The European Union (UN) naval operation enforcing a United Nations (UN) arms embargo on Libya has been extended for a year. The renewal will see EUNavFor Operation Irini continue in the Mediterranean Sea “to conduct offshore inspections on vessels suspected of operating in breach of the UN arms embargo on Libya in accordance with UNSCR (UN Security Council Resolution) 1970 (2011)”. The confirmation is UNSCR 2684 (2023). “By patrolling the central Mediterranean, EUNavFor Irini ensures implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya. This EU flagship operation is crucial not only for peace and st ..read more

Rangers in South Africa’s premier game reserve – the Kruger National Park – are now better equipped to handle injuries while on anti-poaching duty. In future their essential equipment for bush patrols will include first aid equipment and specialist tactical casualty care training made possible by the Conservation Risk Initiative (CRI) and Noctuam Poaching Prevention Academy (Noctuam Training Academy) facilitated by Mdluli Safari Lodge, a private concession in Kruger’s Pretoriuskop section. Donated equipment included backpacks, boots, hydration bags, compasses, handcuffs and torches. All will a ..read more

French shipyard Piriou has handed over the first of three OPV 58S patrol vessels to Senegal’s Navy as part of a contract signed in November 2019. Construction of the first vessel, Walo, bean in October 2020 and it was launched in April 2022 before being handed over at Piriou’s shipyard in Concarneau on 2 June. The handover ceremony was attended by Senega’s defence minister Sidiki Kaba and Chief of Staff of the Senegalese Navy, Rear-Admiral Abdou Sene. The delivery of the Walo will be followed by the second vessel, Niani, later this year (Niani was launched in September 2022). The third vessel ..read more

Armoured vehicle specialist Integrated Convoy Protection (ICP) has launched two new products aimed at the rapidly growing commercial security vehicle market. Showcased for the first time at the Securex exhibition at Gallagher Estate this week, the new vehicles are the REVA Bulk carrier, and REVA Light Security Vehicle (LSV). The LSV is based on the Mahindra Pik Up and features an armoured cab while the Bulk carrier is based on a Tata chassis. REVA said its LSV is the most cost effective ballistic protected patrol vehicle on the market, costing around R800 000 for the base model. Available in 2 ..read more

Among a flurry of references to ambitions and planning processes, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise’s recent budget speech offers glimmers of hope about the ‘rescue [of] the SANDF’ – the South African National Defence Force. In his 2021 cabinet reshuffle, President Cyril Ramaphosa swapped Modise, then Speaker of Parliament, with Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, then defence minister. Mapisa-Nqakula had a poor track record in the post. She was appointed by then president Jacob Zuma in 2012 and served for nine hapless years, during which time the department’s budget, capacities and ..read more

Former Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Lieutenant General (ret) Zola Dabula, has passed away at the age of 66. The SANDF in a statement said Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise was shocked and saddened at his passing at his home on Sunday 4 June and sent her condolences to the bereaved family. Dabula had just been discharged from hospital in Pretoria when he passed away. On behalf of the SANDF, the Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Dr Ntshavheni Peter Maphaha expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dabula, as we ..read more