S. Africa expands defence forces

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33804, 29 March 1975, Page 15

S. Africa expands defence forces

(N.Z P.A -Reuter—Copy right > CAPE TOWN, March 28. South Africa has announced plans for a huge expansion of defence forces, including more submarines and interceptor aircraft.

The Army will be reorganised into two main forces, one for conventional fighting and the other for counterinsurgency work: and an a>r defence unit equipped with missiles and anti-aircraft guns will be established. The new look is disclosed in a White Paper presented a day after the Minister of Finance (Mr Owen Horwood); had announced a 26 per cent •

increase in the defence bud get. Representing a 100 per cent increase over the last two years, the rise will bring total defence spending this vear to 948 million rand CSIOSTtn). Mr Horwood said that South Africa had to defend herself effectively until de tente in southern Africa had been fully achieved. The White Paper says that 'South Africa can survive idefeats on the diplomatic jand economic fronts, but ! that her first military defea’ would be her last. She could not rely on aid from any Great Power. ‘ The Minister of Defence ■(Mr Pieter Botha) has also announced substantia) structural changes designed to • streamline the armed forces operations. The Army’s structure ha‘ been simplified to allow for rapid local control of operations to combat insurgency After speaking of an international Communist threat ito South Africa. Mr Botha i said that the only physical • expression of the military •threat was the existence of armed elements from banned political groups in neighbouring states. “These elements have attempted to infiltrate South Africa to commit terrorism, sabotage and subversion." Mr Botha said. Wide interest s likely to Ibe aroused by his disclosure of plans to expand South i Africa's submarine force, which now numbers only •three — al! bought from France. The navi! base at ’ Simonstown. ne.ar Cape Town, is already being expanded to accommodate and repa r nuclear-powered submarines.