Arrangements are believed to exist under which Rhodesian pilots receive training in South Africa on aircraft such as Mirages and Impala fighters, under the auspices of the SA Air Force. According to a recent report in the British press, Rhodesian pilots are permitted by South Africa to use the Waterkloof military airfield near Pretoria, from where they have flown Mirages. South African and Rhodesian jet bombers were reported in November 1979 to have taken part in joint exercises spread over 11 days in South Africa. While the jet fighters practiced "blanket bombing" techniques, South African ground forces attacked "distant ground targets" comprising simulated refugee camps, towns and villages. On 14 December, ZANU (Patriotic Front) reported that SA troops were missing along the Limpopo river in preparation for attacks into Rhodesia and South Africa which would be disguised as manoeuvres and training exercises.
Issue 26 · article
Training Facilities
Report on South African training facilities for Rhodesian forces.
