South Africa’s Arms Build-Up

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31988, 15 May 1969, Page 5

South Africa’s Arms Build-Up

(N.Z.P.A. -Reuter—Copyright) JOHANNESBURG. South Africa is planning a big build-up of its military striking power to protect itself against sea and air attacks and guerrilla incursions from black Africa. The Defence Minister (Mr Pieter Botha), in a series of announcements over the last few weeks, has disclosed: The development of a ground-to-air missile system and air-to-air missiles. -

The purchase of a fleet of fast coastal-patrol craft, and the possibility of equipping warships with missiles. The establishment of a radio communications network which will stretch over the Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans to the South Pole.

The creation of special training camps for anti-guer-

rilla combat forces, and military training for women from next year.

The missile system, named “Cactus,” is designed to beat off low-level attacks by supersonic aircraft Partly developed by a- French electronics firm, it is, according to Mr Botha, “the most advanced and effective weapon of its kind in existence.” The air-to-air missile is a purely South African venture. It-was: recently tested at the St Lucia rocket range, overlooking the Indian Ocean, where South Africa’s first guided missile was launched last december. Mr Botha told Parliament in a debate on his record £l6O million defence budget that other countries ■ were interested in buying the South African missiles—-but he did not name the countries concerned. , South Africa’s main defence concern at present is its strategically important sea routes. It is gradually building up a formidable sea force, which will include ultra-modern French submarines of the deep-diving Daphne class. The Pretoria Government insists that this force is indispensible to Western defence, and has been chagrinned by the refusal of Britain and the United States to break the embargo on arms sales to South Africa imposed by the United Nations. . '

It is also alarmed by Britain’s intended withdrawal from east of Suez, which will leave the Indian Ocean without Western military defence. The Prime Minister (Mr Vorster) said recently that South Africa was engaged in top-level international discussions on ways of filling the “power vacuum” in the Indian Ocean.

Mr Vorster did not give details of these talks, but observers believe that the republic may be trying to set up a defence alliance with Australia and the South America countries, particularly Argentina. Speculation about such an act has been discounted by Australia and Argentina, but Argentina is planning joint naval exercises with South Africa next year, and the head of the country’s Navy, Admiral Pedro Gnavi, is in South Africa at present for talks with defence chiefs.

While arming itself for conventional warfare, South Africa has to keep an eye on the ever present threat of African nationalist guerrilla attacks from north of its border.

Mr Botha revealed that five South African secret camps had been set up deep in the bush, where soldiers were getting round-the clock training in the latest techniques of anti-guerrilla warfare.

Without giving details, he also said that special aircraft were being designed to cope with "unconventional warfare, or terrorism as they call it”

At the same time, Mr Both* announced that from next year, school-leaving girls would undergo civil-defence training in the handling of firearms, unarmed combat, communications, and first aid.