South African Special Forces demonstrate new Wahoo boat capabilities at AAD 2024.

At the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, the South African Special Forces unveiled their latest high-performance combat vessel, the Wahoo.
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The South African Special Forces' Wahoo boat. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The Wahoo measures 13.24 meters in length, 3.59 meters in width, and stands 2.78 meters tall. It has an operational weight of 10,780 kg and is powered by two Yanmar 6LY2ASTP inboard diesel engines, each delivering 440 HP. With a maximum speed of 50 knots and a range of 600 nautical miles, the Wahoo is optimized for rapid deployment and extended missions. Its fuel capacity, spread across a main tank of 1,850 liters and an auxiliary tank of 850 liters, supports long-range operations.

The boat is equipped with advanced navigation and radar systems, including a magnetic compass and GPS, ensuring precise control in various environments. Armament is a key feature, with the Wahoo capable of carrying a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, 7.62mm MAG, PKM and RPD machine guns, a 40mm RPG-7, and a 60mm mortar, providing substantial firepower for a range of tactical scenarios.

The vessel’s payload capacity includes up to 12 fully equipped personnel and an additional 1,700 kg of cargo, making it suitable for troop transport, reconnaissance, and strike missions. It can operate independently or in pairs and is compatible with South African Air Force C-130 transport aircraft and South African Navy combat and support vessels for rapid deployment.

South African Special Forces

The South African Special Forces, an elite unit under the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), face several naval needs to maintain their operational effectiveness in maritime environments.

One of the primary gaps is the need for improved maritime patrol capabilities, especially after the South African Air Force (SAAF) retired its fleet of C-47TP Dakota aircraft, which had provided critical maritime surveillance. This loss has weakened the nation’s ability to monitor its waters effectively, which is essential for both the Special Forces and the Navy. There is an urgent requirement for new surveillance aircraft or drones to fill this capability gap, enhancing the Special Forces' ability to gather intelligence and conduct maritime operations.

The Special Forces require specialized boats capable of operating in diverse marine environments, from shallow coastal areas to open ocean. High-speed, stealth-capable boats are essential for conducting amphibious operations, reconnaissance, and direct action missions. The acquisition of more versatile platforms, such as rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and specialized diving equipment, would greatly enhance their maritime strike and rescue capabilities.