In the past two weeks a team of Brazilian military aviation experts have been in the country to present a new fighter jet deal to President Ian Khama and Botswana Defence Force (BDF) heavyweights. The experts from the South American manufacturer, Embraer Defence and Security, have been demonstrating the flagship A-29 Super Tucano light attack/trainer turbo-prop aircraft.
BDF insiders reveal that the Brazilians sought to muscle in on the multi-billion Pula fighter jet deal the defence experts are currently brushing up. While insiders argue that the South Korean arms manufacturer, Korean Aerospace Industries, have all but clinched the deal in the aftermath of Khama’s state visit to Seoul last year, the Brazilians believe they have a strong case based on their fighter’s price and suitability to Botswana.
The Brazilians believe the Super Tucano is versatile and suited to different operational needs.
The Brazilians believe the Super Tucano is versatile and suited to different operational needs. For example, the BDF often assists in both anti-poaching operations as well as peacekeeping missions. Furthermore, the Brazilian aircraft is financially affordable, easy to operate and maintain compared to both the Swedish Gripen and South Korean T-50 and their variants.
According to the defence news online service Defensenews, the Super Tucano made its debut in African skies in September 2011 when Burkina Faso procured three A-29s. Since then, Angola, Mauritania, Mozambique and Senegal have joined the Super Tucano family, and recently Ghana and Mali followed suit.
The Super Tucano is operated by 10 air forces in South America, Africa and southeast Asia. The company has a backlog of more than 210 firm orders and 190 aircraft have been delivered to clients to date, reveals Defensenews.
Critics have questioned the utility of new military aircraft, especially fighter jets such as the Korean variety, pointing to the immediate needs of poaching and border security in the country, and peacekeeping on the continent. Mmegi military commentator Richard Moleofhe has pointed out the need for lighter multi-role aircraft rather than a combat aircraft such as the Gripen and the T-50. BDF insiders are also moving towards a lighter aircraft, having even contemplated revamping the F-series that they currently own.
Botswana can ill afford to squander limited financial resources.
Botswana can ill afford to squander limited financial resources. Finance Minister Kenneth Matambo will present the National Budget proposal 2016/17 that is likely to reveal subdued economic growth and reduced revenue for government on the back of reduced diamond revenue and sluggish world economic growth.
This all adds impetus to the arguments raised by critics of perhaps the biggest aircraft procurement plan in the history of the BDF. The Super Tucano costs around P100 million a unit, the lighter version of the KAI T-50, the FA-50, costs about twice that amount. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen unit ranges around P500 million and more. The Brazilians hope they can step in at the right time. However, insiders are of the opinion that the South American are perhaps too late with the Koreans closer to clinching the deal more than anything.
According to Defensenews, the A-29 is suited to a myriad mission demands such as light attack, aerial surveillance and counter insurgency. It is equipped with a sensor system that includes an electro-optical/ infra-red gadget with a laser designator, night vision goggles, secure communications and data link packages, says the defence news expert page.
Khama wants the fighter jet deal preferably done by end of year.
Two months ago, The Business Weekly & Review reported that the hawks at BDF had been told by government to abandon their ambitious plans owing to the bleak financial prospects. Critics of the acquisition have always said the new fleet would be nothing but “toys for boys” in an era when soldiers often lack basic supplies such as tents and new socks.
So the jet deal was off and it was time to celebrate. However, when Khama announced the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) late last year, BDF insiders said the jet deal was back on track.
“Khama wants the fighter jet deal preferably done by end of year. Khama, who has been supervising the process, wants the project to be concluded,” said a high ranking army officer on condition of anonymity. The security sector has had its fair share of debate around the jet deal.
Moleofhe argues that not only the army in general, but soldiers in particular, have much more relevant and even desperate needs. However, Khama, a soldier, avid pilot, and record spender during his time as BDF commander, prefers the fighter jets, and fighter jets he will get. The additional funds availed to the BDF this coming financial year indicate that Khama has got his way. It remains to be seen if the Brazilians will muscle in on a deal nearly done and sealed.
