New A400M Freighters
From The Citizen - 15th December 2004
Govt defends R8bn planes deal
CAPE TOWN – The government’s main intention in the R8bn A400M Airbus programme is not to acquire aircraft but to participate in their design and manufacture, says the secretary for defence.
The secretary, January Masilela, said in an affidavit filed in the Cape High Court on Tuesday that the government intended to sign not a supply contract, but a “declaration of intent” to take part in the design and manufacture.
The affidavit was in response to an application by Terry Crawford-Browne of Economists Allied Against Arms Reduction for an order restraining the government from “signing and concluding supply contracts” for the aircraft.
It was reported last week that the government intended to acquire a fleet of massive, highly sophisticated military transport aircraft as the logistical platform for peacekeeping operations.
Crawford-Browne said in his founding affidavit that even with offsets, the deal was “clearly economically irrational”, as there was no plausible threat to South Africa that could be addressed by such equipment.
He has asked the court to find that “the offsets” do not meet the constitutional requirements for government procurements of a system that is fair, competitive and cost-effective.
However, Masilela said because the government was only about to sign a declaration of intent, a bid to interdict the signing of “supply contracts” was premature.
He also said that the programme did not have offsets because South Africa would be not the acquirer of weapons, but the manufacturer.
He said Airbus Military recently approached South Africa and invited it to participate in the A400M multi-role mission transport aircraft design and manufacture programme.
“This approach by Airbus should be understood against the backdrop that South Africa had identified Europe as a source of accessible and appropriate technology and expertise, which could be used to the advantage of South African industry as well as a partner in the promotion of democratic values in the global order,” he said.
South Africa developed a significant skills base in the aerospace industry in the 1970s and 1980s.
Without growth in the industry, these skills were in danger of being lost.
“This is not an acquisition programme or venture, which requires tenders and observance of section 217 of the Constitution,” he said.
“Airbus is the only aircraft manufacturer in the last 40 years, which is involved in the manufacture of large aircraft for military and civilian purposes.
“When they invite South Africa to participate in the venture, South Africa must either accept or reject the invitation.” – Sapa.