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AFB Makhado (Air Force Base Louis Trichardt)

Facility Details

Summary
Operating Country πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa
LocationπŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa
Status Active
UsageMilitary only
Year built1987
Operating OrganizationSouth African Air Force
Units
2 Squadron85 Combat Flying School102 Squadron515 Squadron3 Air Servicing Unit
Location & Technical Details
Coordinates-23.1600Β°N, 29.6967Β°E
Elevation935 m (3,068 ft)
ICAO codeFALM
Runways
10/28 · 4,020 m (13,189 ft) · Asphalt10L/28R · 500 m (1,640 ft) · Asphalt
Websitewww.af.mil.za/bases/afb_makhado/default.htm

Description

Air Force Base Makhado is a South African Air Force installation located in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, near the border with Zimbabwe. It serves as the northernmost base operated by the South African Air Force.

The base officially opened on 14 October 1987 as Air Force Base Louis Trichardt. The facility was renamed Air Force Base Makhado on 7 November 2003.

Units stationed at the installation include 2 Squadron, a fighter squadron, and 85 Combat Flying School. Operational and support units hosted at the base comprise 102 Squadron, a reserve light transport unit; 515 Squadron, providing security services; and 3 Air Servicing Unit, which provides maintenance support.

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Last updated on 13 August 2026. Suggest a change
Latest Data Updates
  1. AUG 132026 Updated Runway designations, surfaces and lengths recorded
  2. AUG 112026 Created Page created: AFB Makhado