ZS-RPL was one of the first AS-350B3's introduced to the South African Police in 2002, gradually replacing the MBB BO-105's. The Ecureuil / A-Star fleet grew to 15 aircraft since, with at least one having suffered an accident. The force also operates a few fixed wing aircraft, among them eight Pilatus PC-6 and one PC-12.

In December 1996, the South African Air Force sold two Atlas MB326 Mk I and four MB326 Mk II aircraft to Cameroon. This Mk II is former SAAF serial 1079 and was presented fresh from overhaul at the AAD2002. The Mk II is a light single seat attack aircraft derived from the original two seat trainer the MB326 was designed to be.

The international sanctions laid upon South Africa because of apartheid forced the country to create its own defence industry. The first flight of the Rooivalk attack helicopter dates back to February 1990. The drive train and powerplant are based on the Aerospatiale SA-330 Puma series and the Turbomeca Makila engine. The Rooivalk was a finalist in Turkey's attack helicopter evaluation but lost against the Agusta A129 Mangusta. In the end, only 12 Rooivalks were produced for the SAAF.