South African Air Force Application Form for 2026
Are you ready to take your career to new heights? The South African Air Force (SAAF) Application Form for 2026 is now available for aspiring candidates who dream of serving their country in the skies. Whether you’re passionate about aviation, engineering, or military service, the SAAF offers exciting opportunities in various fields, including pilots, technicians, air traffic controllers, and more.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about applying for the SAAF 2026 intake, including:
Eligibility Requirements
Application Process
Important Dates & Deadlines
Training & Career Opportunities
Join the elite ranks of the South African Air Force and become part of a prestigious military force dedicated to protecting South Africa’s airspace. Keep reading to find out how you can successfully apply for the SAAF 2026 recruitment program!
Other Uniform Recruitment you might be interested to apply
South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) Application Form
South African Navy Application Form
Background of South African Air Force
The South African Air Force, through its Military Skills Development System (MSDS), is offering young South African citizens an opportunity to serve in uniform on a two-year contract. The Recruits will receive military training and further functional training in their first year of service. During the second year of service they will be deployed where needed and given opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop their skills.
Requirements for South African Air Force Application
General Requirements:
- · RSA Citizen (No dual citizenship).
- · 18 – 22 years of age (Gr 12) Mathematics, Physical Science and English (Level 4).
- · 18 – 26 (3 years Tertiary Qualification or N6) when reporting.
- · Have no criminal record or pending cases.
- · Comply with medical fitness requirements for the appointment.
- · No Visible tattoos (Legs, lower arm, neck and face)
PILOT / NAVIGATOR requirements:
- · Admission Point Score (APS) of 24 and above, excl Life Orientation.
- · Members with Commercial Pilots License (CPL) not older than 24 years when reporting, completed Gr 12 with Mathematics, Physical Science and English minimum (Level 4).
- · No Hearing Impairment (No hearing aid).
- · Have 6/6 eye vision (No contact lenses or corrective lenses or surgery).
Required measurements:
- Minimum Height – 160 cm, Maximum Height – 190 cm
- Minimum Weight – 53 kg, Maximum Weight – 102 kg
Engineer Requirements:
- Admission Point Score (APS) of 35, excl Life Orientation (LO).
Select one of the following:
- Industrial Engineering
- Electronic / Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Mechatronics.
Technical Trade Requirements:
Admission Point Score (APS) of 20, Mathematics and Physical Science (Level 3+) excl Life Orientation (LO).
Select one of the following in apprenticeship:
- Electrical Trade
- Electronic Trade
- Mechanical Trade
- Civil Construction Trade
Tertiary Qualifications Application covers
- N6 3 Year
- Diploma
- Degree
Attach Proof of residence and/ or letter from Village Chief, your CV and Copies of: ID, Matric Certificate (only statement of results for 2024 will be accepted) and Tertiary Qualifications
Other Requirements
Applicants will be subjected to drug testing, Psychometric and medical evaluation, verification of Criminal record, prescreening and verification of Qualifications.
Closing Date for South African Air Force Application Form for 2026
MSDS APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 28 March 2025 THIS APPLICATION FORM IS NOT FOR SALE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT
Click here to download South African Air Force Application Form for 2026 PDF
Note: Hand deliver your application to the nearest recruitment centre or via post at SA Air Force Recruitment postal address: SA Air Force Base Swartkop (West), Recruitment Section Private Bag X05, Valhalla, Pretoria, 0001,
If you have not been contacted by 31 December 2025, kindly consider your application to be unsuccessful.
Related Enquiries: Tel: 012 351 4126/4173/4157
Website: www.af.mil.za