35070 SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY

South Africa's current armed forces were formed in 1994, shortly after the end of apartheid in the country, and their full name is South African National Defense Forces (South African National Defense Forces). South African National Defense Force - SANDF for short). One of the most important components of the SANDF are the land forces, i.e. the South African Army which at present number about 40,000 soldiers on active duty and about 12,500 reservists. The commander-in-chief is currently General Lindile Yam, who reports to the civilian minister of defense and veterans. The main striking force of the army is the Panzer Corps, made up of battalions - tanks and mechanized infantry. The basic armament of this Corps are Olifant tanks (of various versions) and Rooikat armored vehicles - both types of vehicles are of domestic production. To this should be added the paratroopers regiment (44 Parachute Regiment) and many independent units, most often in the strength of infantry, artillery, air defense or sappers battalions. It is worth adding that the basic weapon of the South African infantry is the Vektor R4 or R5 assault rifle caliber 5.56 mm of domestic production. On the other hand, the role of a light machine gun is most often played by the Vektor SS-77 cal. 7.62 mm - also of domestic production.