This week in Midweek Updates
US cancels Exercise Shared Accord.
SANDF defends R34 million Cuban charter; admits airlift shortfall.
Airlink and Azorra finalise lease of 10 new Embraer E195-E2s.
Botswana getting two more C-130s from the US.
Bell signs first Subaru Bell 412EPX order in Africa.
Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest by Globalvia sign letter of intent for up to 50 eVTOL and TechCare Services.
Embraer and Portuguese Air Force celebrate major milestones with delivery of the third KC-390 and maiden flight of the A-29N.
This Week in History - 6 June 1944 - Thirty-seven RCAF bomber, fighter and coastal squadrons took part in operations for the invasion of Normandy.
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video- Just Aircraft Highlander Flight AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
US Cancels Exercise Shared Accord
There will be no Exercise Shared Accord this month, with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) informed by the United States (US) Embassy in South Africa this year's planned joint SA/US humanitarian exercise is off. www.defenceweb.co.za
According to a Diplomatic Note dated 1 August from the Embassy of the United States of America, it informed “the appropriate South African agencies that the US Department of Defence (DoD) has cancelled Exercise Shared Accord, scheduled August 11-22, 2025.”
“Unfortunately, the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans presented requirements deemed inconsistent with the agreements between our governments that DoD could not support.”
The exercise was set to happen in the Free State province from 11 to 22 August with the focus, as in past Shared Accords, on peace support, humanitarian relief and combat scenarios. The exercise also, in previous iterations, enhanced inter-operability, strengthened defence partnerships and built joint response capabilities.
The cancellation comes days after the US military command responsible for Africa was reported as “intensifying its outreach and partnerships across Southern Africa, with recent high-level visits and summits underscoring the strategic importance of the region”. This saw high-level visits to Angola and Botswana. This prompted defenceWeb correspondent Dean Wingrin to point out Southern Africa seemingly doesn't include President Cyril Ramaphosa's South Africa.
“The US is deepening its engagements with Southern Africa, all except South Africa. The current Washington agenda for South Africa is to do the complete opposite,” was his reaction to the cancellation.
Wingrin said the cancellation is an example of the SANDF, once again, shooting itself in the foot. “Given South Africa's political tilt eastward and the current political climate in Washington, I fear that this was the last opportunity to exercise with the US military for some time.”
“From what I understand, the DoDMV [Department of Defence and Military Veterans] would not agree to policies already outlined in the Status of Forces Agreement, and would not apply the SOFA correctly. This is yet another act of self-sabotage by the leadership of SANDF and the DoDMV,” said ProtectionWeb Editor Ricardo Teixeira.
“The exercise would have been a crucial opportunity for SANDF to exercise and learn from the US Army. Further, this could have been an opportunity to strengthen co-operation and bilateral relations. Instead, SANDF have cut their noses to spite the US,” Teixeira added.
Six months ago, Shared Accord 2025 was a go with its main planning conference taking place at 44 Parachute Regiment, Tempe, outside Bloemfontein. Exercise planners from the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) were joined by representatives from the US military's Southern European Task Force-Africa (SETAF-AF), the New York National Guard, the US Air Force (USAF) and the US Embassy in South Africa under co-chairs Brigadier General Rachel Rahlao, Director Force Preparation and Training at the Joint Operations Division, and New York National Guard Colonel Jeffrey Csoka.
Post the conference an SANDF corporate communications post said multiple strategic objectives were identified for Shared Accord 2025. Among them were improving interoperability between combined mission command nodes and enhancing joint planning and execution of activities; as well as strengthening joint inter-departmental, inter-agency and multinational co-operation. On the ground, South African and US military personnel were to conduct mass casualty scene management for animal related health crises, including chemical and biological preventative measures; enhance civil military co-operation (CIMIC); and implement educational programmes to build capacity and develop skills in the veterinary field.
The US National Guard has it there have been four Shared Accords going back to the first in 2011. Subsequent ones were in 2013, 2018 and 2022 in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
SANDF Defends R34 Million Cuban Charter; Admits Airlift Shortfall
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has defended the use of a chartered aircraft to transport personnel to Cuba at an alleged cost of R34 million, stating that a charter was the only feasible option as it has no strategic airlift capability.
The reaction by the SANDF came a day after the Democratic Alliance (DA) revealed that the Department of Defence spent R33 999 000 on a charter flight to transport over 200 SANDF personnel, including senior generals and students, to Havana, Cuba, for a graduation ceremony.
