The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has moved into the final operational phase of Exercise Vuk’uhlome 2025 at the Combat Training Centre (CTC) in Lohathla, Northern Cape. Unlike previous iterations that simulated division-level manoeuvres, this year’s premier force preparation exercise is strictly a brigade-level event, involving integrated elements from across the SA Army’s nine formations.
Running from early September through late November, the exercise tests the Army’s ability to synchronise armour, mechanised infantry, artillery, and air support in a high-intensity combat scenario. The shift to a brigade-level scope reflects the current operational reality of the SANDF, focusing on the deployable unit sizes most likely to be utilised in regional peacekeeping or conventional deterrence roles.
The 2025 iteration, designated Vuk’uhlome IV, utilises the vast 158,000-hectare Lohathla training area to simulate a “hot war” environment against a fictional destabiliser force. While specific troop numbers remain classified for operational security, standard SA Army brigade doctrine typically involves 4,000 to 8,000 personnel. This structure generally comprises three infantry battalions supported by regiment-sized elements of armour, artillery, and engineers, alongside combat service support (maintenance, medical, and signals).
The exercise design integrates the full spectrum of landward warfare. Reports from the ground indicate a heavy emphasis on combined arms manoeuvring. Captain Jacques de Vries, a Reserve Force officer attached to the exercise, described a twilight assault conducted on November 17 involving Rooikat armoured reconnaissance cars and Ratel infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
Following preparatory bombardment by G5 155mm howitzers—renowned for their long-range accuracy—Olifant main battle tanks advanced to engage targets. The integration of the G5 and the Olifant underscores the Army’s intent to maintain conventional competencies despite budget constraints that often favour lighter, peacekeeping-focused training.
Air-Land Integration
A critical component of Vuk’uhlome 2025 is the interoperability between ground forces and the South African Air Force (SAAF). The exercise saw the deployment of JAS 39 Gripen fighters from 2 Squadron and Hawk Mk 120 lead-in fighter trainers from 85 Combat Flying School. These assets executed sorties over the CTC, operating from a forward deployment, effectively testing the logistical tether between air bases and the tactical edge.
Logistical air support played a central role in the scenario. A C-130BZ Hercules (Tail number 401) from 28 Squadron conducted multiple airdrops to resupply ground units. On November 16 and 17, the aircraft flew nearly two hours from Air Force Base Bloemspruit to the drop zone. Lieutenant Colonel Ronnie Mashau, the SAAF combat planner for the exercise, noted that the crew delivered eight containers weighing 4.5 tons on the first day and 16 containers weighing 9 tons on the second, dropping from 5,500 feet above mean sea level.
This capability is vital for the SANDF, which often operates in infrastructure-poor environments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique. The ability to sustain a brigade without road access remains a key performance indicator for the force.
Tactical Drills and Asymmetric Scenarios
While conventional warfare remains the core focus, Vuk’uhlome 2025 addresses the hybrid nature of modern conflict. On November 18, the exercise shifted to motorised infantry drills utilising Casspir mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles. These units practised assaults supported by a layered mortar screen, utilising M3 81mm systems for platoon-level suppression and M5 120mm mortars for brigade-level shaping fires.
Crucially, the exercise included crowd control scenarios—a nod to the internal stability and peacekeeping mandates frequently tasked to the SANDF. The “Light Modern Brigade” conducted integrated training with the South African Police Service (SAPS), incorporating mounted units, K9 teams, and motorcycles. This civil-military cooperation is essential for operations where rules of engagement (ROE) can shift rapidly from combat to constabulary duties.
The SA Army Engineer Corps also demonstrated mobility support, deploying bridging equipment to allow Casspirs and logistics vehicles to cross operational obstacles under simulated enemy fire.
Smaller, more agile formations
The exercise concludes later this month with a Distinguished Visitors’ Day, expected to be attended by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga and observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The downscaling from a divisional to a brigade focus is pragmatic. Most modern armies, including Russia and the United States, have experimented with smaller, more agile formations (such as Battalion Tactical Groups or Brigade Combat Teams). For South Africa, the brigade represents the largest sustainable independent manoeuvre unit. By focusing on this level, the SA Army is validating its “prime mission equipment” and command and control (C2) structures in a realistic environment.
