Sign in

Dean Wingrin

@deanwingrin.bsky.social
415 followers 14 following 1.2K posts

Aviation and defense journalist, author, photographer, defenceWeb correspondent and general raconteur.

PostsRepliesMedia
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Pre-order Strap In and Fly: Exploring South African Air Force Aircrew Flight Gear since WWII now! Order before launch day and save R100 per copy. Pre-launch pricing closes on 7 November 2026, after which all formats revert to full price. www.bobshop.co.za/pre-order-st...
001
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Potentially good news for SAAF Oryx/Rooivalk availability: Airbus Helicopters and Denel Aerospace have signed a MoU to form a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation in support of the SAAF’s helicopter fleet. I suspect funding will remain an issue.
012
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
@aadexpo Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition runs from Wed to Fri at AFB Waterkloof (Pretoria) this week, followed by a two-day airshow. Smaller than previous years, there is still significant international participation on the exhibit side.
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
For those that missed the low Airlink flight over the rugby yesterday.
020
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
@Fly_Airlink does it again! ERJ-190 ZS-YAE in green and ERJ-195 ZS-YDE in Black go to minimum over Cape Town Stadium ahead of the second rugby test between the Springboks and the All Blacks. 📸 Credit to Sebastian Horrell. 📹 Credit to unknown.
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
SAAF Gripen overflying Naval Base Simon’s Town today. 2 Squadron has deployed to AFB Overberg in the Cape and is participating in the SA Navy's Exercise Red Lion. 📷 Byron Lombard
021
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
020
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
@Fly_Airlink ERJ-190 ZS-YAE in green (LNK 001) and ERJ-195 ZS-YDE in Black (LNK 002) overflow Ellis Park ahead of the first rugby test between the Springboks and the All Blacks. 📸 Credit to the respective photographers.
120
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
15 Squadron SAAF and the Police Air Wing treating visitors to the Durban beachfront this morning. Denel Oryx, Agusta A109LUH and Airbus H125. 🚁🌊🌞
010
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
The SAAF will conduct its annual force prep exercise Eagle Dawn II in October. This is noteworthy as the SAAF has been grappling with chronic underfunding, leaving it with too few serviceable aircraft to train adequately and maintain combat readiness. defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/ae...
defenceweb.co.za
The exercise injecting life into the SAAF - DefenceWeb
The South African Air Force (SAAF) will conduct its annual force preparation exercise, Exercise Eagle Dawn II, in the Northern Cape during October. The
010
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Ah yes, let's exempt one of the most corrupt SOEs in South Africa from the very legislation that aims to prevent fraud and corruption. Electricity Minister will ask for Eskom to be exempt from Public Finance Management Act rules newsday.co.za/business/254...
newsday.co.za
Electricity Minister will ask for Eskom to be exempt from Public Finance Management Act rules
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said he will ask the National Treasury to exempt Eskom from the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) rules.
020
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
One of the SAAF Museum’s Bosboks had a landing incident at AFMDW (Swartkop) this morning, possibly as a result of a ground loop. Reported as no injuries, just bruised pride.
010
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
SAAF C-130BZ Hercules of 28 Squadron departing AFB Langebaanweg on a beautiful Cape winters day today.
010
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Just wonder if this is the best application of the limited fuel budget, airframe hours and crew currency and availability?
020
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Rooivalk of 16 Squadron, SAAF, seen over Thaba Tshwane this morning, having flown from Bloemfontein to appear as a static display at the Golf Day hosted by Directorate Army Acquisition, Defence Materiél Division.
100
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
The Avro Shackleton MR Mk3 was powered by four Rolls-Royce Griffon 57A V-12 piston engines, each producing 2,455 horsepower. The SAAF Museum at AFB Ysterplaat has a cutaway model that was recently restored, showing every piston, valve and cog working in perfect harmony. Powered by an electric drill!
