Ageing BDF Aircraft Gives Up :: Mmegi Online

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) aircraft that crashed immediately after take-off at Mapharangwane, also known as Thebephatshwa Airbase, was one of the ageing BDF fleet probably earmarked for replacement. The Spain made aircraft, CASA 212-300, was one of the only two transport aircraft delivered back in 1993.

The latest air crash is perhaps a reminder of the ticking time bomb represented by the BDF’s ageing fleet, especially in the Airforce wing where most aircraft appear in dire need for replacement in a country where competing interests have been openly hostile to the army’s move to replace the ageing hardware.

The BDF comes across as one army that is still grappling with ageing fleet as it is reported to be still using nine other 24-year-old USA made anti-poaching aeroplanes, known as the Cessna 337 O-2 A SuperSkymaster.

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