South African defence minister Joe Modise has rebuffed US overtures to become a late entrant into its $1.5 billion defence procurement programme. The US Government's decision to drop a longstanding defence embargo earlier this year "-does not go far enough-there are still a lot of restrictions", the minister said at the show's opening on 28 April.
US manufacturers had hoped that lifting the embargo, implemented as a result of efforts by Armscor to break sanctions during the apartheid period, would open the door to meet South African defence competitions for items such as fighter aircraft and maritime helicopters.
There is speculation that Lockheed Martin is looking for a route to offer its F-16, while Kaman, with the SH-2G Super Seasprite, is keen to address the maritime helicopter programme.
There remains, say South African political sources, much resentment that the USA did not drop its arms embargo with the collapse of apartheid and when general UN sanctions were lifted.
Modise singles out the US State Department for particular criticism. Earlier this year, before the overall embargo was ended, it effectively blocked the Saab/British Aerospace Gripen bid for the South African Air Force's fighter requirement because the aircraft has a General Electric engine.
Political sources say that, while the procurement continues, the White House will continue attempts to prise open the door to let its manufacturers bid into South Africa. US Vice President Al Gore is expected to visit the country within the next few weeks.
Modise remains concerned that any substantial procurement of US defence equipment would potentially provide the White House with leverage on South African foreign policy.
The South African Government wants to use the defence package to bolster its industry, and is looking for the opportunity to sell on licence-manufactured equipment without what it views as external interference. Government to Government packages are being offered to South Africa by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden.
Being seen to maintain its independence in foreign policy also takes on increasing importance for South Africa, soon to take over the presidency of the Non-aligned Movement of nations.
While South Africa maintains that a single package will be chosen, there is an overwhelming expectation that it will "cherry pick" equipment and systems from the various offers. Decisions on the first elements of the procurement, including the four frigates and the maritime helicopters, are expected by the third quarter of this year.
Source: Flight International