Chris Hattingh, DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans, on Wednesday said the charter “served no operational or strategic value to South Africa.” The trip was undertaken via Cobra Aviation with two legs between OR Tambo and Havana from 13-20 July 2025.
“The aircraft was specified to include a business class cabin with gourmet snacks, fine cutlery, plush pillows, and luxury catering. At least 25 business class seats were reserved for SANDF generals and command personnel,” the DA said. “The remainder of the manifest consisted of SANDF students, most of whom had already completed their training.”
In addition to SANDF members, the DA said there were also 19 Cubans returning to Havana on the outbound flight, “raising questions about whether the SANDF was used to subsidise bilateral logistics under the guise of a graduation event.”
Director Defence Corporate Communication, Rear Admiral (JG) Prince Tshabalala, hit back at the DA with a statement intended to “provide clarity on the purpose, context, and cost considerations related to this operation.”
The primary objective of the flight, the SANDF said, was to repatriate 212 South African military students who had successfully completed their medical and engineering studies in Cuba. These students were returning home on completion of their graduation and the conclusion of their academic commitments under the long-standing bilateral defence training agreement with the Cuban government.
“While the flight coincided with a graduation ceremony attended by SANDF officials, it is important to emphasise that the ceremony itself was not the purpose of the trip. The officials' presence formed part of formal military protocol, fulfilling representational and logistical responsibilities associated with the safe coordination and return of deployed personnel,” the SANDF statement said.
“The aircraft was procured via the RT61 transversal contract, in full compliance with National Treasury supply chain regulations. A chartered flight was deemed the most efficient method to return a large group over a long-haul route, given limitations in scheduling, availability, baggage volume, and risk mitigation associated with individual commercial bookings for over 200 personnel.”
The SANDF acknowledged that comparisons may be drawn with commercial ticket pricing. “However, the SANDF considered broader operational factors - including the need for group coordination, security management, medical equipment handling, and direct routing - in selecting a consolidated chartered service. These are not easily or affordably accommodated through fragmented commercial flights, especially where bulk travel involves military members under command.”
With regard to the return of Cuban nationals on the outbound leg, “this arrangement formed part of longstanding bilateral movement coordination. It was included for efficiency and did not increase the charter cost. The Department acknowledges sensitivities around such arrangements and is committed to reviewing procedures to ensure greater transparency and public confidence in future deployments,” Tshabalala's statement continued.
The SANDF clarified that it does not currently possess the strategic airlift capability to conduct long-range personnel movements of the scale required to reach Cuba. “In the absence of appropriate air assets, external charter remains the most viable logistical solution.”
The Democratic Alliance said it finds the charter expenditure “outrageous and unjustifiable,” especially at a time when SA Navy submarines are non-operational due to lack of maintenance; soldiers have had to rely on public donations for boots and uniforms; suppliers go unpaid for months, undermining defence readiness; and South Africa's strategic partnerships, including Exercise Shared Accord with the United States, “are collapsing due to lack of professionalism and capacity.”
Hattingh said South Africa is no longer dealing with isolated incidents. “This trip reflects a pattern of militarised luxury at the expense of public accountability. The DA will pursue an inquiry into the full cost, approval process, and impact of Project Kgala; the release of the audit trail, cost-benefit analysis, and flight report; an urgent review by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA); and Possible referral to the Public Protector on the grounds of wasteful expenditure and abuse of public funds.”
He concluded by stating that South Africans deserve a Defence Force that protects the nation, not one that wastes millions on ceremonial travel while real operational capabilities are collapsing.
The SANDF said it remains accountable to the people of South Africa and “welcomes robust engagement through the appropriate Parliamentary oversight mechanisms. We reiterate our commitment to managing public resources with diligence, while fulfilling our constitutional and international obligations.”
Airlink and Azorra Finalise Lease of 10 New Embraer E195-E2s
August 07, 2025: Airlink and Azorra have finalised a lease agreement that will see the Johannesburg-headquartered airline acquire 10 new Embraer E195-E2 twin-engine passenger aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for later this year.
This follows the previously announced selection of the E195-E2s by Airlink, South Africa's leading full-service airline.
Azorra, the Fort Lauderdale-based lease, finance and asset management firm will supply the newly-built aircraft which will augment Airlink's current 68-strong fleet.
Deliveries of the 10 E195-E2s from Embraer's facilities in Brazil, will begin later this year and be completed in 2027. Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001.
