate the withdrawal.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the fate of the Oryx helicopters—and the SANDF’s operational capacity—remains uncertain. As Wingrin concluded, “The consequences of defunding the military are becoming clearer every day, both for international missions and the safety of South African citizens.”