SAAF 21 Squadron Border War era Patch

21 Squadron SAAF is a unit of the South African Air Force. Established as a bomber squadron in Kenya during World War II, it transitioned to a VIP transport squadron in the 1960s, a role it continues to fulfill. The squadron's history dates back to its formation on 8 May 1941 in Nakuru, Kenya, where it operated as a bomber squadron with Martin Maryland medium bomber aircraft. During November 1943 to February 1944, the squadron was stationed at Totorella in Italy, conducting bombing raids primarily over central Italy and Yugoslavia using Baltimore, Anson, and DC3 planes. The squadron was disbanded on 10 September 1945.

In 1968, it was reformed at AFB Swartkop and was equipped with a Vickers Viscount and three Douglas Dakotas. Over the years, the squadron underwent several equipment changes, including the acquisition of Hawker Siddeley HS-125 in 1970 and Swearingen Merlin in 1975. By 1985, the squadron had moved to AFB Waterkloof. The squadron's current fleet includes two Dassault Falcon 50s, two Cessna Citation Is, a Dassault Falcon 900, and a Boeing BBJ aircraft. The Boeing BBJ, known as "Inkwazi" (meaning "Fish eagle" in Xhosa and Zulu), serves as the presidential aircraft when the President of South Africa travels.

21 Squadron SAAF is recognized as one of the most active squadrons in the air force, having completed 606 VIP transport flights between 2009 and 2012. The squadron's motto is "Onoorwinlik" (Unconquerable in Afrikaans).

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