The new aircraft, which will seat up to 136 passengers in a two-by-two cabin layout, will provide Airlink with additional capacity to enhance its competitiveness on high-density routes and their additional range will create opportunities to open new routes to serve more destinations across sub-Sahara Africa.
Airlink will derive additional savings from the high degree of operating, maintenance, training and equipment commonality between its existing E-Jets and the new E2s, including similar flightdecks, operating procedures and handling. This will also ensure a streamlined entry into service.
Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, says: “It is an exciting and daunting moment for Airlink. Exciting because it heralds the next phase of Airlink's development and growth as the leading regional airline in Southern Africa and now possibly beyond. Daunting, as there is a lot to do in the weeks ahead before the first aircraft enters service, hopefully in December this year, but I have no doubt that the Airlink team will deliver, as they always do.”
John Evans, CEO at Azorra, says: "This is an exciting step forward in our partnership with Airlink. The addition of the E195-E2 to their fleet highlights our shared commitment to operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and increased capacity and service. We're proud to work alongside Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to bring next-generation aircraft to Airlink, supporting enhanced connectivity across Africa.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, says: “We are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Airlink as it takes this next step into the future with the E195-E2. This aircraft is the most efficient single-aisle jet in its class and perfectly suited to support Airlink's ambitious growth plans across Southern Africa. We look forward to seeing the E2 in Airlink's livery, delivering unmatched performance, comfort, and sustainability.”
Botswana Getting Two More C-130s from the US
Guy Martin www.dfenceweb.co.za
Botswana looks set to receive another two C-130H Hercules transport aircraft from the United States after Congress approved the proposed donation. The US Embassy in Botswana on 5 August said the United States government had formally notified Congress of the proposed donation of two additional C-130H Hercules, each valued at $12 million.
Pending aircraft inspections and negotiations on additional investments by both countries, the aircraft could eventually join the C-130H delivered in June 2024, which is already flying with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Air Wing.
The US Embassy said the proposed donation would further strengthen Botswana's strategic airlift capabilities for humanitarian response, peacekeeping, and regional security missions.
“These aircraft showcase the powerful partnership between the United States and Botswana and our shared commitment to advancing peace and security across Africa,” the Embassy concluded.
The C-130H that was donated last year is worth $30 million and was delivered under the United States Air Force Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft (OM4) arrived in Botswana on 24 May 2024 and was formally handed over at Sir Seretse Khama International airport in a ceremony on 27 June.
At the time of the handover, the United States said it would enhance Botswana's ability to support military, humanitarian, and emergency response missions locally and within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The Botswana Defence Force has operated C-130s for many years. It acquired three former US C-130B Hercules for Z10 Squadron from the North Carolina Air Guard through the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Programme. One (OM1) was subsequently placed in storage, leaving two (OM2 and OM3) in active service until the grounding of one in 2024.
Since 1997 the C-130B fleet has been the backbone of BDF air operations. It has been employed locally, regionally and internationally as one of Botswana's instruments of national power. C-130 missions over the years have included supporting the United Nations mission in Sudan, African Union missions, SADC Mission in Mozambique operations, security cooperation exercises such as SADC air power exercises, and special forces exercises with international forces.
The US and Botswana enjoy close defence ties, something further illustrated in June when US soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Group-Airborne and the BDF Special Forces Regiment (SFR) trained together during a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) at Thebephatshwa Air Base.
“JCETs strengthen BDF's operational expertise and capacity to quickly respond to crises. They sustain collective combat readiness, enhancing BDF SFR's ability to prevent, mitigate, and resolve armed conflict,” the US Embassy said. “JCET engagements with Botswana strengthen our partnership and mutual security interests, promoting regional security.”
Bell Signs First SUBARU Bell 412EPX Order in Africa
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company recently announced that it signed a purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPXs to the Tunisian Air Force, marking the first order for this Bell 412 variant in region. The aircraft will be used for multi-role military and security missions. The Tunisian military expands its rotary wing fleet of 39 Bell aircraft, including Bell UH-1s, 205s and OH-58s.
“The Bell 412 is one of the most trusted platforms globally, and we are honoured to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft,” said Tim Evans, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa, Bell. “The SUBARU Bell 412EPX has been gaining momentum as an international military platform, we're thrilled to bring it to the Middle East and Africa region with the Tunisian Air Force.”
The Bell 412 is globally recognized for its adaptability and reliability, enabling operators to undertake a broad range of missions. To date, more than 54% of the global Bell 412 fleet performs parapublic and military missions. This sale builds on recent entries of the Bell 412 to the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue, Croatia Ministry of Interior, Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior and more. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX boasts a maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs and cargo hook capacity of 5,000 lbs. The platform enables critical missions with a useful load of 5,385 lbs.
Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest by Globalvia Sign Letter of Intent for up to 50 Evtols and Techcare Services
Eve Air Mobility (“Eve”) (NYSE: EVEX; EVEXW) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aerosolutions, which is developing an innovative eVTOL operator called Aeros Electric Airlines, and Bluenest by Globalvia, Globalvia's Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure developer and vertiport operator, for the sale of up to 50 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and access to Eve's comprehensive TechCare services-an all-in-one portfolio of services designed to streamline eVTOL operations, maintenance, and customer support. The agreement marks a significant step toward developing a robust Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem in Costa Rica.
“Joining forces with Aerosolutions and Bluenest by Globalvia allows us to accelerate the introduction of safe, sustainable, and efficient air mobility in Costa Rica,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. “We're eager to see our eVTOL transform travel in regions like Guanacaste, easing congestion and bolstering the nation's leadership in ecotourism.”
The collaboration will focus initially on the Pacific region in northwest Costa Rica, connecting airports to premium resorts and eco-destinations via routes ranging from 20 to 50 kilometers. With tourism driving over three million foreign visitors annually, Costa Rica is the most visited nation in Central America. However, its extensive but often congested road network can lead to lengthy travel times. By introducing efficient, low-emission air taxi services, the initiative seeks to transform tourist and local mobility, reduce ground traffic congestion, and reinforce Costa Rica's reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism.
“This agreement marks a pivotal step in transforming regional air mobility for partners like Aerosolutions. By integrating our eVTOL aircraft and TechCare services into their operations, they can offer faster, more efficient, and more sustainable travel options, especially in areas where ground routes are congested or limited, ” said Megha Bhatia, chief commercial officer at Eve Air Mobility. “This partnership empowers Aerosolutions to dramatically cut travel times, streamline logistics, and enhance the overall passenger experience. It's not just a smarter way to travel, it's a bold leap into the future of connected, regional transportation.”
Bluenest, AAM business line of Globalvia, will play a key role in developing vertiport infrastructure to -enable safe, sustainable and efficient operations. As the leading operator of Costa Rica's highway (Ruta 27-Autopista del Sol), Globalvia's integrated approach is expected to facilitate seamless intermodal connections between air and ground transport, further enhancing the end-to-end traveler experience.
“This partnership with Eve Air Mobility and Bluenest by Globalvia is a significant leap forward for Costa Rica's commitment to sustainable tourism,” said Antonio Mota, CEO of Aerosolutions. “Aerosolutions is proud to lead the operational deployment of these eVTOLs, which will reduce travel times and congestion in key tourist regions like Guanacaste and reinforce the nation's reputation as a global leader in eco-friendly innovation.”
Aerosolutions will have access to Eve's TechCare suite as part of the agreement. The partners will also collaborate through dedicated workshops covering critical areas such as vertiport development, airspace integration, pilot training, and certification requirements and operational planning, laying the groundwork for successful AAM deployment in the region.
“Bluenest by Globalvia is committed to building the sustainable infrastructure of tomorrow, and our work in Costa Rica with Eve Air Mobility and Aerosolutions is a prime example to further progress in our collaboration with local entities started in March 2024 where real vertiport and air taxi tests in Guanacaste (Liberia airport and Reserva Conchal) took place. In addition, it reinforces our integration with Eve's UATM software (Vector) for booking Eve eVTOL operations at our vertiport, shown at Airspace World in Lisbon last May. By developing cutting-edge vertiports, we are enabling safe and efficient eVTOL operations, contributing to Costa Rica's green agenda, and laying the groundwork for a truly interconnected and eco-conscious future of travel,” said Bluenest managing director, Jose Ignacio Rodriguez.
Eve's eVTOL aircraft utilizes a lift+cruise configuration with eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly on cruise, with no moving parts in flight. The aircraft includes an electric pusher powered by dual electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy, ensuring the highest levels of performance and safety. The company is advancing the current stage of the eVTOL development, which involves a series of comprehensive tests with the prototype to evaluate every aspect of the aircraft's operation and performance, from flight capabilities to safety features.
Embraer and Portuguese Air Force Celebrate Major Milestones with Delivery of the Third KC-390 and Maiden Flight of the A-29N
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/ B3: EMBR3), a global leader in aerospace and defense, and the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) celebrated two major milestones today involving the KC-390 Millennium and A-29N Super Tucano programs: the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium aircraft to the FAP and the launch of the A-29N flight test campaign, which included a historic joint flight of both aircraft.
