SA, Germany hold war games

2010-02-16 07:41

Johannesburg - South Africa and Germany will conduct joint military exercises near Cape Town over the next month, the Simon's Town naval base said on Monday.

"The seas and skies surrounding Cape Town will be used to conduct military exercises between the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and German Task Force Group," the base said.

"The military co-operation... is an important part of the close and trustful partnership that exists between Germany and South Africa."

Called Exercise Good Hope IV, these were their fourth such exercises.

"Some of the types of exercises will include live missile and gun firings, anti-submarine warfare with mock torpedo attacks, anti-aircraft drills, fleet work and manoeuvring," the base said.

The exercises were intended to improve the capabilities of both armed forces and to foster "mutual trust, respect and co-operation".

They would also "upgrade operational means and methods" and prepare for possible future missions.

Some of the exercises would be conducted at the Overberg military test area near Bredasdorp and at Arniston.

- SAPA