SAS Queen Modjadji (S103)

SAS Queen Modjadji (S103) is a variant of the Type 209 diesel-electric attack submarine developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) of Germany, currently in service with the South African Navy. She is named after the South African Rain Queen. She was named on 14 March 2007 She was named by the ships sponsor, Mrs. Rita Ndzanga, at a ceremony in Emden, Germany on 14 March 2007.

Background
South Africa placed a contract for three Type 209/1400 submarines in July 2000 on Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) and Thyssen Nordseewerke. The Type 209/1400 submarines replace the French-built Daphné class submarines, SAS Spear, SAS Assegaai and SAS Umkhonto which were decommissioned in 2003. The Heroine class are sometimes considered to be South Africa's first "true" submarines, as they were more suited to being underwater than the Daphné models.

History
Queen Modjadji arrived in Simonstown on 22 May 2008.

Commander Handsome Thamsanqa Matsane became the first black officer to command a South African submarine when he took command of Charlotte Maxeke in April 2012

Deployments
Queen Modjadji took part in joint exercise GOOD HOPE between the SA Navy and the German Navy, which included the SA Air Force in March 2012

Accident
The SAS Queen Modjadji was involved in an accident on the 17 July 2012 when it hit the seabed during training. A 1.5m x 1.5m dent was made in the outer protective plating.