The third KC-390 is part of an agreement between Embraer and the Portuguese government that will ultimately result in six aircraft in operation, with an additional ten purchase options available for allied and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) nations. The first A-29N is part of a 2024 order for 12 aircraft, making Portugal the launch customer for the Super Tucano variant designed to meet NATO requirements.
“Seeing both programs progressing steadily and fast gives us a sense of achievement and great satisfaction that enables us to proceed with the vision of having a more modern, capable and interoperable Air Force. The delivery of the third KC-390 will increase our operational capability and simultaneously consolidate experience in the aircraft, in progress to reach Full Operational Capability and establish new frontiers in the usage of this platform. The launch of the A-29N flight test campaign shows that we are in a good path to obtain a distinctive platform, with a configuration idealized by Portuguese Air Force, that will prove its capability in advanced training and operational usage,” said Portuguese Air Force's Major-General João Nogueira, KC-390 Program Director.
“We are extremely proud to contribute meaningfully to enhancing the FAP's operational capabilities with both the KC-390 and the A-29N. This delivery and joint flight represent major milestones that reflect our commitment to supporting Portugal's defense with efficient and innovative solutions, always grounded in our strong, long-term partnership,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The KC-390 Millennium offers superior payload capacity (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, and it flies faster (470 knots) and farther. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport and airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can operate from temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refueling, both as a tanker and as a receiver.
This game-changing aircraft fully meets NATO standards and requirements. In addition to Portugal, several European and NATO allies - including Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania - have selected the KC-390 to modernize their air forces. In total, 11 countries have chosen this state-of-the-art aircraft, including Brazil and South Korea.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a versatile and proven aircraft offering exceptional operational flexibility. It can perform a wide array of missions, including close air support, air patrol, special operations, interdiction, JTAC, forward air control (FAC), tactical coordination (TAC), armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, escort, and training at all levels - from basic to advanced, including transition to air superiority fighters and JTAC/LIFT and FAC training.
The A-29N Super Tucano variant will feature advanced avionics, NATO-specific communication systems, and other undisclosed capabilities tailored to meet NATO's operational needs.
Recently, the global A-29 fleet surpassed 600,000 flight hours. With over 290 units ordered, the A-29 has already been selected by 22 air forces worldwide.
6 June 1944
Thirty-seven RCAF bomber, fighter and coastal squadrons took part in operations for the invasion of Normandy. The Allied invasion of France is spearheaded by paratrooper drops and assault glider landings. The Luftwaffe offers almost no resistance to the invasion.
Operation Overlord was the codename for the Battle of Normandy, the Allied operation that launched the successful liberation of German-occupied Western Europe during World War II. The operation was launched on 6 June 1944 (D-Day) with the Normandy landings (Operation Neptune). A 1,200-plane airborne assault preceded an amphibious assault involving more than 5,000 vessels. Nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel on 6 June, and more than two million Allied troops were in France by the end of August.
The decision to undertake cross-channel landings in 1944 was made at the Trident Conference in Washington in May 1943.
16,714 Allied airmen were killed (8,536 members of the USAAF, and 8,178 flying under the command of the RAF) and 2127 Allied aircraft were lost during the invasion.
Ghana, Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region: A Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter impacted a forested mountainside in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It was destroyed by fire. The three crew members and five passengers all died in the crash. Among the passengers were Ghana's ministers of defence and environment. They were traveling to Obuasi for an event to tackle illegal mining.
Kenya, Mwihoko, Githurai 45 area, Kiambu County: An AMREF Cessna 560XL Citation XLS crashed in a residential area in Mwihoko, Githurai 45 area, Kiambu County. Initial information suggests four occupants died in the crash, as well as two persons on the ground and the aircraft was destroyed. The flight took off from runway 14 at Wilson Airport (WIL/HKNW), Kenya at 14:12 LT (11:12 UTC). About five minutes later, the aircraft entered a high rate of descent and impacted terrain about 22 km northeast of the airport.
USA, near San Luis, CO: A Cirrus SR22 GTS G2, N412DJ, experienced a loss of engine power and a subsequent deployment of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) and landing near San Luis, Colorado. The three occupants were sent to hospital. The NTSB reported that the highest injury was serious. This is CAPS event number 162, and save number 137.
Just Aircraft Highlander Flight AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 834
