AFB Ysterplaat

Air Force Base Ysterplaat is an airbase of the South African Air Force. It is located near Cape Town, on the south-western coast of South Africa.

The base motto is Fortiter In Re (Resolute in Deed)

Units Hosted

• 22 Squadron - Helicopter squadron
• 35 Squadron - Transport/Maritime patrol squadron
• 110 Squadron - Light transport (reserve)
• 505 Squadron - Security services
• 2 Air Support Unit - Maintenance support
• SAAF Museum - Historical (detached from HQ at AFB Swartkop)

History

This small base was opened sometime in the 1920s, and has long been the centre of the SAAF's maritime patrol activities along the Cape coast. Due to increased budgetary restrictions, the base was scheduled to be downgraded to an Air Force Station (AFS Ysterplaat) on 1 April 2003, but as of August 2004 this has not yet happened. The SAAF is considering converting the base into a civilian airport, with a military presence, but no decisions have been taken as yet.