Cape Town - The South African National Defence Force has come under pressure again over its announced intention to drastically cut the flying hours of the R13,7bn Gripen and Hawk aircraft that are a key part of the strategic defence package.

MPs across all political parties last week asked defence secretary January Masilela how he would keep the air force properly skilled and operationally ready if it was intended to scale down flying hours over the next three years. Some wanted to know why the aircraft — Gripen fighters and Hawk trainers — were bought in the first place.

MPs in the defence committee turned to the issue after a presentation to the standing committee on public accounts 10 days ago when acquisitions chief Otto Schür said the aircraft would be used less, as there was no conventional threat to SA. Air force chief Carlo Gagiano has said that with underfunding and loss of skilled personnel, the planes will not be used at optimum levels.

Democratic Alliance MP Andries Botha told a defence delegation the cuts in flying hours were of extreme concern. “How can the air force be 100% capable and operational if you are cutting back on flying ?”

Masilela agreed “100%” with him on flying hours. In reprioritising budget items, this would be addressed urgently, he said.

With acknowledgement to Wyndham Hartley and Business Day.