0184
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Strap In and Fly: Exploring South African Air Force Aircrew Flight Gear since WWII by Dean Wingrin. The evolution of SAAF aircrew flight gear from post-WWII leather helmets to modern integrated systems. With a limited print run, join the waiting list, email jandre@g5j.co.za
010
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
SA Navy submarine SAS MANTHATISI (S101) departing Naval Base Simon's Town this morning, for the first since 2023. So good to see her at sea again, where she belongs. BZ to the Navy, the Dockyard and others who worked so hard to make this happen.
021
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I was quoted by the @TheCitizen_News, stating that the recent tragedy whereby two SANDF soldiers died after falling into a mine shaft whilst pursuing illegal miners reflects hazardous conditions, not poor SANDF training standards. www.citizen.co.za/news/sandf-t...
citizen.co.za
Deaths of two soldiers in mine shaft spark debate over SANDF training standards | The Citizen
Two SANDF members fell into a shaft while two others were swept away at Lebombo Border Post, sparking debate over readiness.
011
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Seven years after approval was first granted for the retired legendary racing yacht Voortrekker to be added to the South African Naval Museum collection, it has finally been relocated to its new home in Simon's Town. SA Navy-owned Voortrekker was relocated on Fri 17 July 2026. BZ
011
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
BREAKING: Two #SANDF members were killed early this morning when they fell into an abandoned vertical mine shaft during Op Prosper at the unused CRD Mine in West Johannesburg whilst pursuing suspected illegal miners into a tunnel.😢
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
* Commodore (now known as a Rear Admiral (Junior Grade))
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Cdr Dieter Gerhardt (ret) died on 8 July 2026, at the age of 91. Serving in the SA Navy, he spied obo the Soviet Union’s intelligence agency (GRU) from 1962 to 1983. Arrested in New York in Jan 1983 by the FBI. In SA, he was sentenced to life, but was released in Aug 1992.
111
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The SANDF has notified some of its members that a third- party data breach occurred, affecting about 10,000 members. The data breach affects members' surnames, ID numbers, and contact numbers via a service provider's system. It notes that Sanlam's system was not breached.
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
SANDU says its court application seeks judicial oversight of the lawfulness of the cont quarantine and an order ensuring members are treated in accordance with the law, with due regard for their constitutional rights and dignity. Court papers are due to be filed tomorrow. /4
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
According to SANDU, complaints include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient ablution facilities, unreliable electricity, damaged equipment, and concerns over the quality, quantity and timely provision of food for quarantined soldiers. /3
100
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The SA National Defence Force Union has now instructed its legal team to bring an urgent High Court application, saying it received no response after raising concerns with the Dep of Defence over both the legal basis for the cont quarantine and the conditions at the facility. /2
100
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
2 July '26 saw the final withdrawal of MONUSCO mission SANDF personnel from the DRC. Upon return to South Africa, they were immediately confined to a mandatory 21-day Ebola quarantine at De Brug in what several complaints described as substandard conditions. /1
100
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Tonights sunset at AFB Makhado. 📷 Jaco Blom
021
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Beautiful sky at Air Force Base Langebaanweg, Western Cape, this morning. 🤩
030
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
SANDF Ops Amphibian, Mistral, Sunray and Teutonic in the DRC supported peacekeeping operations from 1999 to 2026 on behalf of the United Nations and European Union. 34 SANDF soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice, a further 22 soldiers were killed under Op Thiba (SADC SAMIDRC). 🫡
011
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
After 28 years, South Africa's contribution to peacekeeping (and enforcement) in the eastern DRC has come to an end. Today marks the final withdrawal of SANDF troops deployed to the UN MONUSCO mission under Op Mistral. Some equipment is temp stored in Tanzania and Uganda prior to return to SA.
231
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
President of Botswana, Duma Boko, arriving in Cape Town, South Africa, for the 9th Summit of Heads of State or Government of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
A professional organisation must produce professional material. Not lazy sloppiness. If obvious misrepresentations are put out in the public domain, what other sloppiness and inaccuracies are taking place behind closed doors?
021
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I really dislike the sudden deluge of AI-generated posters. They just have no soul, no individuality. Everything starts to look the same after a while. Events deserve artwork that reflects the people, passion, and effort behind them, not just another prompt template.
