Securing the World Cup's airspace Major international sporting events have long been ripe targets for extremist groups intent on spreading terror and fear amongst law abiding citizens. Amongst many other agreed responsibilities that led the way to FIFA choosing South Africa to host the 2010 World Cup (WC), the government undertook to secure the nation's airspace - a job many considered difficult following defence cut backs and budgetary restraints at the height of the global economic crisis. However, South Africa continues to sustain a capable and well trained air force that has recently enjoyed a level of re-equipment, the envy of many first world armed forces.