Before the apartheid regime fell, South Africa was, in a sense, "African Europe." This country even had nuclear weapons (probably created with the help of Israel). In general, the military industry was quite developed, and the equipment produced not only covered the country's needs, but was also exported.
When the black majority came to power, the country announced the renunciation of nuclear weapons. Representatives of the white minority, especially officers and workers of the military-industrial complex, having not found use of their abilities after the regime change, left the country. Part of the armaments and military equipment was hastily sold abroad, sent for storage or disposed of.
In the XXI century, the army of South Africa entered without combat aircraft, modern tanks and armored vehicles. This was explained not only by the outflow of white officers, but also by the fact that potential opponents, in principle, did not exist, and therefore there were no external threats.
Republic of South Africa
If you look at the map, South Africa can be found in the southernmost part of the African continent. The coast of the republic is washed by the Atlantic Ocean from the west, and the Indian Ocean from the east. Area of ​​South Africa - 1 219 912 km². It has land borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Mozambique. Inside the territory of South Africa is the enclave state of Lesotho, whose territory is approximately 40 times smaller than the area of ​​South Africa (30,350 km 3 ).
Structure
The South African National Defense Forces (NSO) were formed in 1994, after the completion of the first post-apartheid elections.
There is no draft in the republic. Units are completed exclusively on a contract basis. The service life is 2 years, at the request of a soldier he can be extended. Citizens of both sexes can enter the service, but women are not invited to participate in armed conflicts. The army is formed by ground forces, air forces and naval forces, and a medical service. It also includes MTR.
Tasks
The main goal of the South African army is to ensure independence, preserve territorial integrity, and protect national interests. According to the law of the republic, military forces can be involved in solving a number of other tasks:
- fulfillment of allied obligations;
- protection of citizens;
- police assistance in domestic law enforcement;
- assistance to state ministries and departments aimed at socio-economic development, improving the welfare of the population;
- participation in peacekeeping missions as part of the UN contingents, the African Union.
Command
Supreme Commander of the Army of South Africa - President Jacob Zuma. He exercises command and control over the administrative line through the Ministry of Defense, as well as its defense department. On the operational line, control is carried out through the command of the national armed forces and a permanent operational headquarters.
The commander of the NSO is General Solly Zacharia Choquet. Since 2012, the post of Minister of Defense has been held by a woman - Nosivive Nolutando Mapi-sa-Nkakula.
South African Ground Forces
The number of ground forces is 30.5 thousand people (of which 5 thousand are civilian personnel).
SV include 4 types of troops:
- Air defense;
- infantry;
- armored forces;
- artillery.
At present, when a huge part of the equipment is “sent for storage” according to documents, it is difficult to accurately determine the number of military vehicles in service.
Tanks "Elephant" - the only type of tracked vehicles. They are already obsolete, since they were built in South Africa on the basis of the English "Centurion" of the 40s of the XX century. At present, 64 units are in service, and about 160 Elephant Mk1A tanks are in storage. There are BRM "Ruikat" (82 pieces, plus about a hundred in storage).
The most numerous class of vehicles is represented by BETs and armored vehicles: Ratel (534 in service, 256 in storage), Mamba (up to 220 units), Marauder (up to 50 units), as well as a number of RG32 vehicles Nyala and Kasspir.
The artillery of the ground forces of South Africa is represented by 155-mm self-propelled guns G-6, towed guns G-5 (155 mm), mortars. Based on the USSR’s captured MLRS BM-21 Grad, manufactured in the South Africa, the Valkyrie MLRS family (caliber 127 mm) was produced.
The air defense is armed with self-propelled ZT-3 self-propelled anti-tank systems based on armored vehicles and portable Yngve ZT-3s made in South Africa, as well as the French Milan anti-tank systems. Ground defense forces use the English Starstrik MANPADS, the Chinese FN-6 MANPADS and the Zumlak anti-aircraft guns, GDF-002 and 48 GDF-005.
Air force
The Air Force of the Republic of South Africa has one reconnaissance, one fighter, 5 helicopter, 4 transport and 4 training squadrons. To replace the decommissioned aircraft, Swedish 4th generation fighters were purchased. There are 26 of the latest British Mk-120 Hawk aircraft and 12 Ruivok helicopters. In service are also patrol reconnaissance aircraft, transport aircraft, anti-submarine helicopters.
Navy
If you look at the map of South Africa, you can understand that its sea border is longer than land. Therefore, the role of the Navy is very large. The naval forces of the Republic of South Africa consist of three fleets. The main base is located in Simonstad (near Cape Town). In service are three submarines and four frigates, made in Germany, as well as locally made boats.
Special Forces South Africa
Special forces appeared in the army of South Africa in the 70s of the twentieth century. SAS experience was taken as a basis in terms of selection and preparation.
At present, only servicemen who already have experience of military service under contract in other branches of the armed forces can enter the service in the MTR troops. The determining factor is not the physical form, but a high level of intelligence, flexibility of thinking, non-conflict, the ability to analyze and make decisions. The selection in the structure is harsh. No more than 70% of applicants receive a positive response.
Military medical service
The army of South Africa serves about 7 thousand military doctors. In accordance with the charter, this structure is entrusted with the following tasks:
- medical support of personnel;
- maintaining the combat readiness of all medical units;
- fulfillment of tasks to eliminate the consequences of terrorist acts, catastrophes, natural disasters;
- carrying out measures to protect the population from weapons of mass destruction;
- participation in research activities in the field of field medicine;
- medical services for the South African police (partially).
Participation in military conflicts
The South African National Defense Forces, formed in 1994, took part in Operation Boleas in Lesotho. It was they who played a decisive role in suppressing the armed conflict between the authorities and the opposition. Prior to this, the South African army was involved in both world wars, as well as in some local conflicts on the territory of the African continent.
About discrimination and equality
Today, in the South African army, people with different skin colors serve under contract. The command pays attention not only to the psychological and physical preparation of the fighters, but also to the microclimate in the team. A number of interventions to prevent interracial hostility are ongoing. Of course, it’s too early to declare that there are no conflicts between military personnel with different skin colors, but all attacks and quarrels are strictly suppressed. And a person found to incite hatred greatly risks his further military career (for example, the road to aggressors is closed for the aggressors, regardless of race).
The very fact that the Minister of Defense is a woman suggests that a severe struggle has been declared against gender prejudices. Nosiviva Mapi-sa-Nkakula personally made considerable efforts to prevent discrimination. According to her, in a country that seeks to become a full-fledged player on the world stage, there should be no place for outdated stereotypes. Therefore, female soldiers are serving in the South African army along with men.
This or that sexual orientation of a person is not an obstacle to concluding a contract. The only limitation is age. A citizen from 18 to 49 years old, suitable for health reasons, can conclude a contract.
The military-political leadership of the country proceeds from the concept of a defensive doctrine, which determines the absence of any specific enemy and external threats. At the moment, budget funding for the military department is limited, but the reorganization of the armed forces will continue.