South Africa’s Troops at Risk Without Helicopter-Service Deal
- Talks between aircraft supplier Denel and air force unresolved
- Defense minister has said most of the air force unable to fly
A South African military Oryx helicopter.
Photographer: Rodger Bosch/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
South Africa has deployed its troops into two wars without renewing a maintenance contract needed to keep its essential attack and transport helicopters flying.
A so-called fixed-cost contract between state arms maker Denel SOC Ltd. and the Department of Defence — which covers the expenses of technicians and engineers — lapsed more than four months ago and hasn’t been renewed, Denel said in a response to queries.