240
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
"Strap In and Fly: Exploring South African Air Force Aircrew Flight Gear since WWII" by Dean Wingrin takes a deep dive into the world of the SAAF's aircrew equipment. Due to launch in late September/early October 2026, register your interest now! forms.gle/y8D1hMZYg3fP...
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The SA President has notified Parliament that he has extended the deployment of 25 SANDF members under Op THIBA (terminated SAMIDRC mission), to ensure withdrawal of the remaining personnel & equipment/armament from Tanzania to South Africa, to 30 June 2026. The cost is expected to be R37,744,815.
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The SA President has notified Parliament that he has extended the SANDF deployment to counter the threat of piracy and other related illegal maritime activities under Operation COPPER (Moz Channel) from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. The cost is expected to be R33,992,978.
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Excellent article by @kobusda. Pretending that the SANDF can continue to carry its constitutional mandate on a shrinking budget,while capability further erodes, is not sensible. South Africa cannot defend a constitutional mandate with an unfunded military. dailyfriend.co.za/2026/06/15/s...
dailyfriend.co.za
South Africa cannot defend a constitutional mandate with an unfunded military - Daily Friend
South Africa has reached a point where the public conversation about defence must become honest and more transparent.
000
Reposted by Dean Wingrin
Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 12/06/2026
Until those responsible see real personal and professional consequences for things like this, within reasonable timeframes, nothing will change. It doesn’t inspire confidence when the committee responsible for oversight seemingly doesn’t realise that the DOD and DMV are different departments.
033
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Over a decade and R1bn later, the SANDF and Dep of Public Works are no closer to completing the rehabilitation of 1 Military Hospital in Tshwane! After wasting so much scarce funds, they now want to start over with a new hospital!!! Such is the quality of our defence leadership.
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
The South African Navy will host the World Hydrography Dey 2026 celebrations in Durban from 17 to 21 June 2026. SA Navy vessels will be open for visits at N-Shed, Port of Durban on Saturday 20th June (10h00 to 16h00) and Sunday 21 June (10h00 to 14h00).
000
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
The proposed Task Team is a welcome development, but we need to see real action being taken to address these systemic problems. It's time for the Defence Department & SANDF to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and integrity. /5
010
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
The Task Team's findings will inform decisions for Parliament, the Auditor-General, and relevant law enforcement agencies to address systemic weaknesses within the Department. This process aims to strengthen accountability mechanisms & ensure transparency. /4
110
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Key objectives of the proposed Task Team include identifying root causes of recurring audit findings, examining structural underfunding & delayed funding releases, and determining whether governance failures or systemic constraints contribute to these issues. /3
100
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
The Deputy Minister has written to Parliament proposing an Independent Task Team. The proposed Task Team aims to operate independently, without interference, to investigate systemic weaknesses and provide a comprehensive report to Parliament. /2
100
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Dep Minister of Defence, Bantu Holomisa, has called for the creation of an Independent Defence Task Team to review governance within the Dept & to address recurring audit findings, accountability challenges, governance failures, non-compliance & procurement irregularities. /1
AI generated image
122
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
No amount of condonation after the fact can take away from the fact that the Auditor-General has found that Project Thusano was more expensive than contracting local suppliers. I highly doubt Project Kgala will be any different. It is enriching Cuba at the expense of South African jobs.
010
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Attended the annual Memorial Service at AFB Ysterplaat this am. Prior to wreath laying, the Airforce flag is lowered, Last Post is played as the National Flag is lowered to half most.Following 2 minute silence, National Flag is hoisted to Reveille. Airforce flag is then hoisted.
051
Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
SANDF is cash-strapped Military analyst, Dean Wingrin speaks to Joanne Joseph on #TheDailyDiscourse on South Africa’s military and the consequences of years of defunding, leading to loss of capabilities. omny.fm/shows/thedai...
omny.fm
SANDF is cash-strapped - The Daily Discourse
South Africa’s military is reportedly cash-strapped. Reports say the South African National Defence Force has had to ground most of its Oryx helicopters except for one, because the fleet is old and th...
012