Russian TU-160 Blackjack strategic bombers will pay a visit to South Africa, the supersonic bombers are expected to arrive at Waterkloof Air Base today.
It all started with an invitation issued by the Department of Defense of the Republic of South Africa, in the invitation that can be seen below it can be seen that the South African military will even receive the visit of other Russian military aircraft such as the Antonov An-124 Ruslan and Il-62.
Notice to aircraft spotters in South Africa: You're going to get the rare chance to see two Tu-160s, an Il-62, and an An-124 arriving in Tshwane, as part of an historic visit by the Russian Air Force to the South African Air Force. Interesting diplomatic move by Russia too. pic.twitter.com/ZJsBqYenKN
— Darren Olivier (@darren_olivier) October 21, 2019
But the most illustrious visitors will be the two TU-160 bombers. JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighters will escort the TU-160s.
“AFB Waterkloof could perhaps be considered the main base of the SAAF, housing four flying squadrons and a number of units such as the t Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Center. It is also the host air base for almost all diplomatic engagements as it is located in the suburb of Centurion in Tshwane Township, capital city, a short distance from Pretoria”, said Darren Olivier.
“There are no fighter planes stationed at Waterkloof. The SAAF's Gripen C/Ds and Hawk Mk120 are all at AFB Makhado in the north of the country. The Gripen and Hawk escort mentioned in the press release will likely take off from Makhado to intercept the incoming aircraft in order to accompany it to Waterkloof. For spotters, it's not the easiest air base, with high walls and not many good high points nearby. If the aircraft enters runway 01, there will be decent spots on Theron Street, south of the base, which are underneath the landing path. ”
Blackjacks are active at full speed, an example of this are the interceptions that happen involving these bombers. as well as the aircraft modernization process which is already happening and some units have already been delivered.
